MAORI TEAM V. AUCKLAND.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXIV, Issue 145, 9 July 1888, Page 3

MAORI TEAM V. AUCKLAND.

UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Auckland', July 7. A -football match between the Auckland representatives and the Native team which is about to visit England was played today at the Tramway Company's ground, Epsom. The weather was fine, but cold. About 4000 people were present. The teams -were as follows : — Visitors — Fullback :D. Gage. Three-quarter backs : J. 'A. Warbrick (captain), W. Wynward, and W. Warbrick. Half-backs : Ihiinara and F. Warbrick. Forwards : G. Williams, A. Webster, A. Warbrick, W. ■ Karawai, A. Maynard, G. Wynward, P. Ellison, Tare and K. Tairoa. Aucklanders— Full-back : T. Brown. Three-quarter backs : E. Masefield, M'Causland and Madigan. Halfbacks : Elliott, E. T. O'Connor (captain), J. Leckie, E. Crowe, Hobson, H. Poland, M'Kenzie, Marshall and Wills. The natives won the toss, and elected to defend the western goal, playing with the wind, and having the sun behind them. Fast play at once commenced, and J. Warbrick securing the ball from a run by Ihiinara made a grand rush down the line, but just as- he was about to score he was thrown into touch by Brown. From a piece of good play, il&ephenson ran over the line, gaining first try for Auckland,, within ten minutes of the game starting. The Maoris, especially Ihiinara, made good resistance during the first spell, but the Auckland men showed much- more scientific play, and, driving their opponents before them by a combined rush, secured another try before time was called. The kick at goal was again unsuccessful. In the second spell the Natives, who played with the sun m their eyes, did not show much form, their collaring being bad, but they were at a disadvantage m having lost the services of J. Warbrack, who had to retire from the field having broken one of the small bones of his ankle* Three tries from two of which goals were obtained, were gained by Auckland m the second spell ; the game ending m their favor by nine points to nothing. The match was uninteresting m the last quarter of an hour, as tho Aucklanders played listlessly and the Natives made a fair show but could not score, The Maori team seemed especially weak m collaring and passing. J. Warbrick will not be able to play for some time.