FOOTBALL.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 August 1915, Page 7

FOOTBALL.

AUCKLAND DEFEATS TAHANAKI, The Auckland-Taranaki representative football match was played on the Recreation Grounds yesterday under favorable weather conditions. There was an attendance of about 2000. A3 in the fixture at Auckland, the game proved interesting, and though Auckland left the held winning by 14 points to 0, on the day's play there was not that difference between the teams, as Taranaki held the upper hand during the greater portion of the game. Taranaki forwards were superior to their opponents, particularly in the loose, but the northerners held the advantage in the back division, and to this they owe their victory. The teams played practically as selected, the only difference being that A. Smith took the place of Robertson as lock in the Taranaki team. D. Stewart captained the visitors and Roberts the local team. Taranaki, winning the toss, openea with the sun behind them. A weak kick by Stewart put Auckland in a good position, and Norgate getting offaide, Barker had a shot at goal, and oeing awatded n? cnarge, just failed with a magnificent kick. Auckland kept iin the attack, but Carey, Ward, Kissick and Norgate came away in a flue •■nsh. Interchange of kicks between D. Stewart and Tinney ended in Auck- ' ami's favor, and a powerful rash head ed by Hclfugh and 0. Stewart was only checked by Tinney marking on the local line. A pass forward by Mctfugh also brought relief to the locals. Good kicking by Tinney and Loveridge, smartiv followed up, compelled Auckland, to force.. by Lyn'skcy kept Auckland busy defending. The ball came across but Tate could not get to it. Colman made a great opening, passing to Robertson, to Stewart, to Loveridge, who essayed to pot. In the scramble Taranaki neaily scored, but Clark saved. Fast play followed; Pressing intercepted a pass and supported by Hanlon and Hughes streaked down field. Colman collared him and back came Taranaki, both forwards and hacks passing well. Roberts then passed to Loveridge, wlio was well collared by Hanlon. After a quiet spell, the Auckiandcrs attackc.l and an Aucklander crossed the line but was called back for an infringement. After a spell at defence, Kissic!:, Thomas, Norgate, llyan and Ward came away, ball at toe. Lynskey picked up and kicking high, had Moffit. in difficulties, but Stewart saved. Colman set his backs moving, Robertson, Roberts and Loveridge handling the ball well, but there was no one to support the latter when collared. Auckland forwards . retaliated with a hot rush, Campbell injured, having to retire. Harris replaced him. The Auckland backs now gave a tasto of their quality, Lang, Campbell, Prussing and Clark manipulating the ball well, and the latter nearly scored on two occasions. Taranaki forward rushes and good play by Colman and Roberts had Auckland temporarily in. difficulties, yet they not only cleared but attacked, Tate was somewhat lucky to eheck a score. A moment later the same player failed to take the ball and Auckland swarmed to the attack. Over-eagerness spoilt the chance, but next moment the ball was being thrown about in front of the goal, and Barker olted over. He also converted. Auckland ~,,.... 5 Taranaki 0 During the balance of the spell play was of an even nature. Colman had a long shot which fell short. THE SECOND SPELL. The second spell had hardly started, when Robertson intercepted a pass at Auckland's twenty-five, and running right through, beat five or six of his opponents and scored. Amidst applause Colman equalised the scores, Taranaki 5 Auckland • 5 Taranaki again invaded Auckland's line, but Campbell picked up at their feet and lined. Tinney, however, lined right at the corner. Taranaki forwards now playing with great heart, made desperate attempts to score, but tlie Auckland defence stocd the strain. Stewart made a fine opening to Robertson, to Tate, but the lattcr's pass went wide and Prussing cut in. Roberts here gatheud up, and fooling his opponents, set his backs moving again. Handling in the serum gave Auckland a free kick, and McHugh, Avery and Hanlon following up fast, took play to the twentyfive, where the latter handed to his hacks and Campbell, Pressing, Stewart and Clark liaiidiin,? well, the latter scaled a line piece of play by scoring in the corner. Barker failed to goal. Auckland 8 Taranaki 5

Lang marked the kick-off and Barker had another shot. Roberts, trying to beat several men, nearly got into trouble, but the forwards extricated hiin, Ward being conspicuous at the head of a rush.' Stewart cleverly hooked the bail infield and marking a moment later, gave Colman a cliance to -goal,' which failed. Auckland had the better ef the next few moments' play, and from .a line out near the corner Harris forced his way over. Barker's kidc failed. Auckland 11 Taranaki .-... 5 Barker, taking a good pass from Lang, was collared just in time bv Colman. Later an infringement gave Colman a resultless Shot, the hall falling short. Shortly alter Auckland were attacking, and' ITanlon and McHugh suarmirg down, the former scored, iiarker failed to goal as the whistle sounded. Auckland 14 Taranaki . 5 ■Mr. W. Ro'ch gave satisfaction as referee.

THE CURTAIN RAISER. TECHNICAL COLLEGE DEFEAT ELTHAM. The final of the second junior competition between Technical College and Litham iirovided an interesting game, in which some good football was shown, "orward the towns were evenly matched. In the kicks Technical College showed the best combination, though botii teams threw the ba.ll about well. The stone resulted in a win for Technical College by 9 points to 3. In the first spell Technical College scored 0 points, ohtaing a try as the outcome of a scrambling rush, whilst Jeffries scored from a line out. Oliver failed to convert either try. In the second spell Oliver scored a fine try for Technical College after a great bout of passing. He failed to convert. Elttam's try was scored by Volkett from a 'rousing [forward dash. Bailey Med to convert.* Mr, J.; Jotnuton refereed.