FOOTBALL.

Wairoa Bell, Volume V, Issue 212, 25 August 1893, Page 2

FOOTBALL.

, WAIROA f. AUCKLAND. ■ The p. a. Osprey left Aratapu last Friday naming shortly before seven with the football representatives and their friends. When all were on board from the other centres the party numbered thirty-three. AtTeKopuru Mr Molloy, manager of the team, came on board amidst the most profound silence ; his commanding appearance and demeanour told each one of us that lie would, stand no nonsense. He allowed us, however, to give the usual cheers and tigers and these were heartily returned from the shore. Captain Fawson then asked us whether he could stea m yight away but he was informed that he might as well stop at home as not call at Tatarariki, and this gave us the impression that some one of importance was expected to come on board there. Nor were our surmises wrong for no less a personage than the captain of the team reared his stalwart form alongside the vessel as we stopped at the wharf- He came on hoard smiling, hut •with a shade of anxiety over his face as enquiries were made— ‘ How is the gammy leg?’ ‘How is your hind foot?’ We had now our complete team and oh those cheers, those tigers ! as we steam away from Tatarariki. No stoppages now until we get to Helensville. It got mooted about that it was not considered safe to allow Jolm Bull to be at large when we got ashore, and vari • ous methods were suggested for his safety ; but it was finally decided to get a cow hell and. put on him. The breakfast gong sounded at 8 p.m., and caused a rush to the saloon. I had better not say more on this subject, but I noticed the Steward’s face wore a very anxious look all the morning ; whether it was that he was afraid he would not have enough provisions to serve up a dinner or whether he was afraid he would lose his billet for the total disappearance of the victuals, I know not. During the morning Harding and one or two of the old boys spoke of other trips—of the pranks and jokes they had enjoyed—of Hudson and his eggs — of Coutts and bis cake —and some settled themselves down to quoits, cards etc. As we near the Heads the steamer rolls more, and some begin to show very serious faces ; young 11. Smith looks for somewhere to lay his head; Lowrie looks with longing eyes at the shore, and Shorty Main is leaning with open mouth over the rail, looking at the sea; Yank disappears and Doctor Side also leaves the deck; Alex is seen with a bucket and Bassett is more serious than usual, while the Old Man has not a growl in him ; lie is quiet now. But the steamer soon puts us across the Heads and we find the water smoother as we steam with the tide up towards Helensville. As dinner time draws near Joe gets his men together and when the gong sounds he marshals them into dinner. I went in a minute or two late and was saluted with cries of ‘No room here.’ ‘Look for another ship.’ I went out feeling sad and tried to calculate the carrying capacity of some of the team, but I could not fathom it. I tried to find out by Tony’s ability multiplied by 18 how much would be consumed, but then there is Barker, Lionel and TTipcrins too who are never full. I gave it up and hoped against hope that there would be something left for those that did not get in!to the first table. I went slowly back to the saloon,and oh ! where was the huge joint of beef ? that comely leg of mutton ? Where is all that corned beef ? those dishes of vegetables and those puddings and pies? But as the boys slowly and deliberately file out to ascend the stairs the answer comes to me, *|There they go.’ We soon approach Hel ■ ensville and the boys become more active, a shoi’i yell is given and thus we approach the wharf. Again those cheers and tigers and we are landed. We had to wait two hours for the train which was rather tedious, but the time arrived and we found that the Hallway Manager had put a first class carriage apart for our special use. This wo immediately took possession of. The tram started and oh those cheers and tigers. As we proceeded wo began to perceive that the people knew us, and waving of handkerchiefs etc. was the order at each station. But not until we got fcJ Mount Eden station did we find a real supporter. Jnto the train tie came to have a look at the \v^a- 1 Otl eps,, in the person of young Pillinger. The - ews hoys began to barrack that we should he put down but he is equal to the occasion and with voice and fist quelled the mob, and then encouraged the boys by telling bow we should do Auckland,—how we should put them on their dates. We arrived