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Thames Star, Volume XIV, Issue 4575, 3 September 1883, Page 2

What was looked upon as " the match of the trip" by the A'ucklanders took place on. Saturday in Dunedin. So certain of success were the southerners and their friends that betting oa theOtago team was 3 to 2, anil their previous performances and form warranted it. The Dunedinites as a rule ara an easy going lot of players, and are content to win a match without inflicting a heavy defeat on their opponents, and in this contest they apparently,held the opposite side " too cheap." Considerable interest was taken in the match, between 7GOO and 8000. people being on the ground. The game was played in two spells of three quarters of an hour each, and the toss being won by the Dunedin captain, the ball was kicked off promptly, and vigorous play commenced. Shortly after opening a good scrimmage occurred. Whiteside got the ball, and by a splendid run got it almost over the Dunedia Hue, but Braddon, the

back, proved too much ft him. and the leather was sent aGald for further contention. The Srst- spell produced no score, and the play was rather in favor of Auckland, but in the second term the Southerners found out tfje strength of their opponents, and made the play more even, keeping the ball weli up towards the Auckland goal. The strongest point of the Auckland game was their loose scrimmaging, and heeling out, their backs proviDg thoroughly reliable. Whenever the ball was in close quarters Whitoside particularly, but the backs generally, changed the scene of operation by their brilliant runs. Connor seized the leather and ran almost into the enemy's quarters with it, but the Dunedin men by a series of combined efforts workjed it up to the Auckland end, and it was brought over the line. Dunedin claimed a touch down, and the Southern mepire granted it, but upon appeal the .Referee, Mr of, Auckland, disallowed it. There wereonly two force-downs to each side. The visiting team were entertained at dinner in the evening.