FOOTBALL.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 July 1922, Page 5

FOOTBALL.

NORTH V. SOUTH. NABEOW VICTORY FOB SOUTH. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, July 1. The annual North v. South Island Rugby football match was played at Eden Park this afternoon, and won by the latter by nine points to eight. There was a good attendance of the public, notwithstanding that heavy rain fell for the greater part of the day, but held off practically during the time the match was in progress. The ground was in a wretched condition, and militated against the backs to a considerable extent. Play was strenuous throughout, several men being compelled to retire at different stages of the contest, amongst the number being O'Brien, Bellis and Borreil of the North team, and Steel and Whyte of the South. The South kicked off, and from the start rushed their opponents' line. A pacing bout was initiated by Fea, a score being averted by a northerner kicking the ball over the dead line. The drop-out saw the North forwards rush play the full length of the field. Bellis gathered the ball and passed to Cuppies and Brownlee, the latter scoring And M. Nicholls converting. The attack was resumed immediately, RaUis leading the forwards at u great Djace, an infringement bringing relief to the South. Play hung in midfield for a time, when Steel secured possession and crosskicked to XStagsrald, but the latter smothered. From the scrum, Mathieson set the backs In motion. Offside spoiling a good effort by the southern backs. The attack was repeated shortly after- . wards, when an infringement gave the South a penalty shot, which failed to materialise. O’Brien retired owing to injuries, McNab going on. Bellis here broke away, and for a time play hovered iz> southern territory and culminated in Beilis initiating a passing bout which ro-i suited in Hickey scoring in a good postttoa. M. Nicholl failed with the kick. Hatf-tina saw no change in the total. Honors were, slightly with the North. Changing over. South set up a detenniffxt? attack. The North full-back dropped the ball at a critical moment, and Steele made a goodopening, but overrunning the ball a few fete' from the line, a northerner kicking Into From ffic- throw-in Bellis headed the Nortlr ’ forwards in a great rush, being stopped by Mathieson, who turned defence into attack. Ho passed to Fea, who beat several opposing players and transfererd to Steel, and the latter raced over and scored. Bell failed to convert. Whyte retired, being replaced by Stewart. Play zigzagged across the field, South having the better of the exchanges. Several beautiful passing rushes were Initiated, and Mathieson opened with promise, but broke down. As the result of Infringements, North became dangerous. Brook saving the situation, frequently and turning defence into attack. Steel gained possession in a good position and sent it across to Dickinson, the latter being almost over, off-side play spoiling- an aixMte certain score. North forwards came away with a dribbling rush, and South forced. Steele retired, and Baddeley took his place, his brother (V. Baddeley) having replaced Borreil in the North team. A few minutes later Bellis was car-, ried off, having injured his left leg. South set up a determined attack, overcoming opposition, and Williams scored. Bell’s attempt to convert failed. Returning to the attack. Mathieson opened the game, and the backs gave a good exhlbi-i tion of passing considering the conditions, Fitegerald scoring again. Bell again fatted. A few minutes la(er C. Baddeley almost scored for South. North made a determined effort to retrieve the posiiton, and the game went up and dowd the field at a great pace, the southerners changing defence into attack in a wonderful manner, and evoking cheers from the crowd. Time and again North attempted to get through, only to be sent back anti placed on defensive work by Mathieson and Fea. A great battle among the forwards was waged, in which the northerners had a slight advantage, but the southern backs more than made up the difference. The game ended without further score, with the southerners attacking. The final score was: South Island ~•< 9 pointe. North Island .... ... .. 8 points. Mr. J. W. Meredith refereed.

THE NEW ZEALAND TEAM. TWO TARANAKI MEN. Auckland, Last Night. The New Zealand team to tour Australia is as follows: Backs: P. Bell (Otago), J. Steele (West Coast), K. S. Svenson (Buller), P. Hickey (Taranaki), M. Nicholls, H,. Nicholls (Wellington), G. Dickinson (Otago), J. Fitzgerald (Marlborough), R. Malthewson (Otago), V. Badelly (Auckland), S. Biddells (Wellington). Forwards: S. Shearer (Wellington), W. P. Calclnai (Wellington), F. H. Masters (Taranaki), J. Richardson (Otago), M. Brownlee (Hawke's Bay), L. Cuppies (Bay of Plenty). A. Whyte (Southland), M. Bellis (Wanganui, captain), G. O. O'Brien (Auckland), F« Smyth (Canterbury), J. Donald (Wairarapa)» L. Peterson (Canterbury). Fea was unable » to make the trip.