FOOTBALL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 9604, 31 August 1894, Page 6

FOOTBALL.

WELLINGTON V. THAMES. VICTORY FOR THE VISITORS. AN EVEN GAME. f*BOM OtTR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] Thames, Thursday. The weather this afternoon was moat unfavourable for the football contest Thames v. Wellington, heavy rain having fallen during the morning and throughout the greater part of the game. The ground was therefor* in a very sloppy condition, and militated against anything like a brilliant exposition of the game. A large number of spectators, however, watched the game, which resulted in a victory for Wellington by 5 points to 3. The visitors won the toss, and elected to defend the eastern goal, and having thereby a slight advantage of the wind. Wynyard captained the visitors, and J. McGregor the local team, whilst Mr. Edmonds performed the duties of referee with great satisfaction to both sides. Messrs. Christie (Thames) and Grant (Wellington) acted as line umpires. The utmost good feeling prevailed throughout, and both sides were frequently applauded for their good play. The following were the teams :— W ELLINGTON (black).—Fullback, Davidson; threequarters, Hales, Wynyard, Duncan halves, Bennett, Pudney; forwards, Campbell, Swindley, Poland, Young, Mnyber, Bishop, Jack ; wings, McKenzie, and Kelly. Thames (black and blue). — Fullback, Hawk; thrscquarters, J. McGregor, R. McGregor, Cootes; halves, \V. McGregor, Wilson, Paull; forwards, Stewart, Burke, Brownlee, Twohill, Mullins, McMahon, Billings, and Johnston. THE PLAY. Stewart set the ball in motion, Davison returning. Play for a short time centred in midfiold, when Mullins and Billings started a rush, and carried the oval to the Wellington's line, and after a little interesting play Wellington were forced. Wynyard kicked off, Paull returning. A scrum then ensued, and Wellington was awarded a penalty, and W ynyard, taking the kick, sent the ball well down the field. R. McGregor, however, after a brief run punted to Wellington's 25. From the throw in, McKenzie rushed play to Thames side of oentre, where Wellington were awarded a penalty. Campbell took the kick, but Burke intercepted, and prevented the oval from rising- The Thames vanguard were by this time playing a fine concerted game, and Mnllins, Billings, and McMahon starting a grand rush, carried it into Wellington's 25. The attack was staved for a short time, but the local forwards were not to be daunted, and eventually they swept over the line,, but the ball was lost, Davidson kicking into touch.