FOOTBALL.

Northern Advocate, 30 September 1918, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

ACCIDENT BENEFIT MATCH

UNITED DEFEAT ATHLETIC

The match arranged between the cap winners^(Athletic) .and the ners-up (UmtedT'wasplayed at Kensington Park on Saturday afternoon, in the presence of a good attendance. The proceeds are to be devoted to the Union's accident fund. Feeling ran high between the supporters of the various teams, and a large amount of good-natured bar r tacking nfarked the progress of the game. Unfortunately Athletic were unable to place their best team in the field, at least two of their prominent backs (Harrison and Puriri) being absentees. The match resulted in a win for United by 20 points to 8, and on the day the Reds undoubtedly proved much the superior combination. Their forwards monopolised play, with the result that their backs were given every, opportunity, some very fine passing runs being shown. The keeping in position, backing up, and general handling of the ball by the Reds was really splendid, the work of the Blues comparing unfavourably with that of their opponents. At times, too, there was a disposition on the part of some of the Blue backs not to take the game very seriously, wellknow h players offending in this re-

speet. ,^. The first score came to United, an Athletic player being penalised on th-i 25 wide out, ancTMenzies kicked an excellent goal. Payne was soon afterwards awarded a try for the Reds, though he knocked out the corner flag in going over, In the change over L. Beehre put in a smart dash and finding the Blue hacks out of position scor<kl a good try. Just before half-time Steadman scored another try, though he krockei on badly across the line. At the : . erval United led by 12 to nil.

After the spell L. Weston kicked a fine penalty goad for United, bringing their tally to 15 to nil. Athletic then sparkled and Edmonds scored a splendid try, which George converted. Soon afterwards W. Lamb kicked a penalty goal and the scores were—United 15, Athletic 8. The game was continued after time had expired, and in the closing stages Steadman put on another try fot* United which Bee'hre converted.

The final scores were — United 20. Athletic 8 Mr S. Day was referee.