FOOTBALL.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XV, Issue 4748, 15 June 1894, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

[!sy Damocles] A most amusing match was played |on the Oval yesterday between 'the No. 1 and No. 2 companies of (lie 'Municipal Fire Brigade. Both the , teams were extremely mixed, middleaged fathors and small bare-faced boys doing their utmost to uphold the honour and dignity of their pot Brigade. All the colours of the rainbow were represented, from spotless white shirts to Salvation Army jcrsoys, and the general get-up of several of the players wns a sight to.witness. . The crowd of onlookers greatly enjoyed the contest, and urged the players on with more orless complimentary remarks. No.2(Kuripuni) team started well, and were the first to score, but they lacked sufficient training, and No. 1 finally won by 15 points to three, "Long Bob," with his tight halfmasters, was one of the most con-: spicuous figures in No. 1 team, and his looks of disdain upon the small boys of the opposing team, when they happened to get near enough to him to tip him up, and the manner in which ho endeavored to keep out of harm's way, created intense amusement, lie was ably backed up by little Jones, who seemed to have an idea that as long as he kept by his mate's side, no danger could] eventuate. The look of disappointment when the players made a mighty kick at the ball and missed it, whioh was generally tho case, cannot be adequately described, and ought to bo seen to bo appreciated. The small boys of both teams kept things very merry, and soon had their elders wishing it was time to knock off. The game was. a fair' rough and tumble one, and the spectators had more fun thun the players. The full-back of No 2 team can be credited with losing the match, mid instead of stopping a rush would coolly stand on one side, in his anxiety to keep his bones together. Severereprimandings from his skipper had no effect, his legs being of far moro valuo to him than a football, and he had to sacrifice one or the other. Fellinglium and "Webb did most of the work for Nos. 1 and 2 respectively, and kept one eye on each other and one on the ball, Not much blood was spilt, and the game ended without any serious calamity, but the amount,of hair, cloth, and calico strewed about the ground [showed that the game was not so friendly as it looked. Mr G. Hansen [ had a most enjoyable time as referee, and had to run for his life on several occasions/

To-morrow three excellent matches will be played in Masterton, and it is a pity the various grounds are such a distance from each other, as enthusiasts would like a glimpse of them all. The Star-Grey town match will, perhaps, be the keenest, as the visitors are likely to be extra, strong, and owing to injuries and other causes several of the Stars will be unablo to take part in the match. Miislci'ttm should win their match against Carterton, the " boil over" of last Saturday having put them on their mettle. The Star and Masterton seconds also mett here, and a good game should result.

It is stated that Dc Joux, wlio was undoubtedly ono of the smartest backs in the Wairarapa, has loft Mastertoiiforlnvercargill.' His loss will be keenly felt by the Hcd Stars, for which Club he had done valuable service for the past two seasons. i E. Bennett has been elected captain, and L. Richards vice-captain of tho Oriental Club. 11, Jackson, ex-' captain, and Duughtyyacknowledgcd about tho best players in the Club, have thrown in their lot with tho Red Stars, and will play for the A •team tliroughout the season, ;. The Masterton School Boys caino off victorious in their match against tho Violets yesterday by three points to nil, West got the try, and took tho kick, but failed to convert. The Orientals and the Te Ore Oro second fifteen visit Greytown tomorrow, the former to play tho Hard Cases, and tho latter Greytown, Makuri has started a second football club, called tho Black Stars, -u A lady enthusiast in the gaiho has presented; a. new football to 'the Oriental Club for competition. .'