FOOTBALL.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIX, Issue 3128, 2 August 1892, Page 2

FOOTBALL.

[Br Goal Post.] PROBABLES V. POSSIBLES. This Probables v. Possibles m;itch played on Sydney Square on Saturday proved, as was anticipated, a very interesting one, and attracted a considerable number of spectators. Messrs Harrison and Jolly acted as line umpires, anrl Mr R. J. G wynne officiated as referee, nud succeeded in giving every satisfaction. The Probable team (navy blno) was represented by: — Pull-back, C. Lovell; three-quarters, L. B. Harris, VV. Hiimmond, 0. Kusabs; halves, J. H. Hume, F. T. Connolly ; forwards, A. Peacock, E, Aubin, J. Sampson, Gillett, W. G. Macky, W. R. C. Walker, W. Brown, and F. Carter. Possibles -.—Full-back, V. Marshall; threequarters, S. Reid, A. Scott, A. Kusabs, halves, J. Wright. J. Ryburn ; W. J. Cribble ; forwards, E. Kusabs, J. G. Berry, "Libeller," J. Montgomery, F. R Seddou, Geo. Cruickshank, A. Mayes, and A. Cassidy. Gillet kicked off for the Probables, and the ball was immediately rushed up into the maroon ground, but Seddon headed a good rush and put his side out of danger for a short time by carrying the ball up to the half-way flag. From the throw-in the leather was quickly taken bick to the Possibles'line, and ttiey were forced twice inside of the first five minutes. After the kick out tho Probables again came through, and Aubin succeeded in getting the first try for the blues. Hammond took the kick at goal, and landed a very neat one within six minutes from the start. The Possibles kicked off, Hammond punted, and Scott returned, then the Probables with a grand rush broke into the maroon territory. Scott, however, was there at the right time and relieved his Ride by punting up the field, and the ball went out inside the Probables' 25 flag, for the tiwfc time from the commencement of the game. After the throw-in, several scrums took place near the blues' line ; these the blues carried, and the forwards, with Aubin in the lead rushed the ball back to half way, where it \vent out. When the ball was again brought into play, a acrum occurred at mid - field, and Hume got hold ; he punted and Wright returned. Then the Probables got a grand rush on, which was stopped by Cassidy, who kicked out of bounds in neutral ground. The Possibles now livened lip, and with a forward rush they went through into the blues' ground, but Hammond was too quick for them, and put ths leather out again at the 50 fla£. From the line out the ball went to Scott, who, after running a short distance, tried to pot. He made a splendid attempt, but the ball flew a little wide, and the Probables forced. Gillett kicked out, and from Kusabs' return the ball went to Hume, who ran and kiekcd to Scott, who made a splendid run along the line, but was thrown out at thq blues | 25 flag. The Probable forwards, with Gillett in the lead, then got across, but Marshall forced. In the course of a few minutes the ball was again carried over the line and i Scott saved. Play then centred at midfield, till from a loose scrum, Odium came through with the ball at his toB ; he, however, over-ran it, and it was immediately taken back into the blues' ground by a grand piece of footwork on the part of Cassidy, Libeller and Sedilon. ft was not allowed remain there long, for Hume ran and parsed to Hammond, and Hammond to Connolly, who when grassed by Wright re-passed to Hammond, who ran out at the maroons' 25 flae. L. Harris then kicked the ball over the Possibles line and Marshall forced. When the ball was brought out again the Probable? were awarded a free kick, and a scrum was funned on the maroon side of halfway, this Sampson, Peacock and Odium broke through ; and dribbling in fine style took the ball up to the line where Gillett put in his claim, and scored the second try for the blues'. This Hammond failed to convert, the ball going over one of the posts. This brought the Probables' score up to seven points, which they did not increase during the rest of the game. Half-time was then called. The teams now changed backs, the Probable back division getting behind the Possible forwards and vice versa, The change was at once apparent, tho Possibles having much the best of it. Within a tew seconds from the kick off, the ball was taken over the Possibles' line, and they were compelled to force. Upon its being kicked out, a scrum was formed in midfield, the maroons came through to their opponents' line, and Libeller got over the touch line scorinp the first try for the Possibles', which Hammond converted into a neat goal (five points). Gillett