Taieri v, Univei Bity.

Otago Witness, Issue 1861, 22 July 1887, Page 26

Taieri v, Univei Bity.

| This match was' played on the Taieri Club's ground, which was in good condition, in the presence of a fair number of spectators, of whom an unusually large proportion were of the gentler sex. At the kick off the University* owing to a 1 fine dribble by Hardy, took the ball to within a few feet of the Taieri line; where - Sraeaton just saved a score, but the Taieri forwards, by tight scrummaging, soon altered the aspect of the game, and after about 10 minutes' play in their opponents' quarters) taking advantage of a miskick, rushed the ball over the line and gained a try almosb in touch in goal. Murdoch made a splendid attempt at goal. _ Inglis and Hart intercepted the University's kick out, and the latter being a good deal disorganised by changes in their team^ found themselves very hard pressed. After, about a quarter of an hour's play, Milne, the ' Taieri centre three-quarter, took advantage of a nice pass to drop a very neat goal with his left foot. After this score the University were forced down several times, and only, managed to relieve the pressure for a few minutes towards the end of the spell. In the second spell the game was much more even, and though the Taieri forwards on several occasions took the ball to within a yard or so of the Blues' goal line, 1 Fitzgerald stopped all the rushes very pluckily, ana the University forwards, working better together than in the first spell, soon shifted the play to less dangerous quarters. Good dribbling on the part of Simmers, Milne, and Fooks, and a long run by Elliott, put the Taieri on the defensive for some time, but the excellent collaring'of their backs prevented any score, the game thus, ending in a win for the Taieri by four points.) ! Of the Taieri backs, Joe Allan collared splendidly.' Murdoch and Smeaton ran well, and Milne played a useful game, but threw away some fine; chances of scoring 1 by his unselfish passing. The three Gibsons, Hart, and Steele were the pick of their forwards. The University forwards played a' hard uphill game. Smith, Fooks, and Tennant did the most work, and Torrance collared exceedingly well. The backs were too hard pressed to, shine, but Elliot and Fitzgerald played in firstclass style. ■ There was the utmost good-feeling among the -players, and an entire absence of that wrangling which has been imputed to the University team, who were so well pleased by the generous spirit displayed by the Taieri men duriug the game,' and by their kindness in providing refreshments afterwards, that they felt " it was worthwhile coming to tht Taieri ground, if only to be licked,"