at Newmarket and there w<3 Were met by Billy Dickenson smiling and wis'^ in S us success. The boys were keeping steady for lae , of Mt. Eden gaol] by moonlight them. Several others met us at Newmarket and I heard one remark it would be a go if the Wairoa bushmen put Auckland down, and he hoped we would. Arrived at the Aucklandjstation we were metby Mr Edwards and Mr T. O’ Connor with a whole crowd of Auckland footballers. Brakes had been kindly provided by the Auckland it. TJ. to take us to our destination, the Boyal Mail Hotel, where amidst ,a crowd of spectators we found Mine Host Morrison waiting to receive us. I should haye stated that our Jf: ice - President, A. E. Harding Esq., gener- |

ously offered to take the team to the Opera House after tea and this we gladly accepted. Yank and Alex show signs of breaking away but the boss rounds them up, and by leading them through a bye street he runs them into Opera House. There we had a treat in listening to such singers as the- Misses Alba an.l Mr Fuller. After the concert the Manager got his men together and with, the assistance of the delegates, especially Mr Vail, who seemed to have a good idea, of rounding up, he brought them back to tue Hotel. Next morning at breakfast Dasher does not look quite as tall, but oh, so much stouter; all seemed to have gained considerably in weight. Having arranged to have their photo taken the boys strolled off co Ed and afterwards passed the remainder of the time in quietly enjoying-the sights.; every now and then dropping on little knots of Wairoa friends and old chums in the street, who have turned out to welcome and by their presence support us. We were told everywhere we should be beaten and some look, as they tell us, as if they were sorry that we should come so far to get thrashed and*seem to think it presumptions .of us to desire to play Auckland. Others tell us that Auckland will put up a record, but we find plenty hoping we shall get a win and some who know what sort of stuff our boys are rna’de of that say we have a good show. I shall not forget Bob Bleakloy, how he met us and welcomed us; —how he advised us —holding out good hopes of us carrying it off. Several" Whan gar ei players turned up to renew an acquaintance formed on a previous football ground. Another meal time, and the boys prepare for the field. As we stand at the door waiting for the break a crowd slowly gathers, but a majority of friends come to encourage us. Shortly after 2 p.m. the team led by Hunter’s Brass Band start for Epsom, and as we journey along we see crowds wending their way to the scene of conflict; the weather being everything that could be desired is evidently drawinga good number out. We arrive at Potter’s paddock at 2 45 and with great anxiety we waited for the game to commence. Auckland won the toss and elected to play with the sun and wind at their back. It was blow ino- strong down the ground. Our boys wore much lighter than their opponents, but the whistle sounds and they are off and soon a scrum is formed, and Wairoa carries it. Cheer after cheer rings out from the crowd.— And let me here sav that the public of Auckland were most generous in their applause. The Auckland passing is too much for our boys who cannot keep the blues out of their territory. The wind spoils our punting-', the sun is in the eyes of our backs and in 23 minutes Auckland scores a try. Our then rally but still they can make no progress; the forwards work grandly, gaining applause upon applause. Another try is g->t by Auckland but our boys again rally and begin to show what sort of stuff they are made of : with a strong rush the ball is taken down the field Keegan getting on a fast dribble; he is near the line. Niell rushes on to assist and takes the ball over. A try is yelled from a thousand throats, but amidst the deafening row the Referee s woisilo was beam. No try. Niell was off side and Auckland has a free kick. ' Our boys get back nothingdaunted they rush to their places and continue a stubborn defence which could not be surnassed on any ground, but another try is got by the Auckland backs and they line out. the ball is kicked out and Otway takes the ball, he is off, a whistle sounds, our boys stop, be runs on, a try is got when'it is discovered that the boys have mistaken the Eeferee’swhis'tle in the other paddock for their own. A goal from this try and half time is called the score Auckland 13 Wairoa 0. As the men file out again we can hear shouts of 4 put a record up Auckland,’ and some talk of leaving- the field the game being practically