FOOTBALL.

Wairoa Bell, Volume IV, Issue 161, 2 September 1892, Page 6

FOOTBALL.

The Auckland Rugby Union has notified its intention of sending a representative team to the Wairoa to play' our representatives on September 24th. We have been informed that the team will probably spend two or three days in the district, leavingtown on the Wednesday previous to the match. With this match in view our representatives should even now be in active training ; but instead of an active preparation there seems to be a don’t care feeling in football circles. The local Union allowed last Saturday to pass over without any practice whatever and footballers scarcely knew what to do with themselves. Some of our most prominent players have so far cooled down because of the inactivity that they now claim to have given up all intention of playing again this season. Messrs N. Moros, Mitchelson Bros., Corcoran, A. Eaynes, Parore, Te Hau, and F. J. Dargaville have acknowledged the game uphill struggle of the Dargaville Club during the present season by presenting that Club with a beautiful, full-sized banner. The inner part of the trophy is blue with a black border and in the centre is the Union Jack encircled with the words “ Dargaville Football Club, 1892.” Mr Haynes’ Children’s Carnival was taken advantage of for the public presentation of the gift. The members of the Club, in football attire, headed by their Captain, Mr Hugh Absolmu, ranged themselves on the stage to receive the trophy which was presented by Mr Dargaville. Mr Absolum returned thanks and hoped that the Club would so strengthen that next year it would be able to carry off the Rugby Union Trophy. Mr Lambert then sang ‘ On The Ball,’ the footballers taking up the chorus. Tomorrow is the day fixed for the match between Albertland and Aratapu, and the former team is expected to arrive early in the, forenoon. Last time the Albertlanders were over here the wuathcr was about as wet as it could be and the tides were at their

highest, so that the game was too watery to be pleasant. And the visitors had literally to wade to their steamer at midnight to get aw -y. Wo trust the elements will be more propitious tomorrew so that our visitors may have a more enjoyable time. The visitors hope to bring a stronger team with them than they were able to put against Kopuru lately, by securing the attendance of Sheriff, Tanfield, and one or two others. The following- have been chosen to represent Aratapu tomorrow : —Full-back, Lio. Hitching; three-quarters, Morrison, A. Smith, and Hammond ; halves, Butland, Morgan, and Hitching ; forwards, Bassett, Bonella, Keane, Elliott, E. Phelan, Yeale, Woollam, and G. Nield. Emergencies, Masefield and Jamieson. Dave Stewart, Harry Brownlee and George Paul, throe ox the Thames representatives, have been asked to attend the final practice in Auckland on September 3rd, in order that the Selection Committee may judge of their abilities for a place in the representative team against Canterbury. The football match, Taranaki v. Canterbury', was won by the former by 10 points to 6. The scores were made up as follows : Taranaki: A g-oal from a penalty kick, one goal from a try, and one try. Canterbury: Three tries. Canterbury play'ed with great combination, and their style was much admired. Owing to the recent heavy rains the ground was very sloppy. The Taranaki forwards played a good game, but the backs were not up to their usual form. There was a good attendance. Some Waikato and Thames players have been asked to take part in the Auckland Possible and Probable matches, and it is believed that the help from the country will considerably'strengthen the City. When the Wairoa becomes better known to Auckland players no doubt its assistance will also be valued. The Maropiu F. C. journeyed to Port Albert last week and defeated the Albertland Club by eight points to nil. We have not yet received our account of the match.