FOOTBALL.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXV, Issue 184, 3 August 1904, Page 6

FOOTBALL.

WELI/tXeTOX DEFEATS HAWKKS BAY.

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

NAPIER, Tuesday.

The Wellington v. Hawke's Bay football match was played on the Recreation liiouud to-day. The weather was line, aud the attendance was the largest that has been seen on the ground for some time. The visitors had the advantage in weight, their average being: Forwards, 13.4; backs, 11.12; while Hawke's Bays average was: Forwards, 12.10; backs, 11.7. The fol.owing were the respective teams: —■

Wellington: Fullback, G. Spencer; three-quarters, A. iluintyre, J. Baiber, J. Scott-Wilson; five-eighths, D. S. Gray, W. Wallace (captain); half. F. Robert's; wing forward, W. Hardman, V.C.; forwards, E. Watkins, D. Gilenrist, J. Caluau, U. Wright, T. Cross, J. Sweeney, E. Best.

Hawke's Bay: Fullback, L. G. Tuke: three-quarters, H. Eishop, F. McVay, V TwohiU; five-eighths. D. Johnson. G. " Bogle; half. ."5. Tomiiiison; wing forA. Fraser; forwards, R. Heath. M Carthy, G. Wi.-lis, A. Carlson, J. liv. . J. Petersen, E. Tyne (captiin).

The game was fast almost from the start, and give and take play followed for some time, when Tomlinson marked, and llcVay had a shot at goal, tlie ball going just outside the posts. The visitors being forced, Hawke s Bay attacked strongly, and after some exciting play a kick by Kishop resulted In the visitois being again forced. Shortly afterwards the local team got a free kick for off-side play, and a capital shot by HeV'ay sent the ball Just outside the posts, We.lington again being forced. The visitors now became strongly aggressive, and repeatedly placed the local line in jeopardy by fast rushes, but the Hawke's Bay defence was good, though on two or three occasions they were foiced down. Shortly "before the end of the first spmi Roberts smothered n kick by Tomlinson near the Hawke's Bay territory, and possession oC the ball lie ran in unopposed. Wallace failed to convert. When half time was ca.led the score stood: Wellington 3, Hawke's Bay nil.

In the second spell Hawke's Bay again started the attack, but tho visitors repulsed, and carried the oval back fast. Hardham got the ball ln the ruck when appaiently off-side, and passed to Watkins. The latter scored between the posts, Wallace registering the major points. Hawke's Bay rallied for a time, but the combination of the visitors was too good, and alter some fine play Mclntyre crossed the Hawke's Bay line, "but Wallace failed to convert. From this out the game was decided y in favour of Wellington, and their passing rushes somewhat demoralised the Hawke's Bay backs. Sliortly befoie time was called Mclntyre again got possession of the ball, and passed to Wallace uear the line. The Wellington captain ran in, . and scored between the posts, and taking the kick himself, added the major points. The game ended In favour of Wellington by 16 points to nil. Undoubtedly the best team won, and the visitors were superior both In tiie back division .and amongst the forwards. They are undoubtedly a fast and clever team, nnd their combination is excellent. They leave by train to-morrow for Auckland, where they play on Saturday.