FOOTBALL Auckland v. Waikato.

Waikato Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 1906, 23 September 1884, Page 2

FOOTBALL Auckland v. Waikato.

The annual match between the above teams was played on Sydney Square, Hamilton, on Saturday last, and resulted in a win for Auckland by 10 points (two goals) to 2 points (1 try) and a disputed try which was not allowed, although undoubtedly a fair one. The townsmen were by far the better exponents of the game, and herein lay their strength. As for physique, the country team had all the bet,t of it, and towards the finish they showed up much better than during the first part of the game, while their opponents showed evident signs of fatigue. Waikato chose Irwin for captain and won the toss, Auckland kicking off, and for some time the ball was kept in the Waikato 25 until by a fine run Bannantyne carried the ball into the centre of the field. Scrummage followed scrummage, the Auckland men doing some tine dribbling. The ball being sent over the goal line was apparently at the mercy of Mallard, but one of the crowd hitting it sent it back to Mountford, and a most lucky try was obtained, which Ryan from a haid place kick at a difficult angle converted into an unmistakable goal, the kick being worthy of the Sydney lepresentative. Shortly afterwards O'Connor, from a good throw in by Orchard, got another touch, and Ryan was again to the fore and kicked a goal. Half-time was then called, and from ,thi? out Waikato had by far the best of the game. Bannantyne ran in neatly and touched down right behind the goal poats, but the kick at goal was a miserable attempt, and only two points were scored. Play was pretty equal for some time until after a line dribble Irwin carried the ball close up to the Auckland goal line, and Ryan getting hold of it. cried held just as Irwin git hold of him (Ryan), but Irwin thicw Ryan, and the latter losing the ball, Marshall smartly touched down for Waikato, but the ti y was not allowed by the Auckland nmpiie, as Ryan h.id cried " held," although losing the ball. This decision was upheld by the referee, although it seems a most extraordinary one. After this no scoio was made, and the play during the last few minutes \ was very lively indeed. Auckland sent some of their Kicks to play forward for a final rush, and they \ery nearly succeeded in getting as far as a m.uil-ni-tfoal, in which, however, Waikato beef told, and the danger was averted. The match was a very luud fought one throughout, and was won purely by a superior knowledge of the game, and the intimate acquaintance of the Auckland playeri with each others doing-) in the field. We may mention that four of the Sydney repiehentathes were in the team, viz., Caiter, O'Conner, Leckie, and Ryan.

11l the evening both teams snt down to .in excellent dinner at Bach's Royal Hotel. The fullest justice was done to the good f<ire spread on the table and the usual toasts on Mich occasion* weie duly proposed and honoured. The proceedings terminated at about !>.30 p.m. The visitors returned to Auckland yesterday, greatly pleased with their trip.