over, not so with us. Our boys are determined to make the game fast ; they are off. Fast dribbling rushes are the order, Auckland backs pick up the ball, the pass is spoiled the ball is rushed up the field, Auckland hard pressed, kicks out of bounds. The ball is in play again, another rush. Den is coming; down goes the Auckland back, Een is there and scores a try, Jobnson kicks hut fails to add. Wairoa has now broken the spell and they keep Auckland hard on jibe defence, Johnson claims a mark and Alex, tries at the bars ; and amidst dearening I cheers the bail sails over, _ Auckland 13 Wairoa 6. Then Butland amidst earspliting shouting kicks the ball over the bar from the field and Wei it> a is now only three points behind. Auckland is kept hard at defence work and o® side is given against them. Johnston takes the kick at goal, and over it o-oes making the scores equal. The remainder of the game about twenty minutes, was a repetition of scrums and rushes, Auckland - entirely on the defence, and when time being ~ w'e gam© was a draw 13 all. It was called ' M » to ipak© a distinction would be iaipossim... “ w.hdU 8-34 did so as to the play of the boys -"-'uily, paid well. I misht mention how x>... "" ss< devotion to Braund, how he put him to gv... as he never Had been before, or how C. Molloy did Nudge Otway in heeling out, how sacrilegiously Neill brought Rev. Williams to grass, or how Butland taught Otway how to see stars in daylight, how Len collared his men, how Alex excelled himself, how

Wool lams joined O. Molloy in putting down the Clergy, and Keegan, the silent man of the team, how persistently he kept on the ball. And Dasher ! oh Dasher ! how smil • ingly he dribb’ed before the ladies, or how Eiliott played like a Trojan, punting beautifully and true, but I might go on and never finish. We get plenty of greeting as we drive back to town. Absolum we see smilingly congratulating- us on our success The Aucklanders entertain ns at dinner in Morrison’s best style and our beys still hold their own. A Smoke Concert followed. Mr Dixon, Secretary to the A.E.U., informed us that brakes would be placed at the disposal of the two teams and friends at 2 p.m. next day when a start was made for St. Hellier’s Bay. The ride was a treat and the scenery as we journeyed along the road was very pretty. The A.R.U. again showed their thoughtfulness by sending a break to take us down to the station next morning. Before leaving three hearty cheers were given for Host Morrison and the girls across the road. Mr Morrison expressed himself in the highest terms as to the behaviour of the boys, and will look forward with pleasure to a future visit from them. The team arrived borne safely on Monday evening and were met at Te Kopuru and Aratapu by large crowds of proud and admiring friends. In the evening a dance was held in the Aratapu Hall to give the team a welcome, and those who stayed at home an opportunity of hearing- all the news. Tomorrow afternoon the Hep. team that played against Auckland are to meet a second team in Mr Webb’s paddock. The game should be an interesting one and as the object is to assist the Union financially no doubt there will be a good attendance. The team chosen to meet the reps, tomorrow are, Full, F. H. Walker; threequarters, J. Smith, Blewden, and J. Johnston ; halves, W. Smith and T, Main ; forwards, O’Brien, Flarel!, Keane, Tidmarsh, Legge, Lee, Fowler, Nelson, E. Harrison, and Yeale. Emergencies, Cox. W. Harrison, Lendrurn, Cf. Nield, O’Neill, and Matthews. The above selection, in our opinion, has not been wisely made and might be greatly improved upon. The cost to the Wairoa Union of sending its representatives to Auckland was £2B 9s, The Hokianga 11. U. representatives left for Auckland on Wednesday morning- and are to play that Union tomorrow afternoon. A strong team is-to be played against them and they will do well if they keep the score below twenty. ARATAPU FOOTBALLERS AT PAHI. Wo left Aratapu at 5.30 a.m. on Saturday with a select little crowd of ladies and gentlemen. Shortly after leaving Sambo was most grievously insulted by having a bi-easy bag wiped across his face by Handy Andy, and to soothe his anger Jimmy gaptised him with a bucket of water. The infuriated Sambo retaliated by smashing Abdul’s broom handle over Jimmy’s he id. As wo rounded Puriri point all those who had an eye for beauty assembled on deck ; this point being thickly wooded with puriri and puhatakawa it presented a beautiful aspect. As we neared the funnel the ladies began to show signs of sea-sickness, and long and