INTERPROVINCIAL FOOTBALL MATCH.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 4836, 21 September 1876, Page 6

INTERPROVINCIAL FOOTBALL MATCH.

CANTERBURY v. WELLINGTON.

The second of these matches as against our own province was played on September 7th in Mr. Kiddiford'a paddock at the Lower Hutt, the opposing team hailing from the province of Canterbury. ; The fine weather gave the lovers of the game an opportunity of having a fieldday, and great numbers availed thsmselves of the special railway accommodation provided, A-. few of the spectators went by road, but by far the greater, number made use of the train, in factso<*reat'a number that some of them had :to. be "accommodated as dry goods in a couple of luggage trucks. The victory of Canterbury over Nelson seemed to have impressed Wellington people in their favor, for on the journey up odds of 2 to 1 on Canterbury were freely offered, but met with few acceptors. The ground was in excellent condition and well marked off, but a. stiff breeze blowing up the ground from the railway end gave a decided advantage to the side playing with it. Canterbury won the toss, and as a matter of course made vise of their advantage, and played with the wind. Play commenced at a quarter to 3, and Smith kicked off for Wellington. Alter a stiff scrimmage or two, in which the Canterbury forwards at once showed their superiority in discipline, one of the Wellington men made a fine drop at goal, which, however, was unsuccessful, and the strangers were compelled to touch the ball down behind their goal line, Wellington thus drawing first blood. _ The Canterbury kick out was rather a miss fire, and Campbell getting hold of the ball made a pretty run, but being collared threw back very neatly to Hillsden, who made a fine drop into touch. On the ball being thrown in, Thomson, one of the Wellington heavies, got hold of it, but was soon stopped, Anderson, the Canterbury captain, getting possession _of it, and making a fine run close to the Wellington goal line. Hillsden pulled the ball out of the fire for Wellington, dropping it into touch, and after this it was worked down by the Canterbury men, there being some very hot scrimmaging close to the goal line, resulting in a rouge for Canterbury. Aiterthe kick out Jame 3 got hold of the ball, and made a neat drop, but one of the Canterbury quarter-backs afterwards got a fine run back with it, and on his being collared, and a scrimmage ensuing, another of the strangers' m*de a fair catch, and calling " mark," took a fine kick at goal. This resulted in a miss, but the Wellingtonians were compelled to touch the ball down, Canterbury scoring another rouge. Instead of taking a kick out Park ran out with the ball, but his career was soon stopped, and Canterbury again worked down towards the Wellington goal. James taking possession made a fine run in front of.,the goal, taking hi 3 drop when hard pressed, but thi3 resulted in McArdle getting the ball, and taking a flying shot at goal. The desired event didn't come off, but Canterbury score another rouge. Park again tried to run out with the ball, but was collared almost immediately, and after some hot play Canterbury scored another rouge. The'Wellington men now made an effort to pull themselves together, and after some very pretty play in the centrs.of the ground succeeded in scoring a second rouge; • This seemed really to invigorate: the Canterbury team, for they played splendidly together, and at the end of the first half-hour when time was called had run their score up as. below : Canterbury. Wellington. Eonge3, or'force-downs .. 0 2 It was thought that the Wellington men would retrieve their position on the game being resumed, having the wind in their favor, but they only went from bad to worse, and with a few notable exception* seemed quite demoralised. Potts kicked off for Canterbury, and the ball went right behind the Wellington goal line. The umpires decided that thi3 was to count as a rouge for Canterbury, but we do not know on what principle they decided that a score- could be made from a kick off. Park made a very pretty run right down the ground, but not being properly backed up his efforts were of no avail. After some hot work in the centre of the ground the Canterbury men again worked up and scored another rouge. After the kick out there was some good rough-and-tumble work, and Park made another good ' run. Canterbury, however, stuck to their work well together, and the disorganised 1 state of the Wellington forwards ended in the strangers scoring another rouge. As soon as the ball was in play it was again worked up in close proximity to the Wellington goal, and there was dribbled into touch, the Canterbury men getting the throw out. By some means the ball was' not thrown straight out, but behind the Wellington goal line, and being touched down by Canterbury, they claimed a touch-down. The umpires differed in their decision, but we are decidedly of opinion with the .Wellington umpire that there should have been no score. Canterbury was unsuccessful in the try which followed, and Pollen cleverly ran the ball out for Wellington. This was not backed up, however, and Canterbury soon scored another rouwe. After the kick out there was some pleasant by-play in an adjacent hedge, Canterbury by their steady play working the ball up to the opposite goal, and there resulted a very hot scrimmage, followed by a tussle on the ground, James coming out of it triumphant, and touching the ball down. After scoring this rouge, the kick out being bad, Canterbury almost immediately scored anothiir. After this the Wellington men made a spurt and ran the ball down, but their progress was stopped by a Canterbury man who was playing off-side. Soon after a fair catch wa3 made by a Canterbury player, who took an unsuccessful drop at goal, which, however, resulted in getting them another rouge. Time was then called, the score standing as follows : Canterbury. Wellington. Rouges or force-downs .. 13 2 Touch-downs .. • • ! °

