FOOTBALL. HAWKES BAY v. OTAGO.

Evening Post, Volume LII, Issue 94, 11 September 1896, Page 6

FOOTBALL. HAWKES BAY v. OTAGO.

[BY TELEGE-VPH. — PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Napiee, 10th September. The match between Otago and Hawkes Bay, played to-day in perfect weather, ■was won by Otago by 18 points to 8. Speight and Kelly touched down for Hawkes Bay, and Wilson converted one of the tries. The visitors, who up to the time of Hawkes Bay's second try had been having the worst of the play, pulled themselves together, and thenceforward the local men never had a chance, the scores being equalised before the end of the first spell through the exertions of Given and Mason, the former scoring a try, which the latter converted, besides kicking a goal from a free kick. In the second spell, after an exchange of kicks between the backs, Otago got a mark, Priest putting the ball over the bar, but it was touched and was disallowed. From a line out M'Laren and Beadle carried the ball down the field, which, being succeeded by concerted play with Stewfcrtand Priest, gave the latter an opening, and he scored between the posts. Mason kicked a goal.' Otago, 13 ; Ilawkes Bay, 8. Fast and loo*e play succeeded, and soon after Priest again scored, and, taking the kick himself, increased Otago's score to 18 points. Stephenson made a. good run, but was collared by Caldwell, who, with Tutere, shortly after saved a dangerous rush by Duncan, Farquharson, and M'Laren. The relief was only momentary, as Priest and Mason put in excellent work, which gave Wood an opening, ■which he availed himself of hy potting a goal. Loose play followed, the short, sharp passing rushes of the visitors being in great contrast to the somewhat selfish play of one or two of the local backs. Armit obtained the last try, but Mason failed with tho kick. The game was played in the best spirit, and was devoid of roughness. The visitors left by the Tasmania for Wellington at 6 o'clock.