THE INTERPROVINCIAL FOOTBALL MATCH IN DUNEDIN.

Globe, Volume IV, Issue 403, 27 September 1875, Page 2

THE INTERPROVINCIAL FOOTBALL MATCH IN DUNEDIN.

We take the following report of this match from the Otago Daily Times of the 23rd instant: —The long anticipated football contest between the provinces of Otago and Auckland took place at the Southern Recreation Ground yesterday afternoon. Though the sky was overcast during the morning, the weather continued warm and fine, and was really beautiful for outdoor sports. Play was commenced at three o’clock, when there were about 3000 persons present, including numerous representatives of the fair sex, who occupied seats in the pavilion. The following are the names and positions of the respective teams : —Otago Backs : D, K* Rhodes and T. M'Farlan ; three - quarter back : J. R. Cleverdon ; half backs; H. Rose and G. H. Sampson; forwards: A. K. Smith (Captain), F. R. Smith, B. Johnson, J. C. Thompson, G. M. Thomson, Dickson, G. H. Macao, G. L. Denniston, Q. M'Kinnon, and R. Park, Auckland —Backs. F. Sharland, G. Carter, and F. Earle ; three-quarter back : G. Dunnett (Captain); half-backs: E. Ellis, W. Woon, and H. Whittaker ; forwards : Abrams, B. Burgess, W. Gudgeon, H. Henderson, J. Nolan, H. Nicol, P. Pilling, and R. Peacocke. Mr W. Hackworth, jun, officiated as umpire for Otago, and Mr Cussin for Auckland. Some discussion took place before starting, as to whether force downs should be counted, and it was eventually agreed that scoring by the following points be adopted; — Goal, 6 ; touch down, 2 ; force down, i ; Having won the toss, the Otago captain chose the northern goal, which was to be changed each half hour, till five o’clock. The teams appeared to be fairly matched. The ball had not been kicked off more than a minute before Nolan, dodging and rushing, surprised his opponents, by scoring a force down for the Aucklanders. Many of the spectators who failed to understand the Rugby Union Rules, thought a goal had been scored, because the ball went underneath—instead of over—the goal posts. The Otago heroes set to work to retain their position, and after several scrimmages they succeeded in keeping the ball in dangerous proximity to the southern goal. Sampson’s splendid play was generally commented upon, and deservedly admired throughout the afternoon. He appeared to be a host in himself, and the Otagans worked remarkably well together. Bose kicked the first touch down, secured by Park. We may mention that a touch down is reckoned when the ball is touched behind the goal line by the attacking party, and a

force down when it is touched there by n defender. The Aucklanders did not seem to have any one remarkable for brilliant play, though several capital runs were made. At four o’clock the score was—Otago, 5 points ; Auckland, \ point. Without entering into technical details, we may mention that the Otagans fairly collared the ball, and kept their goal clear of their opponents, who were overmatched. One or two trifling disputes occurred, but the game was contested in a friendly spirit throughout. For the Aucklanders, the play of Dunnett, Burgess, Whittaker, and Ellis (who won the Sydney gold cup for running last year) was particularly noticeable. Sampson was to the fore amongst the Otago side, and ably supported byA.K. Smith, Macfarlane, Cleverdon, Rose, Rhodes, F. R, Smith, Dickson, M'Kinnon, and Park. Two well-judged kicks were thought to be goals for Otago, but the umpire declared them “ posters.’ ’ Shortly before five o clock the score stood-Otago, 9} ; Auckland, k The Aucklanders were making a magnificent struggle to pilot the ball towards their opponents’ goal, but their effort was unavailing, and the players were in the centre of the field when timewas called atfive o’clock. The crowd displayed considerable enthusiasm, laughing heartily at the various spills occasioned by the numerous attacks. However, they might have kept outside the boundaries. The Otago captain called for three cheers the Auckland team. They were heartily given, and similar compliments were paid the Otago team and the ladies. The competitors then drank emch others health in the pavilion. The visitors were entertained at luncheon in the evening at the Imperial Hotel. About fifty persons were present. The President of the Dunedin Football Club (Professor Sale) occupied the chair, and was supported by the captains of the Otago and Auckland teams. The vice-presi-dent (Mr W. D. Smith) ably officiated as croupier.