FOOTBALL.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 October 1917, Page 7

FOOTBALL.

j AUCKLAND v. WELLINGTON. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, Oct. (i. A Rugby mate]], Auckland v. Wellington, was played to-day, the home team winning by 20 points to 12, thus winning the rubber. The ground was in excellent o'rder, and the weather good, though a strong breeze increased in the second half, somewhat assisting Auckland. In the first spell Wellington had the advantage, V<e score at half time bcine in their favor by 12 to 5. Q. Nicliolls, A. Thomas, and Bowers scored tries, and a goal from a kick was scored by Coles. For Auckland a goal was obtained by Inglis, converted by McLean. In the second half Auckland had the best of the play, tries being scored by Wilson, Inglis, Grierson, and Robinson, and a free kick by McLean. Badeley (Auckland) and Hislop were injured and had to retire, Robinson replacing the former. Tlie game was fast and interesting, .both teams showing great combination.

THE PROFESSIONAL RULE. Wellington, Oct. 6. A special meeting of the Rugby Union delegates from various parts of the country passed a resolution: "That as the English rules ro professionals were framed to suit conditions 20 years ago, this conference is emphatically of opinion that the New Zealand Union should have power to formulate such additional rules re professionals as sliall.be wade in keeping with local requirements." Supporters of the resolution said that the war had so changed things, by allowing amateurs and professionals to play together, that if the present rules were enforced many men at the front would be debarred from playing Rugby. There was some opposition, hut the motion was carried by 10 to 9, also one to make immediate application to the English Union for the powers sought.