faint were the successive calls for buckets. We sighted Pahi about 10 o’clock a.m., and as usual the proverbial boy and dog were the only signs of life we could see; however we gave them three cheers and a tiger, and all hands made a rush for the pub. Our skipper, unlike other capts., was the first to leave the vessel, making a bee line for tbe hotel in order that he might so ,-nre a comfortable lodging. Arrived at. the hotel we found that host Howard could only take a limited number, so the aqua pura crowd proceeded to the boarding- house where they found comfortable lodgings till the end of the visit. After depositing our portsaiinnys etc. we at ones procured boats and went across the river to visit the saw mill of Mr Chadwick. When we had quenched our thirsty desire for information we returned to the hotel and partook of a scanty meal. After dinner we strolled along the shelly beach in the direction of Matakohe, the scenery being very picturesque. We returned in about an hour’s time and indulged in a little kicking and passing the ball till it was time to leave for the ground which laj' on the other side of the river After having gained the other bank we had to walk about half a mile before the paddock was reached. We found it in very good order, being- surrounded on three sides by a creek pregnant with willows, thus preventing the cool breezes from being felt. Our captain won the toss and decided to play favoured by the slope. Mihaka kicked off and Walker returned into touch. From the throw in the red and black forwards rushed the ball well into the home territory, where they wore awarded a free kick for Pahi laying- pn the ball. Walker- was entrusted, with "-*2 kick and he placed n neat goal. Ars^c? "-M ail,' From the kick offi/'the tapn 3, x-„.. ' T '“ ball well '•o/centro, Pahi boys rushed place, where a little scruminagm^' Loose play followed tillMjlfndsay secured leather and kicked welTdown into the op- j

ponents’ 25 where Dawson picked up and then went bounding into the visitors’ thx-ee quarters fending the men off with his feet. However his wild career was destined to come to an end and he was grassed by Lendrurn. Lindsay saved by kicking into touch. From the line out W. Nield broke away but the ball was smartly picked up bv MoMurdo who punted well down the field, C. Nield returning into touch. Labrosse got away with a dribble from the line out but was arrested by Lendrurn who secured the ball and passed to W. Harrison who made the ‘run of the day,’ getting within a few yards of the goal line, where he was collared by White, who got the ball, but E. Harrison charging him spoiled his kick, and took the ball over the line securing the first try. Walter again put the ball fair between the posts. Half time was then called. Aratapu 8, Pahi nil. In the second spell our boys had to play on the defensive, Pahi having the advantage of the slope From the kick off J. Allen punted high down the field, and the home forwards following up smartly took the ball into the visitors’ 25, and a score seemed imminent. Had it not been for skipper O’Neil’s rally ‘ Pack round it boys/ Pahi must have scored. His wellknown voice seemed to put new vigour into the men causing every mau to do his duty, and the reds gradually worked the hall to the centre. McMurdo here took the ball into touch. From the throw in J. Smith got away with a rush and assisted by O’Neil and Newman carried the leather over their opponents’ g-oal line, where it was cleverly forced by J. Allen. From the kick out Masey returned dropping the ball near the corner flag, where Allen secured it and kicked to Lendrurn who marked in front of goal. Walker again succeeded in placing the oval between the pests. No furtherscoring was done and the game ended Aratapu 12, Pahi nil. Mr Pivett acted as referee and Messrs Phelan and Chadwick as line umpires, all giving general satisfaction. For the reds O’Neil, E. Harrison, Newman, E. Walker, Lendium, and W. Harrison played consistent games,as alsodid Labrosse, Thompson, Chadwick, J. Allen, McMurdo’ ond Dawson for the blues. During the game s nne of the players lost their heads and bad to be warned bv the referee. The players were entertained at a dinner in the evening, which was tastefully laid out by hostess Haines. We left Pahi at eight o’clock on Sunday morning and had a pleasant trip round. Grubby and Sambo were tried by court martial for misbehaviour and hanged from the mast. Lendrurn got off with half an hour down the hold. We reached Aratapu at one o’clock noon, all hands havingenjoyed themselves thoroughly.