FOOTBALL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9083, 18 June 1888, Page 11

FOOTBALL.

ENGLAND V. AUCKLAND.

WON BY AUCKLAND. On Thursday, May 24, the return match between the English footballers and the chosen fifteen of Auckland was fought out at Potter's field, Epsom, and after a determined struggle resulted in a victory for the local men by four points (one goal and one try) to nil. The weather, which proved so unfavourable on the occasion of the first match, was bright and clear during the forenoon, and continuing so till about three o'clock, caused the attendance of spectators to bo double that which witnessed Saturday's game, which resulted in a victory for the Englishmen. Half-an-hour after the game began, however, a cold heavy shower fell, which had the double effect of inconveniencing the onlookers, and of rendering the ' ball greasy and the ground somewhat slippery. The grandstand was filled to its utmost extent, the staircases and enclosure ', being crowded to excess, while on all sides the field of play was bounded by a quadruple line of persons of all ages and both \ eexes, and the high fence enclosing the round afforded a perch for hundreds of boys despite the fact that a strand of barbed wire ran along the top. At a moderate estimate the total attendance may be put down at 8000 people. The teams were the same as those who opposed one another on Saturday, except that in the English fifteen, Thomas played forward instead of Laing, whilst in the Auckland ranks, Whiteside's place at threequarter was filled by T. Brown. The officials of the game were : —Dr. Brooks, umpire for the English team; Mr. J. Arneil, umpire for Auckland; Mr. T. Mncky, referee. The Englishmen won the toss, and elected to kick from the western end of the ground, having a slight wind in their favour, while the sun was in the faces of the local men. The ball was kicked off by O'Connor, and after a well-played game, it terminated in a victory for the Auckland team by four points to nothing. The ground was immediately rushed by the spectators who loudly proclaimed their gratification at the result of the game, and every member of tho Auckland team was heartily congratulated, while Madigan for his splendid consistent play was carried •houlder-high to the pavilion. It afterwards transpired that Madigan played for fully fifty minutes in the match with conspicuous brilliance after he had his collarbone broken, and it is intended to present him with a testimonial in recognition of his pluck.