ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 2993, 18 September 1908, Page 7

ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL.

HjIASTERTON V. WELLINGTON.

A match was played on the Showgrounds yesterday afternoon before a * igond attendance of the public, Joe•tween the Masterton and Wellington representative Aasociation teams. 'The ground was in ialr order, but was on tbe heavy ..aide. The van cold and towards the close of play rain to (alt The following veie the teams .oMaaterton (green and black). —GoalIkeeper, J. Elder; backs, Lawrence 4it:d Smith; half-backs, Bodle, Robertson (captain), T. Elder; forwards, Glen, Holmes, McDougall, Sheppard and Nixon. Wellington (yellow and black). — Goal-keeper, McLean; backs, Guise and Wilson; half backs, Hollar,d, Pye-Smith (captain), Hatcher; forwards, McLean, Taylor, Davidson, IMacklir, Holland. * Masterton lost the toss, and played •>-»• ;against a strong wind. The local ■team immediately attacked, and some •clever work by Robertson, Smith, «Glen and Sh&ppard was rendered re -.jinlt'ess by the solid defence of the 'Wellington back division. Mastertcn continued to attack, but their shooting was entitle, and several excellent -chances to score were lost. Play hovAd in the visitors' territory for Ifom'e time, and then the "Wellington forwards by good passing swept down to the home team's goal, but Smith saved the situation with a kick that jernoved play to the centre. David on and Taylor carried play back again to the Masterton goal, but Smith was * again whch in evidence, and by nuans of clever footwork nullified the efforts of the visitois' forward division. Masterton were showing better footwork than Wellington, and play was up and down the field for some time. Each tt-am had its turn at defending, the back division on each side beinir equal to the demand < made upon it. Wellington forwards - repeatedly broke away and swept down the field, but .a Wairarapa back would neatly intercept the ball and play would be re- : moved to th"2 other end of the field. : Shortly befone the close of the spell Wellington were awarded a free kick owing to an infringement of the rules by Masterton, and Pye-Smith kicked . a goal. The sp«U ended— Wellington ..." 1 goal Masterton ... nil Masterton opened the second spell ,by attacking strongly, but their snootine was not of the best, 'and good chances to score were lost. Though Masterton rtpeatedly stoimed the visitors' gual the defence if the back division of Wellington /wa3 equal to the occasion. Masterton were now having the best of the game, and kept Wellington busy defending. Eventually Wilson wjth x a, fine kick removed play to the home team's t territory, and tat* Wellington forwards swarmed round tha ball a score seemed imminent, but Smith once again saved his side with a timely "header." Honours were even for some time until the visitors broke away, and before Masterton had realised what had happened Macklin had I shot the ball between the posts. Front) this on to the call of time Masterton made strenuous efforts to . f&M*, Smith, Robertson, T. Elder, bJmaes and Lawrence at various tiures being noticeable for good work. Wellington's defence was too sound, and the vyhistle sounded time with „ the scores • Wellington ... 2 goals Masterton ... nil. Mr A. Newson, of Wellington, was referee, and Messrs Parser (Masterton) and Dalziell (Wellington) were the line umpires.