THE LATEST.

Auckland Star, Volume XIX, Issue 100, 28 April 1888, Page 5 (Supplement)

THE LATEST.

RESULT OF FIRST SPELL.

OTAGO, THREE POINTS ; ENGLAND,

ONE POINT.

Dunedin, 3.30 p.m. Perfect weather, prevailed fox. the football match, Otago v.. England. The attendance was enormous, being the largest ever seen at a football match in this province. The Englishmen averaged 12st 41b ; Otago, 12st lib. Dr Smith umpired for England, and Milne for Otago. Danks was referee. Otago won the tosa, and play commenced at 2.45 sharp. The English Captain kicked ofl, but. Lynch failed to take the ball,. and the visitors following up the play, centered in Otago's quarter. Simpson (emergency) relieved his side, but kicked rather hard. Bumby got the ball and passed to Anderson who made a good run but was brought to earth by Lynch, and Thompson gains the plaudits of the crowd for good punt. The visitors' passing was excellent, but Otago was collaring in good style, and play remained in neutral territory. Noel now gave a taste of his quality, but his advantage was immediately nullified by fine play on the part of Eagles, who invaded Otago territory. The ball went out of touch just on the Otago line, hut brilliant following up on the part of Lynch and McFarlane and a servicible punt on Thompson's part changed the aspect of affairs. Bumby dribbled into neutral territory. After half-an-hour's play, Morrison potted a goal for Otago. Kent got over the line, but Anderton failed to kick an easy goal. The visitors' backs passed beautifully, but the forwards seemed to tire. Their kicking is their weak point. The score at the end of the first spell was —England, 1 point; Otago, 3.