FOOTBALL.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XV, Issue 4566, 25 August 1893, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

[By Damocles.] Wanganw ut, Waiimpa. The long looked forward to repro» sentativo nmtcb between the teamaof the abovo Unions, was played on the Park Oval yeß'erday, resulting after a splendid exposition of the game, in a victory for Wairarapa by eleven points to nil. Tho afternoon being fine, a large crowd nf spectators wore present, taking great interest in the game, barracking impartially, and applaud' !ng any dashing individual play as much for ono side as th» other. Punctually at three o'clcck the visiting team was driven to t'tie ground, and on taking their position in the field were welcomed with applause by tin crowd assembled, Pearson's Private Band, after playing in the town, enlivened the proceedings beforo the match, wilh musical selections. An energetic Committee were present to keep the ground clear, and everyone present could see all the points of plav to considerable advantage. Air 0. A. Pownall acted as referee, and discharged his dutips with thorough satisfaction to all concerned, Messrs 11, Tully (Wanganui) and T, Thompson (Wairarapa) wero chosen lino umpires.

The ground was in very fair condition, alt'-uugh a pool of water near the half-way flag caused a deal of amusement to the spectators, but several times somewhat marred the progress of the game, Ab the teams took up their places in the field, it was noticeable that Wanganui was represented by a number of young players, fairly light but athletes all over. Their j colors, bine and black, looked extremely pretty, but were sometimes hard to distinguish from the opposition players, as the Wairarapa team was attired in black, The local forwards wore the heaviest, but the backs of both teams were - evenly balanced, Three of the Wairarapa men woro the colours of the New Zealand Union, black and silver fern leaf, Day was tho absentee from the local forwards, and the first omergenoy man not turning up, Astall was called into reauisition, The banner ot the Wairarapa Union was on the field of play, and was greatly admired by the ladies, of whom there was a great number present. The following are the names of the teamß as they were placed in position:

WANGANUI, Pumell, Lord, Blnir, Burr, Ferguson, Lord, Buchanan, Morton, Simms, Harrison, Craig, Blair, Elliott, Gray, McLean, wAntmrA. Wrigley, D'Arcy, Hudson, DeJoux, Hansen, Magnire, Gray, Watson, Udy, G. Welch, MoKillop, Iggulden, T. Welch, Morris, Astall, The game was an exceedingly interesting one to watoh, although it was seen from the start that Wairarapa had tho result in hand. The crowd were very impartial in their applause; and Wanganui had quite a number of friends, who cheered their favourites on to the best of their ability. This wasvory encouraging to the visitors, and Masterton enthusiasts have already gained a name for their unselfish admiration of individual play, and their treatment of strangers on a football fitld. A fairly stiff breezo blew down tho ground, and Wairarapa gaining this source of help in the first spell bad certainly the advantage, Wanganui kicked 08, and D'Arcy returning with a tremendous kick, the play was at once stationed in Wanganui territory. Try as they would, tho ball hung around the goal post as if it meant business, but the excellent defensive work of the visiting backs was clearly proved by keeping off the dashing onslaughts' of the Wairarapa forwards from reaohing the coveted line, Within the first five minutes Wanganui were several times forced, More 3 being very narrowly escaped. Purnoll was always m his place, and picking up cleanly, forced each time m fine etyle, The pretty ana correct passing of the Wairarapa backs, HanSon, Hudson and DeJoux in particular, the latter playor was several times within an ace of scoring, tho fine collaring of Burr and Lord, bowaver, each time coming to the rescue, Magnire and Hansen wore playing splendidly at half, tho quick passing out of the latter enabling our three-quarters to shine with considerable brilliancy. It was in thiß manner that tho first score was registered, tho ball travelling from Hansen to Hudson, then on to D'Aroy, tho latter player, quick as lightning,sending the leather over the bar with a beautiful kiok. Wairarapa four points, Wanganui nil. On resuming, Wanganui took up the agressive, and by rattling forward dribbling rushos, made affairs exceedingly lively for tho local backs, who, however, each time proved fully equal to the occasion. From a free kick for offside play, Purnell had a shot at gotl, but falling short, Wrigley had his first kick of the day, sending the leather well down into touoh. Wanganui's 25's were once more invaded, from the clover marks made by Han* sen, several places for goal were made, Wrigley, Udy and D'Aroy each trying their luck. The first spoil ended without, any further score, and the Wanganui barrackers were jubiliant that with the help of the breeze, their men would soon be able to pass the Wairarapa score. A few minutes spell and the teams changed places, Wanganui hoping to retaliate and Wairarapa prepared to defend. After the kick ont tbo play became a great ded more merry, both teams playing with determined skill, and some remarkably brilliant, play was shown and applauded, The passing of tbe Waharaiia backs was perfoct,'and the unselfish play of Hudson was freely oomnicnted upon, that player eaoh time sending the ! leather to hie follow backs' ip grand

style, A pretty piece of play between Da Joux and Hudson, a sorf of duet, resulted in the latter racing past the opposing baoki und scoring a well-earned try amidst ' great appiause. Udy was entrusted with •he kick, and brought the scoro, up to Wairarapa nine points, Wanganui nil. The visitora now went away with a will, and placed the Wairarapa goal in danger for considerable time. Their baults wero now straining every nerve to score, Bennett, Ferguson, Blair and Lord playing splendidly, and giving the local men no end of trouble. Another loose nub, in which T. Welch, Watson and Gray were tho leading light', again placed Wanganui on the defensive, and De Jotix taking a clever pass, dodged his oppononts and scored another, try for Wairarapa. D'Arcy failed in the kick, Wairarapa 11 points Wanganui nil, Soon after tliiiitbdwhisiln ended tne game, leaving Wairarapa the victorious team, Cheers wero heartily exchanged and the visitors werodriven hack to their hotel.

The Wairarapa forwards wero disappointing, and did not play with any combination. Each • man« seemed inclined to score, and played in a great measure lor himself. The backs, however, were just the reverse, and every man plnved splendidly. Wrigley had lililu io do, but that little was done well,'and bo faithfully earned his distinction. Tho threequarters wo-o all good, and with the grand passing of Hansen and Maguire they wore kept going from start to finish.

'l'lie Wanganui forwards certainly played a better combiuoJ game, than Wairarapa, and their loose scientific rushes were reelly noud. It would bo invidious to mention names, as every man worked hard for the reputation of tins team. In the backs, Buir, Blair, and Lord showed a lot of pace, and Purnell as full-back proved very safe. The halves Bennet and Fergusson had a lot to contend against in tho opposing heavy forwards, but played exceedingly well.

The Wanganui team left Masterton this afternoon; arid play Mana watu to-raoirow.

The following team has been talented to represent Ekctahuna in the finnl Bgninat Puhiatua, at Tutaekara, on Saturday next:-Full back, Usher; three-quarters, Skinner, F. Pelling, and Priest; halves, Morris and Atkinson; forwards—J, Anderson, Iggnlden, M. Priest, 0. Nichidson, W. Greenwood, M, Burke, 0. Griffith!', 4'. Dowsett, and H. Williams, Emergencies— Brady,W illinms, Hargraves, and J. Pelling.