NELSON V. WELLINGTON

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 55, 14 September 1928, Page 7

NELSON V. WELLINGTON

Nelson, who meet Wellington in a .Rugby match at Wellington to-morrow, were Wellington's first rivals in interprovincial football. The first game was played at Nelson in 1870, when Nelson won by two goals to one goal. In the following year at Wellington the tables were turned, the local representatives winning by 4 goals and 2 tries to nil. In 1872 at Nelson, the home team again ivon, whilst the games in 1873 and 1875 were drawn. Since"lß76 the province have played ten games, all being won by Wellington. Of the fifteen games played Wellington have won eleven, Nelson two, and two have been drawn. It is nearly thirty years since a Nelson senior fifteen last appeared in Wellington, the last match here being played in 1899 when Wellington won by 14 points to 3. Nelson's present visit is therefore overdue, and the visitors are assured of a warm welcome from the Wellington public. Nelson have now held the Seddon Shield for three seasons, and have this season stayed off nine challenges, although in their return match with Marlborough, played a fortnight ago, they had a close call, the game ending in a .draw, 10 points all. The match with Golden BayMotueka, played last Saturday, was also a close one, Nelson winning by 3 points to nil. The Nelson representatives have put up an excellent performance this season and have played spectacular football. The Wellington pack will be a strong one, including Jessup, Coulstou, Blacker, O'Regan, and Edgar, who were unable to get away on the Southern tour. An invitation has' been extended to Squadron Leader Kingsford Smith and party to be present at the match, and a reply has been received intimating that they hope to be present at the Park.