FOOTBALL.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9585, 3 September 1909, Page 5

FOOTBALL.

TARANAKI DEFEATS AUCKLAND.

By Telegraph—Press Association. NEW PLYMOUTH. Sept. 2. The finest football struggle seen here this year, and one of the finest games yet played between Auckland and Taranaki Rugby teams took place this afternoon. A strong southerly wind had dried the ground, which on the previous day looked almost in an impossible state. Each province were represented by its strongest combinations. Ti'.ranski won by six' points (two unconverted tries scored by Cameron) to three points (a penalty goal kicked by Frawcis). I , The better team won on the day's i pl*ay, Taranaki's superiority lying in Che back division, whilst the forji wards were very evenly matched, the ' Auckland vanguard being superior in the ball. The Auckland [backs were very sound in defence, But their attack was not as strong as their opponents. The local team, although altered in personnel but slightly, Was almost unrecognisable as the team which played Wanganui last week. Had they been able too get the ball clear from the scrum Taranaki must have won by more. Cameron's first try was the culmin-, ating point of a movement initiated in his own twenty-five by Mynott, most of the barks handling the ball. The points were even at half time.

In the second half Cameron's score again emanated from Mynott, who had a chance to score near the posts, but unselfishly sent the ball out to Sheehan and Cameron. The kicking on the whole was poor, Sullivan, of the Taranaki team, and formerly of the All Blacks combination, strained himself severely, and it is unlikely that he will w take the field again.

The following is the Masterton lll.'team to play Polhill 111. at Newtown Park, Wellington, on Saturday next:—Yates. Pauling, Fly, Deane. Fisher, Carmine, Simonson (2), Morris, Harris, Johns, McHattie, Murm, Hanley, Billington. Any of the above who cannot make the trip are requested to notiry the captain, A. Paulimr.