Representative, Football.

Te Aroha News, Volume XXVII, Issue 4456, 31 August 1909, Page 2

Representative, Football.

■ ♦ 2c AUCKLAND V. WELLINGTON.

YICTOEY FOR AUCKLAND.

"WELLINGTON August 28. THF. twenty-first rep, match, Auckland v. "Wellington was played here this afternoon under unfavourable conditions as regards to weather and ground. Bain fell during the progress of the match, making the ball greasy for the backs to manipulate with satisfactory results. About 6500 spectators were present. Auckland scored a somewhat lucky victory by three points to nil, O’Leary kicking a fine penalty goal in the first spell. The game was a hard fought one, the forwards monopolising the bulk of the play. On the day’s form there was not a great deal of difference between the teams. The Northerners made the most of their work on the line-out, from which they engineered many break away lushes. They were also cleverer with their feet than the local brigade. The visiting rearguard handled and kicked the leather with greater sureness, accuracy, and force than the opposing division, which on occasions initiated excellent passing rushes, the state of the ground alone preventing - them from cauying to a successful issue. The Northerners indulged in plenty of off-side play, for which they were frequently pena’ised. They had the best of the play in the ■first spell, but the local men more than equalised matters in the succeeding half.

In the second spell Magee, captain of the Auckland team, while racing for the ball near the Wellington line, collided with an opponent, receiving severe concussion of the brain. Winder, from Thames, replaced him. Had the ground been diier the Wellington backs would probably have proved a great thorn in the side of the Aucklanders.