RUGBY FOOTBALL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13767, 4 June 1908, Page 6

RUGBY FOOTBALL.

THE BRITISH TEAM.

SOUTHLAND DEFEATED

FINE SPECTACULAR GAME.

[lit TKLEGBATH.—SPECIAL COItRESrOXDnXT.]

IxvT.F.CAiMJn.T.. Wednesday. On account of the British-Southland football match the town was electric with excitement to-day. and enthusiasm was at fever heat, the colours of Britain being in evidence everywhere. '1 he city was overcrowded, and special trains brought thousands from the country. 'The weather was glorious, and the ground in perfect condition. The British team was the lightest and weakest yet placed in the field, wing to many of the star players being injured. Five British players, made their first appearance, "Titan" done-. Hind, Thomas. G. L. Williams, and Down. Jackett had sufficiently recovered from his injuries to play in to-day's match. At the time of starting the attendance was estimated at 10,000, the official takings at the gate totalling £450.

The game was fast, open, and interesting, and was remarkable- for the brilliant display of the British backs, who completely nonplussed the local team. Mr. Duncan made, a splendid referee, and though seldom using the whistle, was ouick to penalise infringements. Owing to the similarity of the jerseys, it was a difficult mutter to sort out the players. On one occasion Stead (Southland) was seen playing behind the British scrum, and Morgan (Britain) behind Southland. The game was played in the best of spirit, and was devoid of any serious accident. Jackson had his shoulder slightly insured, and Jackett had his ear again torn, the injury requiring two stitches. Both teams dined together in the evening. Much enthusiasm was evidenced, and Sir Joseph Ward was present. The British team will return by the first express to-morrow, and will attend the races at Wingatui.

The following were the teams:

BRITAIN. Fullback: Jackett.

Threequarters: McEvedy (captain). " Ponty" Jones. J. P. Jones, J. L. Williams. Halves: W. Morgan. G. L. Williams. Forwards: Dibble. Kyrite, Archer, Thomas, Smith, Jackson. Down, Hind.

SOUTHLAND. Fullback: A. McNeeee. Threequarters: Hill, Walker, Broad, Half: B. Stead. Five-eighths: J. W. Stead (captain). Pyle. Forwards: Robinson, Hughes, Jenkins, Praser, Clarke, Hamilton, Ridland, McNeece.