FOOTBALL.

Evening Post, Volume LIV, Issue 43, 19 August 1897, Page 2

FOOTBALL.

« AUCKLAND GIVES TAEANAKI A HOLLOW BEATING. [by telegbaph— pbess association.] New PLTMOtrrH, 18th August. The football match Auckland v. Taranaki was played in excellent weather, and the Aucklanders beat last year's champions by 23 points to 8. The play of the Northerners was perfect, both forwards and backs showing great combination. The forwards always held the scrums, thus placing the Taranaki back? at a serious disadvantage, while the Northern backs, thanks in a great measure to Braund, played like clockwork. In the loose, as well as in the pack, the local men were beaten — in fact, they were outclassed in all departments. Smith, Harrison, Braund, and Absolum showed excellent form, while Murray, Speight, and Wilson were the most prominent forwards. On the Taranaki side O'Dowda, Wells, Hawkin, and Prior amongst the forwards did good work, but Bayly was the only back who played up to representative form. In the first spell, after the kick-off Taranaki invaded Auckland territory, and after a fierce attack Eyan got over, but the try was disallowed, and a free kick was awarded to Auckland. Shortly afterwards Auckland was' forced down, but play continued to be of an even nature until from a passing run Harrison secured the leather and got in. When half-time was called the play was in midfield. In this spell Auckland also secured a penalty goal, kicked by Absolum. Auckland, 6 ;' Taranaki, 0. Almost from the kick-off in the second half Auckland made the game decidedly willing, and the spectators were treated to one of the best exhibitions of passing seen on the Taranaki ground. After the first five minutes Taranaki became hopelessly demoralised, and although occasionally there was some fine individual play there was no semblance of combination. The Aucklanders seemed to improve as time went on, and the passing of their backs and excellent scrum and line work of the forwards absolutely paralysed the Taranaki men. No less than five tries were registered for Auckland, and they very nearly scored on other occasions. Smith made several bold bids and was successful twice. Speight secured a neat try, and Absolum and Harrison also scored. At tiie finish the Aucklanders seemed almost able to score when they liked, and when the whistle sounded they were the victors by 23 to 3. Braund captained the visitors, and Bayly the home team. The Aucklanders left for the South shortly after the match. The result of this match emphasises what a strong team Auckland has this season. Its victories over the New Zealand team and the champion district of the eoldny indicate that Wellington will have a hard nut to crack on Saturday. The previous matches played between the provinces resulted as follows : — 1887— At Auckland, Taranaki won by 1 point to nil. 1889— At New Plymouth, Auckland' won, 6 pointy to nil. 1890 — At Auckland, Auckland won, 8 points to nil. 1891 — AtHawera, drawn. 3 points each. 1892 — At Auckland, Auckland won, 6 points to 4. l <-1893— At New Plymouth, Auckland won, 4 points to 2. ' 1894— At Auckland, Taranaki won, 14 points to nil. 1896 — At New Plymouth, drawn, no score. , 1896— At Auckland, Taranaki won, 16 points to nil. Synopsis.— Played 9 matches ; Auckland won 4, lost 3, drawn 2 ; scoring 26 points as against Taranaki's 40. AUCKLAND v. WELLINGTON. His Excellency the Governor and suite have intimated their intention of being present at the match between the representative players of Auckland and Wellington on Saturday afternoon at the Athletio Park. Special proyision will be made for the accommodation of the Viceregal party, who will be received on arrival at the Park by the President of the Wellington Eugby Union and the other officials of the New Zealand and local Eugby Unions. The Aucklanders left Hawera this morning, and will arrive in town by this evening's train. The officers of the Wellington Union will receive them at the station, and the visitors will be driven to the Empire Hotel. On Saturday evening both the Auckland and Wellington teams will be the guests of the Wellington Eugby Union at the performance of " A Woman of No Importaneo" at the Opera House, and on Sunday the Northerners will be driven out to Boss's

Gardens, Lower Hutt, and entertained at dinner. The game will commence punctually at 3 p.m. The teams, preceded by Jupp's Band, will leave the Empire Hotel at 2.15 p.m. At the meeting of the local union last night, it was resolved that any member of the team who does not appear in the correct, uniform — black jersey, knickers, black socks or stockings — will not be allowed to play. The team is requested to meet at the Athletic Club's Gymnasium at 7 o'clock this evening. Young, of Wellington, will be able to play. A place is to be assigned to him in the front rank. It is now explained, on behalf of the Selection Committee, that all it intends to do towards controlling the game is to make suggestions, if necessary, to flic captain between the spells. In this, of course, there will be great advantage, and the committee is to be commended for having yielded to the ridicule universally cast upon its original intentions, and abandoned the notion of directing the. captain while the game was progressing. "WELLINGTON RUGBY UNION. The Management Committee of the Rugby Union, at its meeting last night, granted permission to the Wellington College team to play its annual tournament matohes with Wanganui Collegiate School and Christ's College. It was decided to defer consideration of the rep. programme for a speoial meeting this evening, the Taranaki Union to be asked definitely in the meantime whether it intends to visit Wellington or not. A donation of £1 Is was voted to the Wellington Public School Union. The Committee declined to accede to the application of the Star Club (New Plymouth) for an allowance of the gate money if it played a match against Melrose. Lord Ranfurly has consented to become patron of the Few Zealand Rugby Football Union. _