FOTBALL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 6432, 23 September 1882, Page 2

FOTBALL.

Very complete arrangements have been made by the Otago Rugby Union for the football contest which is to take place this afternoon at Mosgiel, between the Sydney and Otago teams. There will be two special trains to Mosgiel, by which only those who have secured the Rugby Union tickets will be allowed'to travel. The players will travel by the 2 o'clock special. The greatest interest has been evinced in the match both here and at Christchurch, and if the wea ther holds good there will no doubt be close on 4000 persons on the ground this afternoon. No change from the original selection has been made in the Otago team, who will play in the order in which we. published their names a few days ago. During the past week several of the team have turned up of an evening at the Union ground, where a little desultory practice has taken place. Most of the men seem to be in good form, and the general opinion is that they will pull off the event. Of Taiaroa great things may be expected, and his efforts will no doubt be ably seconded by Wyinks, Oawshaw, W. Allan, and others. Murray has unfortunately been ill during the past two days, but he will, it is thought, be able to take his part in tho game. The weak point of the Otago team was all along thought to be in the want of a good back. Rose, however, we believe, is in excellent trim, and no doubt if called upon he will give the Sydney men a taste of his quality. The Sydney team arrived by the express from Christehurch last evening, Mr Chapman, the secretary of the Rugby Union here, and one or two others proceeding to Port Chalmers to welcome them. At the Dunedin railwaystation a crowd of about 500 people had assembled, and gave the visitors a most enthusiastic welcome. On arriving at the platform Raper, the Sydney captain, called on his men to give three cheers for tho local team. This was responded to with great zest, the compliment being returned by the crowd assembled on the platform. The Sydney men are no doubt a little fatigued by their hard day's work at Christchurch and the tedious journey down here, but by the appointed time to-day they will be in good fettle, and ready to meet a very strong team. So far, they are confident of winning tho match. Jennings, the only odd- man in the team, took his departure for Sydney on Thursday, his leave of absence having expired. Mr Raper, captain of the Sydney team, speaking at the dinner in Christchurch, said he hoped he would not be considered impertinent if he said that there should be one Union for the whole of Xew Zealand, and that delegates from the branches established in each Provincial centre should be sent to the Union. Such a unanimity would tend to greatly improve football in Now Zealand.