FOOTBALL.

New Zealand Times, Volume XLX, Issue 8163, 15 August 1887, Page 6

FOOTBALL.

Despits the wretched weather two heats of the Junior Cup were played at Newtown Park on Saturday—namely, Epuni v St. Patrick’s College and Wellington second t Melrose. The former match resulted in a draw, both sides securing tries. In the first spell Tepene scored for Epuni, and in the second Mahoney succeeded in getting over the line for the College. Both attempts at goal were failures. Kirk, Lucena, Woods, Brooks, and Tepene showed good form for Epuni, and McMahon, Sheedy, Mahony, Fitzsimmons, and cdieedy played well for the College. The other heat—Wellington second ▼ Melrose —resulted in a win for the latter by four points to nil, much to the surprise of a great number of who looked upon the match as almost a certainty for the Yellow and Black. The Wellingtons had much the best of the first spell, being aided considerably by the strong S.E. wind, which blew across the ground; bat their opponents played a good defensive gome, and they were unable to score. In the second spell, with the wind in their favor, the Melrose had much the best of the game. Both Johnson and Hutchens secured tries and from the latter Campbell kicked a goal.’ Burns, Fulford, Gamble, Brown, Johnson, and White played well for the winners, and .Robinson, Pyke, Saywell, Morrah, Mitchell, and A. Gore were about the best of the losers. It is almost needless to state that the ground was in a wretched state, being inches deep in mud. [By Telegraph.] [from our owk correspondent.] Masterton, August 13. The final heat for the Junior Cup took place this afternoon at Masterton between the First Fifteen Red Stars and the Te Ore Ore Club. The game was played amidst heavy rain and snow, and it seemed madness for the teams to compete in such wretched weather. The Red Stars declined to play, but the Natives were obstinate, and knowing that their weights wpuld tell, were determined to go on with the game, win or lose. Only one spell was played, the Stars again declining to proceed, owing to the bitter weather, and as they were playing with it right in their faces. Two scores wore

secured for the Maoris, which, in the spectators’ opinion, were illegal. A Star back forced the ball down, but the Maoris rushed him and knocked him away from it, and secure! it, the referee giving a try. The second one was secured from a dead ball, but the referee’s decision was again indisputable. This finished the game, the Stars declining to go further. The result was therefore in favor of the Maoris by two points to nil, and they therefore secured the cup. The Stars exhibited great pluck, but their superior skill was overweighted.

(united tress association.) Auckland, August 13. The final selection of the Auckland representative team in the Interprovincial match with Canterbury was made to-night as follows :—Back, R. Lnsk ; three-quarter backs, Whiteside and Madigan ; half-backs, Conway, A. Braund, Elliot; forwards, Arneil, Wooler, Keefe, Leoky, Marshall, Turname, O’Connor, Lindsay, H. Poland. The alteration from the selection previously telegraphed was made in consequence of the play in the match between the representatives and possibles at Potter’s paddock today, the possibles beating the former by 4 points to 2. Dunedin, August 13. A football match was played this afternoon between the Otago team selected to go on the Northern tour and one from the Southland Rugby Union, The weather was miserable, rain falling nearly the whole .of the first spell. Notwithstanding this the attendance was very large. The ground, after the first few minutes’ play, became very slippery and greasy. The Otago men soon had the leather in Southland s ground, and Desmond got over the line, but Thompson’s kick failed. After some good play, in which, however, the Blues (Otago) placed too much reliance on the backs, Keogh secured another try just after the colors had been twice forced down, but Thompson’s kick, from a difficult angle, was again a failure. In the second spell the colors struggled hard to equalise matters, but, though they played really well and tackled in a manner superior to the Otago men, the latter, when they at last realised the fact that the state ©f the ground effectually prevented passing and running, kept the play mostly in the colors’ quarters. The dribbling rushes, in which Morris and Isaacs distinguished themselves, were several times nearly successful. At last Fraser passed to Thomson and the latter potted a goal in a second. No sooner was the ball kicked off than it was back in the Southland quarters, and Fraser following up secured another try for Otago, from which nothing resulted. Miller nearly secured another a minute afterward, hut it only proved a forcedown. A few minutes afterward Fraser, in theopinionofmany,again got in, butas hewas pushed against the corner flag it was given as a touch in. gaol. Time was called shortly after, Otago winning by six points to nil. Considering the state of the ball and the ground the game was wonderfully fast. Except that the Otago men placed too much reliance on their backs, and would not get behind quick enough, the play was excellent. The Southlanders played almost plucky game throughout, and proved more formidable than was expected. The presence of some of their team in the ranks of the Utago men would strengthen it considerably. There is some doubt whether Isaacs, one of Otago’s best forwards, can get away, as the Railway Department, in which he is employed, refuse to give him leave of absence.