Visit of the English Team.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume IX, Issue 2890, 4 May 1888, Page 2

Visit of the English Team.

, The following interesting extract jrom the Dunedin Star is admirably descriptive of the characteristics of the play of the Englishmen. It also alludes to the weak points in Otago's play, The portion we reproduce refers to the second spell in the first match England v Otago " Very shortly after the commencement of the second spell it was beyond doubt that the Englishmen must win, their passing, running, and dodging being alike a treat to witness, and of such a calibre as we have not hitherto been accustomed to. It was not only with their hands that they passed, for their feet were occasionally employed for the same end; and it was the exception rather thauthe rule for a baok to fail to take the ball when

passed to him. The style of ' play, indeed, resembled a set of maohinery pieced together, every man apparently knowing when the ball was to be passed to him, and from whatdirection it would come—whether thrown back, horizontally, or over the shoulder. Otago, on the other hand, rarely benefited from passing; it was entirely due to the efforts of their forward division and the kicking of their backs that any advantage. accrued. Their time was entirely occupied in the second half with playing a defensive game, which they did in the pluckiest way, but despite their efforts two goals were kicked, and one try was obtained, in addition to a disputed try. The difference in the style of play between the two teams was most marked, aud this was particularly noticeable, as already mentioned, in the branch of the game known as "passing." No opportunity of passing was lost by the visitors, if any advantage thereby were to be gained; but the Otago halfbacks studiously neglected to pass, and should in future try to benefit by the lesson they received on Saturday. The only score made for Otago was somewhat in the nature of a fluke, and we have the assurance of Dr Smith, one of the best exponents of the game extant, that only once previously had he seen a goal kicked in a similar manner. The ball was in motion at the time, having been dribbled along the ground to within twenty yards of the Englishmen's goal, when Simpson kicked it hard, probably with the idea of getting it past the opposing backs, and much to the surprise of the the spectators and the field alike, the ball went over the bar."

(By Special Telegram.) Wellington, Friday. The following will represent Wellington in the football match against the Englishmen Pull bacli: Sim; three quarters: Fairbvother, Thomas, and Gage; halves; Moore and Moorehouse ; forwards-King, Ellison, Gowell, Moore, Cockroft, Mclnity Storey, Williams, and Malcolm.

Thefaot of the Wairarapa Union not being affiliated with the Wellington Union is, in the opinion of the Evening Post, a very insufficient reason for the non-inclusion of the sturdy representatives of the up-coun-try districts, who would have materially strengthened the WellingtoQ fifteen. The players who are coming, represent All England, and it is not at all necessary that our team should represent Wellington city only.