kicked off. and Hammond returned, the ball Koine to Scott who ran out at mid-field. A scrum then took place at the centre of the ground, this also the Possibles carried, and the blues were compelled to savn. Gillett kicked out, and Harris got hold and passed to Lovell, who took the ball to mid-field ; here another Hcrtim occurred, and the ball to Hume, who made a brilliant run right through the t'jam, but was overtaken by Wright just at the goal line, where a maul in goal ensued, Wright succeeding in taking the ball from his opponent. Hume had terribly hard luck, this being the second time he had got over the line and failed to soore, when the leather came out Harris got hold, and setting sail with the ball beneath his arm, he secured the second and last try for the Possibles. Hammond again took the kick at goal, but failed to convert. After play was again Btarted the leather went to Hume, who took it up into the Probables' territory, where a scrum was formed; this resulted in favour of the maroons, and the Probables were obliged to force once more. Then just before time was called, the blues got over the maroon line, and looked like scoring, but Hume kicked into touch-in-goal, the game thus ending in a draw, each side having scored 7 points. I now intend to say a few words as to the play of tho individual members of each team and if some of the players are criticised a little adversely, I hope they will take the hints as they are given—for the advancement of the game. Before I deal with the teams, however, I m»st say a few words about those players who were chosen in the thirty-five but who neither replied to the post-card sent by the Union nor turned up to play on Saturday, thus causing considerable inconvenience. Even if they had thought that they had no chance of getting into the "reps." as sportsmen they should have turned up—or sent word that they were unable to—so as to make a gjod game and prove the abilities of the various players. Matters would have been at a dead-lock had not some of the members of the Hamilton team who went present as spectators filled op the gay. Now as to the players. riIOHABLES. LOVELL, as full-back, had very little to do but he did it well making no mistakes and on being shifted up to three-quart' r-, Ills plfiy fully justified his inclusion in the Probables for next Saturday. L. Harris dirt not play up to his usual form although i

lit times lie ™ brilliant, «rid t.'ie run frum which hi) got bis try showed si ta<te of his nl'i quality. W. Hammond pl.iyul H good steady game, kicking with judgment, and his place lucking was above the average. C. Kusabs gave the worst display among the backs being off-colour considerably. He ran well but was awkward at picking up, and did not kick or pass with any judgment. Connoixy, at half, was suifering frnm a bad ancle and did not plav up to expectations, but we all knnw his form when h". is well. F. 15owr>KJf, although out of his place at cen're played hard, arid tiDXt Saturday will nil doubt show considerable improvement in this position. Waikato is sadly in need "f a good centre half. J. H. Humk no doubt played the hardest game among the back division and showed sterling qualities both in attack and defence. The back division, 1 take it, with the inclusion ot "Singer" as full, and Lovell replacing C. Kusabs is as good as can be got in Waikato. The back play on Saturday allowed a lack of combination, but no doubt another practice will somewhat remedy. In the earlier part if the game passing was almost absent but in the second spell was indulged in to advantage although at times a little too rash. Among the forwards J. Sampson and J. Gillktt were the pick, working hard, and coming through the scrum time after time. They were well backed up by A. Peacock and VV. K. C. Walkkb, and this quartette also showed good form in the open. W. Macky and F. Carter did fair gr.ift and occasionally Rhone in the loose. W. Odlusi's play in tho open waft at times excellent but lie showed a tendency to loaf offside instead of getting back to his place. IS. H AUBIN should remember that all the forwards should go into the scrum, wing men not being played now, and lie then would uot be apt to get so much in front of the play. His play in the dribbling rushes was bniliant but his chances were enhanced by his not packing in. The two teams of forwards were rery evenly matched during the earlier part of the game, bnt towards the end of the second spell the Probables showed their superiority and it was only the Porbable backs behind the Possible forwards that stopped them from