FOOTBALL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 68, 11 September 1911, Page 7

FOOTBALL.

TttE NORTHERN UNION GAME. The matfli for the Northern Union <-;ij>. between Auckland and Taranaki. wasn't as pretty as previous pimis between these teams, ilue to the fact, that (lie Taranaki backs' tackling was deadly, ami Auckland could not bring off their usual brilliant passing. Nevertheless the L'ame was full <if excitement. Two of Taranaki's tries were lirilliant. A few | minutes after starting-, 'faraiiaki backs pit going, and three' or four handled the hall. Maclean, receiving, made n great and dodgy run up to Auckland's full-back, and pas-ed to Kyle, who flew over the line amidst great excitement. The second try came from Moir to Toeker to Mackeau, wlio threw a long .pads to Sullivan, who made a dashing run and passed to Twohill, whose great pace enabled him to run around and score a lirilliant try amidst great cheering from I the Auckland, who are an impartial • crowd. At the last 'quarter Aueklind (were 18 to Taranaki's 15. and at this stage Taranaki were having the best of ( I the argument. Tairanaki, breaking | through, lost a sure trv through Hardgrave and Charters colliding six yards from the goal. Three of Auckland's tries | were questioned. Their second try was got by the forwards bunching up ami pushing Tarauaki over their line, and when the referee ordered the forwards j to get up Pukutai was awarded a try. although a "ouple of the Taranaki men had him well collared, with (heir hands on the ball. Twohill overhauled his mnu and collared him from behind, and More he coud ground the ball Twohill turned him on his hack. Asher. in the second spell, ran out of scratch and continued, Hardgravc standing looking on. -thinkinsr that he would be called back, but the line umpire had forgotten to bring his specs. Barring this, Taraiviki were satisfied with their kind treatment in Auckland.

Taranaki received a. warm welcome by the .Auckland Rugby League. Mr. Dixoii, president of the Auckland League, presided, and in a neat speech gave their old friend-, the Taranaki team, a heartv welcome. Mr. W. T. Wvnvard. Taranaki delegate to the New Zealand Council, and Mr. Ringhnm, also spoke. Mr. T. Smith, the manager of the Taranaki team, replied, Hhmvlving the. Auckland League for their kind reception, and also stated that Taranaki had got together a good team, and Auckland would have to stretch themselves to bent them. He also reminded the.ni that these teams Imd met on four previous occasions. Auvkland winning twice and Taraiwki twice, and the visitors loked upon this match as the rubber.

At the conclusion of (he reception. Mr. T. Smith, on behalf of the Tn.ro nuki tenn, presented Mr. W. T. Wvnvnrd Taranaki delegate to the \e-,v Zeal-am! League, with a set of pipes, in recognition of his services to Taranaki Mr. Wvnyard. who was taken bv surprise', feelingly replied. The Taranaki and Auckland teams were tendered a. complimentary banipiet. Tn rescinding to the toasts of the referees Mr. Angus Campbell said, after beinir connected with football all bis lite, be was convinced that the Northern Union g.ime was Hie best, and'announced tlmt next, year he would be refereeinnthat g-.i.me. Tho Taranaki team did remarkably well, considering that the team only nwt two davs before on, the field in the Xelson match at EUham, and some of the players were introduced to one another. Wiith two or three li'iaitehes the s-nne team would beat Auckland. This shows (hat there are plenty of wood nlayevs in Taranaki. and with opportunity, itlicv are as o-ood a-' the rest. The Vorth Island Xa.tive team meets Tnraiirt'ki on September 21. Taranaki play a return match at W:iii'.aii"i with \Va'i;jaimi, lM'fore tli"