Football.

Opunake Times, Volume VII, Issue 308, 20 August 1897, Page 3

Football.

AUCKLAND V. TARANAKI

WIN FOR AUCKLAND BY 23 TO 3.

Auckland (navy blue and white). Fullback, Maaefield ; three-quarters, Absolum, Smith, Harrison; halves, Eiley, Braund, Brady; forwards, Dacre, Clarkin, Gillet, Speight, Wilson, Anderson, Gallagher. Tarauaki (amber and black).—Full back, Hamilton; three-quarters, Young, Bayly, Mclntyre ; five-eight, L. AlleD ; centre half, A. Humphries; wings, H. Mills, G. Ryan ; forwards, O'Dowda. Joll, Wells, Prior, C. Allen, Hawken, C. O'Carroll. The match started at 2.30 sharp on Wednesday, and there was a large crowd of spectators to witness the game on the " Rec." The average weight of the Auckland men was 12st 31b, and that of Taranaki 12st lib. Aucklanders were captained by Braund, and Bavly acted in a similar capacity for Taranaki. Taranaki won the toss, and defended the northern goal. Wilson kicked off for Auokland, and Mclntyre returned to near half way. Taranaki from the throw-in carried play into Auckland's 2o's, where they had them hemmed in for about five minutes, and things now became exciting for Taranaki, but Braund relieved by passingto Absolum, who, by a good kick, saved his side, and play centred. The yellow forwards again got on a rush into the blues' territory, where Humphries secured a mark, and Hamilton took a shot at was unsuccessful. The forwards, following up the attempt, hotly pressed the Aucklanders, but their forwards relieved by a good rush to the centre of the field. The result of passing between Braund and Smith saw the latter sailing down the field, but Bayly grassed him near the 25 flag. Absolum shortly afterwards got a mark and placed a neat goal himself. Near the end of the first spell a beautiful piece of passing took place between Smith and Absolum, the latter transferring to Harrison, who was collared by Young, but Smith succeeded in getting the ball from his own man, and making a dodgy run, scored a very clever try. The whistle sounded shortly half-time, with the score—Acckland 6 ; Taranaki 0. After O'Dowda kicked off the yellows appeared to wake up, but the defence of Auckland stopped their wild rush, and it was plainly seen that Taranaki were outclassed in all points, the team appearing to simply go to pieces in the latter part of the game. Harrison and Smith each scored two tries, and Absolum and Speight ona each, while the goal from the penalty kick and the last try by Harrison being converted by Murray brought the score up to the large margin of 23 points to 3. Mr.A. D. Thompson, of Wanganui, was the referee, and the fairness of his decisions was very favorably commented upon, Mr G. Syme line-umpired for Taranaki, and Mr Pitts acted in a like capacity for Auckland.—Star.