FOOTBALL.

Auckland Star, Volume VI, Issue 1708, 9 August 1875, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

Auckland versus North Shore. This match came off in the Government House field on Saturday afternoon, and i proved quite as interesting as was anticiI -^^) pated. Auckland brought a full team into I the field, but the North Shore could only ' vmuster 13, their principal absentee being Mr '* Bees, their captain. The Auckland men * '' began kicking down the hill, and this advantage combined with their numerical superiority soon had its effect in forcing the ball ia the direction of the North Shore goal posts. The suburban team were, however, not be beaten without a struggle, and they did struggle hard. Duder and Burgess were as usual prominent in the fight making good nins whenever a good chance was vouchsafed them by their wary opponents. On the other side the two Hendersons, Sharland, and Whewell were conspicuous. Moore obtained a touch-down soon after the first change, but the Auckland side did not reap therefrom any substantial benefit. Later on T. Henderson by a fine "run-in" secured another "touch-down" and this time Woon kicked a goal in splendid style, the ball going true as a rifle bullet from his foot over the centre of the bar. Ellis, for Auckland, nearly succeeded in getting another "run in," his fine speed enabling him to outstrip all his pursuers ; but his career was suddenly cut short by an affectionate hug when almost on the border of " the happy land," and he was forced to be content with the applause he received from the spectators and his side. No further advantage was gained by either party, and when, at five o'clock, time was called, victory remained with the Metropolitan team. The game was eagerly watched by a large concourse of spectators of whom a large number were ladies. There were the usual spills and hard knocks given and taken, bub we are happy to state for the benefit of those who look upon football asionly a degree removed from prize-fighting that no injuries of a serious nature resulted. We were also pleased to notice the universal good humour which prevailed throughout the contest.