THE TWENTY-SIXTH MATCH—v. NORTH OF IRELAND.

Press, Volume XLVI, Issue 7263, 24 January 1889, Page 6

THE TWENTY-SIXTH MATCH—v. NORTH OF IRELAND.

This, the third and final engagement cf the Maoris in Ireland, was played on December stb, on the Ormeau-road Ground, at Belfast, and resulted in another success for the Colonists. The weather was fine, though the ground was very soft, but the company was disappointing, 1500 being a liberal estimate of the attendance. McCausland and Madigau were absent from the visiting ranks. The first half was all in favor of the Irishmen, but they only scored two minors to nil. In the second portion of the game the New Zealanders had the best of the play, Gage and Wynyard both scoring tries, but during the last ten minutes the Hibernians kept the struggle almost exclusively in the visitors' territory, and the score at the finish read—New Zealanders two tries and two minors, North of Ireland two minors. Sides: —

New Zealanders—W. Warbrick (back). Gage, Goldsmith (Taare), and F. Warbrick (three-quarter backs), Keogh, Ellison, and W. Wynyard (hall, backs! Webster, G. Wynyard, W. Karauria, Maynard, Williams, Elliott, Stuart, and Anderson (forwards).

North of Ireland—Holmes (back), Woods, Pedlow, Liddell, Purdon, Stevenson, Ekin, Moffatt, Neill, Johnston, Andrews, Bristow, Moreland, and A. N. Other.

Umpires—Messrs J. Warbrick and Dr. Taylor. Referee—Mr J. Pirie.

Results of matches to date—Won, 17; lost, 7; drawn, 2; total, 26.