INTERPROVINCIAL FOOTBALL MATCH.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 4537, 1 September 1876, Page 2

INTERPROVINCIAL FOOTBALL MATCH.

[By Teleobaph.]

Auckland, August 31st.

The interprovincial football match was commenced this afternoon at Ellerslie. The weather was very wet and miserable. SOO spectators were present. Canterbury won the toss, and declared to kick with the wind. At 3.30, Robinson kicked off with a splendid place-kick, which was followed by a brilliant rush on the part of J. Gudgeon, backed up by the whole Auckland team. After a brilliant rally, the ball came out on the west side, and was seized by C. Daore, who early distinguished himself by making a splendid run, and touching the ball behind the enemy's goal-lint, thus scoring first blood for jAuckland—3 points. The try at the goal was unsuccessful. Curtis and Cox played very finely. Play was very fierce— both teams strained tooth and naiL Putts

next scored another half-point for Canter* bury. The Canterbury men seemed to have slightly the best of the ecrimmages, and played for them. The Auckland men are speedier. Score—Auckland, 3; Canterbury, 1. Potts, by a fine flying kick, scored a force-back for Canterbury at 3.35. Scores — Auckland, 3; Canterbury, I£. At 4 o'clock Auckland were sticking to it, and giving Canterbury all they knew to hold their own, with the advantage of the wind. At the opening of the second bout a mull at handling the ball by Jones gave Cantorbury a chance of touch, but through the good play of Pcllen, and when ball was forced back away from the goal, J. Gudgeon, with a flying kick, scored a force-down, which Cotterul tried to save by "dropping" the bailout, but was unsuccessful. Score : Auckland., 3J; Canterbury, 1. Shortly after Wood kicked the ball behind Canterbury goal line. Moore, in trying to drop, was baulked by Carter, and Nolan was enabled to score. Auckland, 6£; Canterbury, 1. Robinson was again unsuccessful in the "try," but went very near. In the last part of the second half hour, A. and J. Poitts played splendidly for Canterbury. No further score was made, but the ball was very near Auckland, and when time was called Auckland was 6J; Canterbury, 1. The commencement of the third bout was marked by some good play on tho part of Croxton for Canterbury. Some sharp give-and-take play ensued, and then Anderson got the ball and placed it well; ending a brilliant rush by scoring a foroe-down for Canterbury. A brilliant rush on the part of Evans scored a forceback for Canterbury. He quickly followed it up by another score. Auckland, 6J; Canterbury, 2J. Canterbury was then placing magnificently, and trying hard to retrieve the day. Play was very fast. Both sides seemed incapable of fatigue. Moore and C. Wood, for Canterbury, played welL The wet ground by this time wan so cut up as to interfere sadly with the running, which told againßt Auckland. The game concluded at 5.30, Auckland winning by seven points against three. Thore will be a dinner tonight.