FOOTBALL MATCH.—AUCKLAND V. THAMES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume X, Issue 3696, 15 September 1873, Page 3

FOOTBALL MATCH.—AUCKLAND V. THAMES.

The first match of the Thames players came off on Saturday in the presence of a large assemblage, at Parawai, they having for their opponents, the Auckland Club. It was a bold stroke on the part of the Thames players to meet them, as they have played sufficiently latterly to be in splendid condition, which the Thames players rather lacked. It was anticipated that it would be a close and well-con-tested game, with the chances slightly in favor of tho visitors ; but after a short time it was evident that the teams were evenly pitted, neither of them quite so strong as usual, but still good teams. Their appearance in the field showed that the home team had tho advantage in physique, and the visitors agility and wind, tbe latter gained, no doubt, by constant praotice, which is essential to the success of a football player. During the first hour's play the game was very lively indeed, and numerous were the Bpills on both sides, yet each team were striving their utmost to score a goal, but without success, and it was apparent that it would be a fluke on either side if a goal were won. For two hours and a-half the game was well contested, and wheu time was called neither side had scored, therefore it was a drawn game. The rules in vogue were slightly different to those of last season, being played under what is known as the " Rugblian," and during the course of the game the respective captainß striotly and impartially carried them out. At the close of the match the visitors were entertained at dinner by the home club, and the usual toasts, joviality, &c., were indulged in. The strength of each team was ten men, those from Auckland comprising Dunuet (captain), Wakefield, Whitaker, Carter, Duder, Woon, Whitaker (two), Sharland, Crawford (umpire). Thames: Jones (captain), Swanson, Alston, Saunderson, Sherwell, Mowbray, Abrams, O'Neil, Schofield,Bull, andDonovan (umpire).