FOOTBALL.—NEW ZEALAND v. WORLD.

Auckland Star, Volume IX, Issue 2607, 26 August 1878, Page 3

FOOTBALL.—NEW ZEALAND v. WORLD.

This match was played on Saturday on the Metropolitan ground, and again, for the third time, resulted in a draw. Very strong teams shewed up, and the spectators had as good a match for their money as they could desire. . Henderson won the toss, and elected to kick up hill, so Bindon kicked off for the World, and for the first five minutes New Zealand had to do all they knew to prevent the -'Olio podrida" from scoring; however, the boys were all there, and Mita, by an excellent run, ending with a good drop, took tne ball well back to the World's quarters. Scrimmages were frequent and well packed,, and the first halfhour closed with the ball in mid-field. Leopold lacked oft' for the N.Z.s, and the play was very good all round, each man playing an unselfish game. Martin distinguished, himself in fast runs, but was well collared each time by Davy and Carter,

tiie play of Mercer three-quarters back for the World, and T. Macky whole back for the natives, being conspicuous by its excellence. Williams, who made his debut in this match was, though a New Zealander, playing back for the World, they being a man short, and his kicking was very true, indeed he relieved his goal from danger at several ticklish.moments. The second halfhour ended when the ball was well towards the Colonial goal. The balance of the time was divided into two quarter hours, so both sides strove their utmost to score in the short time left to them, and the forward play of both was a picture; while Mita, Henderson, Coster, and J Macky, Colonials; and Bindon, Mercer, Martin, and Coleman, World, were conspicuous. The last quarter-hour and no score made the New Zealanders play up, and having the hill in their favour " play up" they did with a vengeance. On three separate occasions was the ball forced almost on to the World's touch line, wi.ere nothing but the desperate play of Mercer, Recce, and Arneil prevented the "boys" getting a touchdown. Throughout the match Arniel's pl_-y, especially his dribbling, was the admiration of all onlookers, and if he doesn't get conceited and selfish, through our praise, he will be oue of our best men in a year or two, when he gets weight. The play was made even during the last ten minutes, and "no side" was called, leaving the ball about mid-field. As it is too soft yet for cricket, it would not be a bad idea for the same sides to arrange a match for next Saturday, when one side or other might score, and so settle the point of supremacy. Messrs A. E. Whitakcr, for the World, and E. N. R. Forder, for the Colonials, were umpires, and their chief duty seemed to be keeping the field clear of small boys, who have been the whole season an unmitigated nuisance, by encroaching" on the ground.