THE INTERPROVINCIAL FOOTBALL MATCH.

Globe, Volume IV, Issue 401, 24 September 1875, Page 3

THE INTERPROVINCIAL FOOTBALL MATCH.

The Auckland team of football players arrived this morning at Port Lyttelton, and came through to Christchurch, by the 0.110 train. They were met on landing by Messrs A. M. Ollivier and T. S. Sweet, who welcomed them to Canterbury. The members of the team looked in good health and spirits, and as though the voyage from Port Chalmers had not had any disagreeable effect on them. Shortly after one o’clock the two opposing teams appeared on the ground, and the Aucklanders had the north goal to defend. Play commenced precisely at a quarter past one, and was inaugurated by an indifferent kick off from the Auckland captain. Scrummaging commenced at once, and then the Auckland team drove the ball towards the Christchurch goal for a few minutes, but this small advantage they did not retain long. Evans made the first run of note for Christchurch, and from this time the ball was kept well down to the Auckland end. Hartland at length succeeded in touching down the ball behind the Auckland goal, and A. Ollivier had a try, but failed. Stringer then made another splendid run in for Canterbury, and the next event of importance was a touch down by Anderson at 1.42, and though this time A. Ollivier made a magnificent kick the try was not successful. The sides tben changed ends, and Henderson, who played splendidly throughout, made a good run in for Auckland. His example was followed by Ellis in a few minutes. Not to be outdone, A. Ollivier followed suit for his side, and Stringer also made a good run, followed by a splendid kick. Ollivier again distinguished himself, and Hartland touched the ball down once more. E. Cotterill was entrusted the duly of the place kick, but though the ball went through the goal posts it was under the line. The score now stood 7t points for Canterbury and Auckland at nil. During the next hour the play was more equal, though the ball was generally nearer the Auckland goal than the Christchurch end. Henderson and Ellis distinguished themselves by several magnificent runs, but the fates were against the visitors, and at the conclusion of the agreed on two hours’ play the Christchurch team had scored !U points, whilst the score sheet of the Aucklanders was still blank. For the visitors Messrs Henderson, Dunnett,* Ellis, and Whittaker distinguished themselves, but all played and worked their hardest. From the Christchurch fifteen we should select Anderson (captain), A. and L. Ollivier, Stringer, Hartland, Mathias, and Dobson as having all done well, and worked very hard, but the whole team played well together. At the conclusion of the match three cheers were called for by the Christchurch captain for our opponents, and one cheer more for the captain, and the compliment was returned by the Auckland fifteen. One of the Auckland players got his ankle hurt, but the injury was not very serious. Messrs Harman and Sharland acted as umpires, but they were seldom appealed to. The match was played throughout in the most friendly manner, and may be regarded as having been a complete success. The attendance of spectators was very large, and the applause was both hearty and frequent. The manner in which the ground was kept reflects the greatest credit on those who had the control of affairs. Altogether the visit of the Auckland football players will be remembered as one of the pleasantest events of the year.