FOOTBALL

Evening Star, Issue 10399, 21 August 1897, Page 3 (Supplement)

FOOTBALL

The Wellington Rngby Union have arranged the following programme of matches; —Against Wairarapa, August 28; Taranaki, September 1; Hawke’s Bay, September 4; Canterbury, September 11; Southland, September 15; and Otago, September 18. It is understood, however, that there is a difference of opinion aboub going further south than Christchurch, and that the decision is likely to be reversed. The weather has broken, and now promises to be fine for-the match between Auckland and Wellington this afternoon. The Auckland team will be as fellows : Full-back, Masefield ; three-quarter-backs— Absolum, Smith, Harrison ; half-backs— Riley, Brannd (captain), Brady ; forwards— Murray, Daoro, Gillett, Pitt, Wilson, Gallagher, Anderson, Speight. The average weight of thi backs is II 7, and of the forwards 13 7. The visitors have an advantage in weight over the Wellington team, whose average weight is for the backs a little over 110, and for the forwards 13.0.

An Auckland telegram says that Mr G. H. Dixon, secretary of the Auckland Rugby Union, received invitations from several of the other unions, including Otago, for the Auckland team to visit them. The Aucklanders, however, will be unable to visit the South Island this year. Mr A; E. White has been selected to fill the vacancy on the Selection Committee of the Canterbury Rugby Union caused by the resignation of Mr W. G. Gerard.