FOOTBALL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XII, Issue 4298, 23 August 1875, Page 2

FOOTBALL.

AUCKLAND V. GRAFTOX. The return match between these two elubs was played on Saturday afternoon, on the Metropolitan grouud. The preceding days were vory wet, and consequently the ground was extremely heavy. The day itself was a miserable one for football, a high wind blowing throughont the game. The Grafton team all turned up, ana Auckland all but one, notwithstanding the weather. The toss was won by Auckland, and their captain elected to kick down-hill first. This was a mistake, as it gave his opponents the last hour downhilL The junior club looked very light in comparison to their opponents, but appeared to take a good deal before being beaten. However, the ball started gaily, Grafton maintaining a strong defence; Auckland rather apathetic. The tlrst half hour was interrupted by a heavy shower, which did not improve the footting. Shortly after Auckland faced the hill, and the Grafton made some desperate " tries" from " free kicks," but could not do anything. During this half Aucklaud forced the ball past the up-hill goal by a piece of vigorous play. Ends were again changed, and still no advantage had been gained. Auckland now playing hard, a touch was secured by Hedley, after a vigorous struggle with a big North Shore man. Nothing came of this, and the struggle wa3 renewed. For the last ten minutes of this half some splendid " scrimmages" took place three or four yards from the Grafton goal, both teams working hard, but eventually Grafton got it away, and immediately time was called. The last half was commenced, blue and white fronting the rise. When about half-way through the spell, Hedley made a splendid run, ending with a kick well across, when Ellis kicked again, and followed up, finishing with a touch, well got, but in a very bad place. The ball was brought out for a " try*" but wind and position were both against the kick, and Woon failed to score a goaL Time was shortly after called, and the game was declared drawn, in favour of Auckland by two touches. FOBWAXD.