THE WELLINGTON MATCH.

Otago Witness, Issue 1970, 22 August 1889, Page 27

THE WELLINGTON MATCH.

There was an attendance of some 3000 or 4000 people at Newtown Park this afternoon to watch the match between the Maoris and a local team. Dixon, full back, could not play for the latter, and Collins filled his place. The Wellington men played a very fruitless game in the first spell, during which they had the wind against them, and in the first five minutes Wynyard ran in and scored a try right behind the posts. The ball was badly placed and Ellison missed the easy chance of a goal. Collaring, which is usually a strong point 'of Wellington football, was conspicuous by its absence, and at intervals Madigan, F. Warbrick, and Elliott, aided by the clever passing of their confreres, ran behind the line. No goals, however, were kicked. After half an hour's play 'the local team improved a little and succeeded in getting the ball to the other end, when Nicholls, their captain, cleverly bounced the ball oub from touch, while the Natives were off their guard, and received a try. The attempt at goal failed. With the wind to help them in the second spell the local men played a very different game, and though some of their men — particularly Sim — were noticeably off their play, they not only prevented their] opponents scoring further, but threatened their goal repeatedly. From a free kick Nicholls had an excellent chance of a goal, but the ball went just outside the post. One or two good opportunities of potting were spoilt by the smart following up of the Maoris, and after a while the latter assumed the offensive. Gage kicked the ball over the line, and running quickly put his men onside, and enabled them to Becure what looked like a try. The ball was, however, called back for some infringement of the rule. Severe scrummaging followed in front of Wellington's goal, but the defence was this time equal to the occasion, and for the remainder of the game play was very even. Towards the close Moorhouse was hurt, and had to leave. At the call of time, as no further score had been registered, the Maoris remained victors by 4 points to 1. Daring the first spell the improvement in their play since last here was very noticeable, but in the latter half they were not seen to great advantage. Their passing was particularly smart, and which is equally important, the passes were always well taken, but there seemed a decided tendency to throw forward. Their backs were much superior to the Wellington men, but in forwards the latter were rather better. The Natives leave for Taranaki and Auckland to-night.