FOOTBALL MATCH.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5409, 29 July 1878, Page 3

FOOTBALL MATCH.

WANGANUI V. WELLINGTON. One of the keenest and bestcontested football matches ever seen in Wellington, or probably in New Zealand, was witnessed on the Basin Eeserve on Saturday afternoon between the Wanganui and Wellington teams. From the kick off until time was called every exertion was used by both sides to gain a victory, but so even was the play that when time was called neither side had scored a point. The weather, to make use of a hackneyed expression, was not all that could have been desired, as it was cold, damp, and miserable. Probably so far as the players themselves were concerned they were quite satisfied. There were about 300 persons present, who manifested considerable interest in the match, and were not loath to cheer the players when anything brilliant was displayed. Several times during the match the public persisted iu coming within the bounds, much to the ' annoyance and inconvenience of the players. At half-past 2 o’clock the two teams made their appearance on the ground. The visitors were dressed in yellow and black, and the local men in blue and white. From the general look of the two sides, Wanganui appeared the heaviest, and were spotted as tho winners, 2to 1 being offered about them. The following are the names of the players : Wanganui; Messrs. Montgomery (captain), Bayly, Jacob, Jackson, Charldeoott, Alexander, Fitzberbert, Wheeler, Powell, Taylor, Walker, Holditch, Turner, A. Smith, and P. Smith. Wellington': Messrs. Campbell, A. Cooper, Elacklock, Cburton, Welsh (captain), W. Berry, J. Berry, Wright, Burnes, Lockett, Cowie, O. Pollen, H. Pollen, Galbraith, and Hickson. Wanganui won the toss, and decided to play .with tho wind for the first half-hour. - The ball was kicked off by Welsh ; Bayly very quickly returned it, and the first scrimmage took place. The Wanganui men at this stage showed that they were no chickens, and if anything got the best of scrimmage number one. In the second scrimmage the ball was cleverly passed back to Welsh, who mulled his kick. The black and yellow forwards at this stage saw an opening, and made a rush, which compelled the Wellingtonians to touch down in self defence. Elacklock kicked off, and. the'Wellington forwards, who were playing well together, carried the ball for the first time into their opponents’ quarters, Mont-r-oulery, however, by a splendid kick sent it flying back. Campbell next collared the ball and made a grand run. Another scrimmage then took place, in which it was. seen that the blues had the" best staying powers, as several of their opponents were evidently showing signs of being “pumped.” Welsh next got the ball, and had a shot at goal,, and secured a force-down. The ball if anything was kept in the Wellington quarters. Montgomery next made a fine run, but was stopped by Welsh. All the players by this time showed unmistakeable signs that they hdd made an unwilling connection with the mud and grass. The ground was very slippery, and it was with the utmost difficulty that the men could keep their feet in a run. After another severe scrimmage tho yellows secured another force-down. Elacklock kicked off, and the bladder fell into Bayl/s hands, and he took a drop kick at goal, scoring a third force-down. Time was then called. The next half-hour resulted in a series of determined scrimmages, for the most part about the centre of the ground. After the kick-off Blacklnok started off with the ball, and made a good run into touch. On the ball being thrown out Jackson got away with it, but was stopped iu rather a sudden manner by Welsh, who left his man discussing the softness of the ground. Another scrimmage took place, in which the two Berrys were very conspicuous. Wheeler at length managed to sneak the ball out, and rushed it through the Wellington forwards. At this stage it looked very like a gaol for Wanganui, but Pollen by a grand run put matters at rest. Cowie at length, by some very fair dribbling, worked the, ball out of danger! Welsh called on his men for a rush, but Montgomery who saw things were looking dickey made a splendid rush, and kicked the ball behind the Wellington goal line. This was by far the best kick of the day. On the ball hem" brought out the Wellingtons with a rush took the ball behind the Wanganui posts, and just missed obtaining a try. Montgomery kicked off. It was now getting well on to time, and both teams were doing their utmost to obtain a score. The Wellington forwards played remarkably well together, and took the ball into the Wanganui quarters. -The scrimmaging had now become very severe and exciting. The public crushed in and cheered their respective favorites. It was now evident that Wellington was the strongest, but still very little. They were, however, in better form, and were not nearly so baked as their visitors. From this until time was called there was nothing but a succession of scrimmages. The match was ended amid great cheering. As far as the general play of both teams is concerned Wellington certainly play the best.- On the'other hand Wanganui has smarter runners, and most of them are pretty hard to collar. During the match Bayly, one of the best players of tfie Wanganui team, sprained his knee. At first It was considered trifling, hut it was soon found out to bo more serious, &s hfl hod to bo earned off the field. This of course to a great extent weakened the team. During tho .evening the visitors were entertained at dinner at Mr. Beatty’s Metropolitan Hotel. They leave to-day by the Manawatu. '