FOOTBALL MATCH ENGLAND V. AUCKLAND.

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2477, 26 May 1888, Page 2

FOOTBALL MATCH ENGLAND V. AUCKLAND.

[HY 01'R OWN REPORTER,]

The return match between those two teams was played at Potter's field on Thursday afternoon in the presence nf about 10,000 people, the whole ground being lined six to eight deep, and the stand crowded. The procession of footballers, headed by the Artillery Band, reached the ground about 2.15, and at 2.30 the teams liled out from tho pavilion, being greeted by loud cheering by the assemblage. The only difference in the teams from those which played on Saturday was that Thomas played for England instead of Laing, and Brown filled Whiteside's place, the tatter's knee being too bad for him to play. Dr. Brook umpired for England, and Mr J. Arneil filled the like post for Auckland, while Mr Thomas Macky was referee. Snddon having won tho toss decided to defend the western goal, thus taking advantage of the wind ami giving Auckland the sun in their eyes. O'Connor kicked off for Auckland, and from tho return the ball was kept on the Auckland side of halfway for some time, until O'Connor by a good rush relieved his side, being backed up by Madigan, who took the ball inside the English 25 was well stopped by Anderton, the ball was kept well on England's side of the halfway, McCausland and Braund doing good work by well judged punts into touch. From a light scrum inside England's 25 Elliott secured the ball and running clean round the English backs touched down right between tho posts, thus scoring " first blood " for Auckland amid great applause. McCausland took the kick at goal which was a very easy one, but failed to add to the score, the ball hitting the cross bar. Auckland, 1; England, nil. From tho kick off the ball went into Auckland's touch-in-goal, anil from the kick out Wells and Twainame rushed the leather inside England's 25, but Anderton saved his side by punting into touch. For some little time now the ball was kept well into the centre of the ground, until a fast follow-up by the Englishmen, headed by Seddon and Thomas, compelled Lusk to force down. After the kick out the ball was kept in Auckland's 25 until Madigan, by a good run, carried the ball to the half-way Hag, " and a good rush by tho Auckland forwards carried the ball over the Knglish line, and a score looked certain, but Paul saved his side by kicking over tho heads of tho spectators, and the ball became dead. From the kick out the ball hovered for some time near England's 25, until a combined rush by the Englishmen removed it to Auckland's territory, where it remained till time was called. After the kick off the backs treated the spectators to a little " gallery play," which Spcakmau stopped by a dodgy run and punt into touch at the centre flag. The Knglish forwards got a good rush on from the throw in, which McCausland stopped by a high punt, and a goon rush by O'Connor and Conway took the ball inside England's 25, when the ball went into touch. From the throw in Hobson got the ball, and running a short distance, potted an undeniable goal amid the greatest excitement. Auckland •1, England nil. The play now went up and down the ground for some minutes, the forwards on both sides doing good work, uutil O'Connor rushed the leather into touch at tri colour's 25. From the throw in Conway again punted into touch, and then Mathers headed a good rush, which was neutralised by Conway punting into touch. The fast work of tho English forwards had rather baked them, but just before call of time they rushed the ball to Auckland's sido of halfway, where it was when time was called. The back play of McCausland, Elliott and Madigan was cheered frequently, while McKenzie, Hobson, Wolls and Marshall shone among the forwards. For England, Penketb, Magics and Seddon played a fine forward game, while Speakman, Anderton and Nolan wero especially conspicuous. On arriving' in Auckland both teams were loudly cheered, while the Auckland reps, were seined and congratulated by their partisans.