Park kicked off for Wellington, and after aome pretty play by James, Canterbury scored a rouge. This was quickly followed by two others, Wellington's forward play being exceedingly loose, and tbe quarter-backs playing altogether too close to the scrimmages and seeming to think that kicking was not a part of their duty at aIL Through the game it ■was a fatal error on the part of the Wellingtonians that they attempted to run with the ball too much, instead of taking their dropkick when they had an opportunity. Thomson made a good run from touch to the centre of the ground; but'as with nearly all their opportunities, this chance was lost by the forward not backing up, and Canterbury soon got the ball back. Pollen however got hold of it and made a fine kick, which was caught by tbe Canterbury goal-keeper and quickly returned. Hilladen then got off-side, which reresulted in a scrimmage, the ball having to be taken back. Keith then got the ball, but made a very feeble drop into the hands of Stringer, who was right under his nose. Stringer took a shot at goal, but missed; and on the ball being kicked out he caught it again, and had another shot with a similar result. Tie Wellingtoniana on this second attempt were compelled to touch the ball down, Canterbury Tirorinf a rouge, which was quickly followed°by another. After the kick out Lee made a fine run, but was collared and relieved of his jersey by some of the home team. On its being returned to him it was not in a perfect state of repair. Soon after Canterbury scored another rouge, and after the kick out and a scrimmage or two unpleasantly near the home team's goal, Campbell got the ball and foolishly ran right in front of goal and executed a iiimilar feat to Keith's. Porter, who caught tho ball, cried "mark," and placed it for Moore, who kicked a poster, and immediately after this Canterbury scored two more rouges. Then there was some excellent play on each aide, the Canterbury quarter-backs passing the ball from one to the other in splendid style. Evans eventually got away, but was cleverly stopped by James, who all through tho game did mountains of work. J. Barkerthen got the ball, and bis run right across the goal to the touch-line was the finest; piece of play of tho day A maul in goal" followed, James getting the ball put after a stiff fig", .and Canterbury scoring a rouge. The third halfhour being up, time was called, the score tanding as follows ;

Canterbury Wellington. Eouges or force-downs 22 n Touch-downs .. * u

Canterbury kicked off, and after a scrimmage or two Keith and the umpire had a loving tumble into touch, after which Lee was despoiled of what little upper rainment he had left; the remnants of his jersey when put on caused him to look not unlike Bob Boy Macgregor in buff and a tartan plaid ; but notwitatanding his vesture, he made some splendid play with Barker, who, although stopped by Park, compelled the Wellingtonians to touch the ball down, and scored another rouge for his own side." After the kick out Barker again got the ball, but owing to some Wellington man playing off-side, was stopped ; however, it was only for a minute or two, and again getting possession, he gut nearly to the goal-line, agaiu stopped by Park. Campbell eventually got the ball, and by a smart run and drop-kick relieved the goal from clanger for a time. Tlie home team were fatigued or had had enough of it, for the Canterbury men began now to literally walk through them, and soon scored another rouge. After this Pollen played very finely, but not being backed up, the ball was quickly worked back and a rouge scored for Canterbury. After the kick out one of the strangers made , a very fine run, and being backed up by Lee, the pair of them with a comrade got the ball behind the goal line, only one Wellingtonian—James—having his hands on the ball. In the maul which followed he fought most pluckily agniust odds of 3 to 1, and ultimately Canterbury scored a second touch-down. The try which Mlowed was an utter failure, but a rouge was scored. Immediately after Chapman got a fair catch right in front of the goal, but the kick which followed, unfortunately for Canterbury, went over the post, and time was called without a goal being scored on either Bide. It had been arranged that rouges or force-downs should count half a point, and touch-downs 3 points, and at the conclusion of the game the score stood as follows : Canterbury. Wellington Eouges or force-downs .. 25 12J- pts. 2 l pts. Toueh-downs .. ..2 6., 0 0 „