scoring. POSSIBLES. V. Marshall at full-back was out of his place, and he showed it, hia play not even being fair. At threequarters A. Scott played the besl game I have ever seen him play, kicking and running in excellent form, and al though at times a trifle slow he saved hit side on many occasions. S. Rkid and A. Kusabs did sterling work although not brilliant. J. Wright at half, was in goori form, and played as good a game as he ha: done this year. It is.a pity he cannot pick up a little cleaner as undoubtedly he was tlx fastest man on the ground on Saturday, The other halves W. J. Gribblk and J Ryburn do not call for special mention although the latter when shifted upforwarc in the second spell showed fair work. The forward division was a good one and ai mentioned above for some time held their own against the Probables. In tho scrun Libeller J. M. MoNTGoiiHßYand Geo Ckuickshank were the shining lights am in the open P. R. Skddon, A. Cassidy, E Kcsabs and J. G. Berry came in for inos prominence. The selection committee met on Saturda' evening, when tho following teams wer picked for next Saturday •• —Probables Pull-back, "J. Sing9r"; three-quarter.-' L. B. Harris. VV. Hammond and 0. Lovell halves, J. H. Hume, F; Bowden and T Connolly; forwards, J. Sampson, F Carter. A. Peacock, J. Gillett, E. H Aubin, W. Odluin, W. G. Macky and W R. C. Walker. Possibles : Full-back, C. Kusabs; three quarters, S. Reid, A. Scott and R. D JJansey; halves, A. Kusabs, Grahar Cruickshank and J. Wright; forwards "J. Libeller," J. Montgomery. J. Ryburn IS. Kusabs, J. G. Berry, F. R. Seddou J. Clarkin and A. Cissidy. The Secretary will be glad if any player are unable to attend if they will let hit know at their earliest convenience so as t enable substitutes to be procured. The collection which was made on th ground in aid of the funds of the Unio amounted to £114s 9d. HAMILTON 11. V. WHATAWHATA 11. The first football match between th Hamilton 11. and Whatawhata 11. too place oa Sydney Square, Hamilton Eas on Saturday, at "2 p.m., and, after a wel fought game, resulted in a victory for tl Maoris by 12 points (2 goals and a try) t 9 points (1 goal and 2 tries). The weathf was splendid, it being a nice calm day. M H. McKenzie acted as referee, and gave th utmost satisfaction. The fact that th gentleman is generally chosen to fill th position speaks for itself as to the fairne: of his decisions. Hamilton had not a ver good team, several of their bess playei being away ; while, on the other hand, tl Whatawhata team included about one-thii of the Whatawhata I. team ; consequent!; the latter were much too strong for the opponents, especially in the scrums, whic they carried nearly every time. In cons quence of this. Hamilton played a ver loose game, which made the play very fas Both teams played a good game, but raoi of them were rather "green,'' and coul have done with a good deal more practice but to particularise them, Awarutu, Mi Lean, Pou, and several others did yoema service for the Maoris, the firs named making tho run of the day ha started at mid - field and gi right through, with apparently litt difficulty. McLean also made some spier did runs. For Hamilton, Elliott, Hil Moore,- Nickisson and Williamson wer most conspicuous among the forward while F. Hunt, W. Griffo, M. Quick and i Harrison played well among the backs, an relieved their side several times by makin good runs. The utmost good feeling pri vailed among the players during the gami and the onlookers took great interest in th play. There was a larßß attendance of tl public, who had rolled up in good number no doubt with the object of witnessing th Probable v. Possible match, which tou place a little later on. The Queensland footballers have agai defeated the New South Wales team, th! time by 19 points to 9. I notice in last Saturday's Star suppli ment the report of an interview which representative of that paper had with M J. C. Webster as to football in Waikati In the course of the interview Mr Webste.' reported to have said that " Jack " Gillet with a little better knowledge of the garni would not be passed over in selecting representative team. I have had th opinion for the p.i-t' two seasons, and ai glad to find my opinion borne out by such competent judge. With many plavm such a recommendation from Mr W'ebstf would uo doubt tend to make them fane themselves, but I am sure it will net bay this effect on Jack. Only last week, i conversation with him, lie, in all earned ness, said he was doubtful whether th Selection Committee would put him int the Probables or not. There were uot man others doubtful. ,