FOOTBALL.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XLIX, Issue 12636, 25 October 1905, Page 5

FOOTBALL.

United IfrcSs Association.—Copyright. SYDNEY, October 24. The London "Daily Telegraph" etaj&ed:—ln the startling triumplTachieved -by the New Zealanders in their opening match, the prestige of Devon football lias received a severe blow. That the visitors would probably win was expected, but do one was prepared for eudh an utter rout at all points. The visitors were clearly superior, and were in no way flattered by. the score, heavy as it was. The New Zealanders, who pfhysioally^ are a fine set of men, set about their task am a workman-like manner, and tad their opponents demoralised with astonishing rapidity. Quite the best feature of the New Zealanders' play was the work of their seven forwards, who were more than a match for their opponents' eight. The paper adds that if tlie English teams should be compelled, in self defence, to play & "winger," the game, from a spectacular point. of view, is not likely to be improved. Received October 24, 8.40 a.m. SYDNEY, October 24. The "Times," commenting on the New Zealand footballers, says they gained a remarkable victory over Devon, and so unequal were tihe two sides that no score would proportionately set out the overwhelming superiority possessed ■by tihe New Zealanders in pace and skill. The wing forward position is, however, a startling innovation. His position imperils ihis team under the off-side rule, and much trouble may be expected in future .matches if bis work is conducted on the same lines as in the Devon match.