Total ™h 1 Mr. Neilson acted as umpire ;or Canterbury, and Mr. Palliser for Wellington. At the close of the game three hearty cheers were given on each side, and the players and spectators wended their way to the railway station. The names and weight of the respective

players are as follows : Canterbury, at. lbs. Wellington, st. lb. CotteriU 9 12 A. Campbell ll 2 D Potts 12 8 G. Campbell 11 5 A Potta 11 5 A. Smith 12 7 Cbapraan 12 IS H. Pollen 11 7 T. Barker 12 4 Hickson 11 0 J. Barker 12 10 Keith 13 0 G.Lee 12 0 Grace 11 10 HW. Moore 14 2 J. Thompson 10 10 W. Milton 11 8 A. Bishop 10 10 J. Milton 0 10 Speed 11 9 MoArdle 9 0 Lee 11 10 Stringer 11 3 Come 11 7 Ollivier 12 13 Hillsden 11 0 Evans 10 i James 10 10 Anderson, (Capt) 10 0 G. Park, (Capt) 12 6 The two team* dined together in the evening at the Panama HoteL Several of the members of the House of Representatives were present by invitation, and Mr. Pearce, M.H.R., occupied the chair. A very pleasant evening was spent, and after the usual loyal toasts had been duly honored, the Chairman purposed the visiting team, coupled with the name of Mr. Anderson. Mr. Anderson replied, and proposed the home team, coupled with the name of Mr. Park. Mr. Park, after replying, proposed the Superintendent of Canterbury, which was responded to by Mr. Rolleston, M.H.R. Mr. Anderson proposed Mr. Werry, who, in replying, expressed a hope that Wellington would be able next season to send a team to visit Canterbury and the other provinces. Mr. Werry then proposed the members of the House of Representatives, which was duly honored. Mr. Moorhouse proposed the umpires, which was responded to by Mr. James, in the absence of Mr. Palliser and Mr. Neilson. Mr. Harper, M.H.R., proposed the chairman who in his. reply stated that he had no doubt the wish expressed by Mr. Werry would be fulfilled next year. The Chairman then proposed Auckland, coupled with the name of Mr. Bees, M.H.R. This toast was duly honored and replied to, and after the health of the ladies, by Mr. Wakefield, M.H.U., had been honored, the proceedings came to a close. CANTERBURY v. AUCKLAND. Auckland, Thursday. The weather was very wet and miserable for the interprovincial football match, which commenced this afternoon at Ellerslie. Eight hundred spectators were present. Canterbury won the toss, and declared to kick with the wind. At 3.20 Robinson kicked off with a splendid place kick, which was followed by a brilliant rush on the part of J. Gudgeon, backed up by the whole of the Auckland team, after a brilliant rally by Dacre, who t'ms early distinguished himself by making a splendid run and touching the ball behind the enemies' goal line, thus scoring first blood for Auckland —3 points. The try at goal was unsuccessful. Curtis and Cox played very fairly. The play was very fierce, both teams straining tooth and nail. Potts next scored another half po.int for Canterbury. The Canterbury men seemed to have slightly the best of the scrimmages, and played for them. The Auckland men are speedier. Potts, by a fine flying kick, scored a force-back for Canterbury at 3.35 At four o'clock Auckland were sticking to it well, and giving Canterbury all they knew to hold theirown with the advantage of the wind. At the opening of the second bout a mull at handling the ball by Jone 3 gave Canterbury n, chance of a touch, but through the good play of Nolan and Woon the ball was forced back away from goal. J. Gudgeon with a flying kick scored a force-down, which CotteriU tried to save by dropping the ball out, but was unsuccessful. Shortly after Wood kicked a ball behind Canterbury goal line. Moore in trying to drop was baulked by Carter, and Nolan was enabled to score. Auckland, 6J ; Canterbury, 1, Robinson was again unsuccessful in the try, but went very near. In the last part of the second half-hour J. Potts played splendidly for Canterbury. No further score was made, but the ball was very near Auckland, and when time was called the game stood—Auckland, 6| ; Canterbury, 1. The commencement of the third bout was marked by some good play on the part of Croxton for Canterbury. Some sharp give-and-take play ensued, and then a player .got the ball and placed it well through, ending in a brilliant ru3h on the part of Evans, who scored a force-back for Canterbury. He quickly followed it up by another. Score—Auckland, 6§; Canterbury, 2J. Canterbury was then playing magnificently, and trying hard to retrieve the day. Play was very fast ; both sides seemed incapable of fatigue. Moore and C. Wood for Canterbury played well, but the wet ground by this time was so cut up as to interfere with the running, which told against Auckland. The game concluded at 5.30, Auckland winning—7 points against 3. There is to be a dinner to-night.

