FOOTBALL NOTES.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XII, Issue 3828, 9 June 1891, Page 2

FOOTBALL NOTES.

[BY DIOGENES.]

The inclemency of the weather no doubt prevented such a pleasing exposition of the game of football at Greytown on Saturday as might haye been expected. Under the circumstances, however, both teams played well, and were it not for that unpleasant characteristic of all-import-ant matches, roughness, would have been appreciated by all. It is quite time the Union took some steps to suppress that kind of play wLichis commonly known as " hacking," and which is in no sense justifiable. The amount of personal feeling introduced into a single game of football is astonishing, and was clearly demonstrated in the Greytown match. One spectator, more excited than the rest, was heard to threaten to " screw the necks of every j man he heard ' barracking' for-Mas-ter ton." Probably he was one of those who had offered odds in favor of the vanquished team. It is a pity this betting business could not be done away with altogether. I am infoimed that one Masterton enthusiast won nearly £2O in wagers. This reminds me tbat it was rumored en Saturday that certain players were giving and taking large odds on the result. The Union should keep a sharp look-out for offenders in this direction. -

Then again there is that question of obscene language amongst the players. One forward in the Greytown match is alleged to haye threatened to " break the b —.. neck "of the skipper of the opposing team for having merely defended his rights. This player, if the allegations are true, should at once be suspended. , The decisions of the referee at 'Greytown were the Bubject of a good deal of comment on the part of the vanquished, but needless to say they were on the whole fair and impartial. A referee to suit everybody would be hard to find.

A few hints might well be taken by the Mastercon Club from the play of their opponents on Saturday. In scrimmages the ye!low3 were decidedly weak, and allowed the Greytown boys to fairly run through them. The screwing tactios are well worth learning, together with the feeding of the backs. On the line out a good deal of advantage might be gained by trickery. In this respect Nicholls can hardly be beaten. The Masterton team is fairly good on th 9 loose rush, and such players as Day, Watson and Gray lend valuable assistance by-dribbling. More passing should, however, be indulged in.

If Masterton ever intends to be the premiers of the Wellington province thtfy will have to 6xercise more discretion in their play, and go in for less selfishness. The back division of Masterton was a disappointment on Saturday. 0. Perry was decidedly off, and several times made very clever "mulls," whilst D'Arcy was almost as conspicuous and did not kick with judgment. Thompson did not get a show at all, or, if he did, failed to take advantage of it. Holmwood might also improve, and if possible get out of the habit of lying on thej ball. Of Joe and Harry Perry, their play could not be found fault with. For a genuine alround player it would be hard to beat Baumber, of the Greytown team, but he is possessed of a severe temper. If he could only ; kerb this a little on the field, he would be more successful. M'Carthy's running and kickjng stamped him as one of the best hack players in the district, whilst Udy appeara to have his old form.

The match between Masterton and the Stars on Saturday promises to be very interesting. The latter I Club is very much more formidable than it was expected it would be, and it would not be a surprise to me to see them put down the yellows. The back division is particularly strong, Hawke, Hansen and Hoar being in rattling form. It will not therefore do for their opponents to hold them too cheap. Up to date the points for the Senior and Junior Cups are as follows:

Seniobs. Masterton Club 2 «ns Red Stars 2 wins Greytown 1 win Te Ore Ore 0 wins JuniobCup. Red Stars 8 wins, 1 defeat Fire Brigade ... 8 wins, 1 defeat Te Ore Ore ... 4 wins, 0 „ Greytown 2nd ... 1 win, 8 defeats Carterton 2nd ... 0 wins Masterton 2nd ... 0 wins