Football.

Opunake Times, Volume II, Issue 94, 28 May 1895, Page 2

Football.

On Friday last teams from Opunake and Otakeho met at the latter place to play the return match, and after a close game Otakeho scored a victory by 6 points to nil. The visitors won the toss and began with the wind at their backs. Throughout this spell the play was even and no score resulted. Daring the spell two players sought to settle a difference by a set-to and from this out the game degenerated into a rough scramble. When the second spell was half through Jackson (Otakeho) got a mark in front of Opunake's goal but the kick was a failure. Shortly after -Dawson scored for Otakeho near the goal but the kick went wide. Shortly afterwards T. Humphries got a nasty kick on the leg and had to retire, and F. Guy got a knock which left him half dazed during the rest of the game. Dawson immediately scored a second try for Otakeho," the kick at the goal failing to add to the score. Soon after the kick out W. Morton secured the ball and attempting a run was collared, having his knee dislocated, and being carried off the field. In the last few minutes Opunake had all their work cut out to ! clear their own line and the game ended without further score. The game is one of the roughest ever seen in the district and many left the ground marked and smeared with blood. Mr B. Glenn acted as referee and Messrs L. Vine (Opunake) and Jones (Otakeho) as line umpires. SERIOUS FOOTBALL ACCIDENT. A serious accident accurred during the progress of the Rivals Inglewood football match on Friday to Mr Henry McLean, son of Mr George McLean of Hawera. The ball was kicked high, and both sides were running to take it. McLean came into collision with an Inglewood man and fell with his head under him, several players falling on him. McLean remained on the ground after the others had got up, and it was found that he could not move his head, and was apparently very much hurt. A stretcher was obtained, and he was carried to his parent's residence. Doctors Buckby and Sloan were called in and every attention was paid. The lower limbs were found to be devoid of • feeling and the neck was badly bruised. We hear this (Saturday) morning that only a slight improvement has manifested itself. Mr Henry McLean is so great a favorite, aud his family so well known, that the accident has caused widespread regret, and favorable reports will be anxiously looked for by a large circle of acquaintances and friends. —Star.