CANTERBURY v. NELSON. In the Colonist, of Sept. Sth, there is the following account of the above match : —Soon after three o'clock the two teims arrived on the ground, and Nelson having won the toss elected to play with their backs to the sun and wind The ground was not all that might have'been desired, for it was very sloppy in places, but on the whole it was in fair condition The Canterbury captain having kicked off the ball, and having sent it uncomfortably close to the Nelson goal, some very.warm work occurred at the outset, but first Nicholson and then Warnock got at the ball, and it was driven down to the other end, but it was immediately back again, when Firth got a kick, and he should have been followed up by Sharp, who was on the ball, but he made a miss, .and then Canterbury opened scoring by a force-down, with half-a-point. Immediately afterwards Canterbury was pressing very hard, and Warnock by an unlucky kick gave G. Potts an opportunity, which he did not fail to take advantage of, and he secured a try, which Moore kicked off, but he failed to secure a goal. Then G. Potts secured another try, but Moore was again unsuccessful. After this Nelson kept; the ball pretty well down to their opponents'

goal, but they were unable to do any more, and just before time was called the ball was passed on by the Canterbury men in a capital manner, and it again began to look gloomy for Nelson. At this time Canterbury scored 7. Goals were then changed, and some really capital play ensued. Both teams were doing their level best, and they appeared for the time more evenly matched; but after a time McCardell secured a try for Canter-: bury, and Moore again failed xa sending the ball over the goal. After this Nicholson got the ball and made a splendid run with it two-thirds of the distance to the Canterbury goal; but there he was collared, and shortly after time was called. The score then stood—Canterbury 12, Nelson 0. In the next change there was some very hard playing, and the game became, exciting. Scrim- i mages were numerous, and the ball was frequently in touch ; but towards the end of this half hour Canterbury secured another try, and Cotterill kicked the first goal, thus bringing the Cauterbury score up to 18. During the last half hour the ball was only twice away from the Nelson goal, when it was sent down to the Canterbury backs; but on each occasion Moore sent "it up again, on the first nearly obtaining a goal by a magnificent kick. Some hard scrimmages then occurred, and from two of these McCardell managed to get the ball behind the scrimmagers and to kick a goal, thus adding 12 more to the Canterbury score, whilst Nelson failed to score a point. Throughout the play the best of feeling prevailed amongst the players, and at the conclusion of the match cheera were given by either side for the other, and the two teams returned to town. They afterwards dined together at McGee's Nelson Hotel, after which the Canterbury men were driven to the steamer and escorted oh board by their late opponents. With r. gard to the play of the Canterbury men, we owe it to them to say that they are not mentioned singly_ so frequently as they deserve, the reason being that our reporter was not sufficiently well acquainted with their names ; however, the whole team was a really good one, was well commanded, and each man appeared in his right place. The forward men were all exceedingly active, and generally close on the ball. The half-backs, especially McCardell and Stringer, made Bome capital running, and they were both very sure. The backs, when they did have anything to do, soon sent the ball far from their own goal. Their men were undoubtedly too heavy for the Nelson players, but notwithstanding their advautage in this respect, they made few good runs, for they were soon collared and sent to grass. Amongst, thoae who were most conspicuous in thus dealing with their adversaries were Askew and Baddeley, two of the youngest and lightest of the Nelson team. Had some of the heavier among the Nelson "forward" men been as active as these two, the Canterbury men would scarcely have had quite so much their own way, we fancy.