MANIOTOTO FOOTBALL.

Otago Witness, Issue 1900, 3 July 1890, Page 28

MANIOTOTO FOOTBALL.

In the country districts more interest is this year being taken in tho game of football tban has ever been the case before. Clubs are being formed in almost every out-of-the-way little place up-country — the latest localities I hear named being Hyde and Sowburn, both in the couuty of Maniototo. In these two places they have excellent material, which only requires developing, and by next season they will no doubt be able to put very creditable teams in the field.

On Saturday last (28fch June) a team from Matakanui visited Naseby to try conclusions with the local Prospectors. As both clubs were formed last year it was anticipated that a close game would result, but it proved quite the opposite. Owing to an accident several of the visiting team were detained on the road, and it was 4 o'clock before a start was made. Directly the game started it was apparent the visitors could not hold their own ag/unst the local men, who scored after about a couple of minutes' play. The Matakanui representatives, although they played a very creditable uphill game, were overmatched in every point, and when time was called the score stood at 8 to 1, the visitors obtaining a try at the very last moment. The play of the Naseby men was an agreeable surprise to many of the spectators (who numbered about 200), their passing being a treat to witness. Indeed, one Dunedin gentleman well known in football circles, declared that the passing in the game would have done credit to any football field in Otago. At the conclusion of the game cheers were exchanged by the respective teams, and hearty cheers given for the tains (Boddington, Matakanui ; and M'Donsld, Naseby), umpires (Messrs Morris and Clements), and referee (Mr J. Milßon). The teams then fell in in double file and, preceded by the band (who played several selections during the day), marched upanddownthestreet. The visitors wi re afterwards entertained right royally at the Royal Hotel, and a thoroughly jolly evening was spent. They left for home the following morning, very well pleased with the hearty reception that had been accorded them. It is intended to play the return match at Tinkers within two or three weeks. The Prospectors will also shortly play Bweburn, and exprct a visit from the Palmerston players shortly, and I should not be at all surprised if they prove victorious on both occasions.