FOOTBALL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 30 October 1943, Page 6

FOOTBALL

AN OLD-TIME GAME. A correspondent writes as follows: Football in the early days was not such a rough and tumble game that some people would have us think as the following cutting taken from a Wairarapa journal dated June 7, 1895 will show:—“An exciting and interesting display of Rugby took place yesterday in Woodroofe’s paddock when a large crowd witnessed the game between Carterton.Rovers led by Ted McKenzie and the local White Stars captained by Bert Gardner. The Carterton forwards had the best of the play in the tight rucks, while the Star backs shone in the back division. The rock-like defence of both teams prevented any scores and with ten minutes Io go, and no score, il. looked as if a draw would be the result. Then a ‘change came o’er the scene.’ The ball came out of the side of the scrum and was snapped up by Gardner, who dodged by three or four opponents and passed to 1,. Richards, who transferred to Jack O’Deary. After a short run O’Leary sent it back to Richards and (he latter tossed il Gardner, who was grasped by Booth a yard from the line, but grounded the ball solely one loot infield from the corner flag. L. Richards) landed a beautiful goal. On .resuming. a long kick by E. McKenzie had the Stars on the defence and Carterton were within a foot ol the Star line on two occasions. From a lineout a long throw in was caught by Gardner who passed across the field to Bowser, and that speedy three-quarter raced down the line into Carterton territory where he was collared and lost the ball. C. and B. Braggins were close by and C. Braggins scored between the posts'. P. Wilton kicked the goal, making the final score: Stars 10, Carterton nil. Mr Bob Thompson was an impartial referee,- and Messrs H. Greathead and C. Wood lino umpires.’' Mr Bert Gardner is the well known Masterton borough councillor, who was one of the original members 01. the Rod Star Club, and Mr E. McKenzie, since those days has made a name for himself in New Zealand football circles. Mr “Burge” Braggins was formerly borough foreman. Mr Harry Greathead has lived for many years in Eketahuna. White Star won the senior championship of the Wairarapa Thursday Rugby Union in 1895.