MANIOTOTO FOOTBALL.

Otago Witness, Issue 1906, 21 August 1890, Page 29

MANIOTOTO FOOTBALL.

On Saturday last the Maniototo aud Naseby Prospeofcora Clubs tried conclusions on the Naseby ground, with the result that the latter won by 12 points to nil. This match had been looked forward to with considerable interest, and although the general opinion expressed was that Naseby would prove victorious, it wan never anticipated, even by the most Banguine supporters of the local olub, that the game would end in such an overwhelming defeat of Maniototo. Shortly after the kick-off Fraucia drew first blood for Naaeby, but the try was not enhanced, and then Maniototo became aggressive and kept possession of their opponents' quarters for aome time. The play of the Mauiototo representatives at this time was of such a description as to induce the belief that the conteat would be an exceedingly close one, aud on one occasion the leather was carried right down to Naeeby'a lines, where J. Lory only failed to score through being pushed into touch in goal. This, however, was the only occaaiop that the Nasebyites were troubled with an invasion of their territory for any length of time. For an infringement of the rules the home team were granted a free kick, and Costelloe potted a beautiful goal, the first spell ending with the score 3—o. On resuming, the Prospectors, IHng favoured by a pretty stiff breeze, had thinga almost all their own way, their lines being in danger but once, on which occasion they were compelled to force. Tries were scored by Marsliu (2), Fish, Co6tolloe, and M'Grogor, from two of which Fish kicked the desired goals, and the game ended as already stated. From a spectator'a point of view the game was rather uninteresting, there being very little passing, and the backs consequently having little to do. It was really a forward game from beginning to end. Certainly the Maniototo forwarda heeled out remarkably well, and their backs were afforded a better show than their rivals, but most of their passes were so short as to be of little or no benefit. For the loßers Ladd (three-quarter) played the beat game, his collaring and kicking being excellent ; D. Duncan put in several servicable runs; and M^Laughlin played a good honest game at half. Chapman was very prominent throughout, and was well backed up by Blair, Morgan, and Lory, while Leonard's dribbling on several occasions proved very effective. For the victors Coatelloe and Fish (three-quarters) were most prominent among the backi, bat Preston (who

had scarcely a single chance of distinguishing himself) made the most of his few opportunities. The three half backs (Francis, Stewart, and M'Gregor) had not a great deal of work. All the forwards, without; exception, worked well, and this being so it would be unfair to individualise. Messrs Percy Mackay and E. Dow umpired very satisfactorily for Naseby «nd Maniototo respectively, while Mr R. L. Clements aoted efficiently as referee. The visitors, at the conclusion of the game, were invited to tea at the Royal Hotel. Tbe Prospectors visit Tinkers next Saturday to play the return match with Matakanui, and anticipate another win. The Naseby representatives in the Town v. Country match afc Palmerston will probably be Preston and Marshall, who are bound to give a good account of themselves. The former is a very good man in any position, being very safe as fall back and a dashing forward ; while Marshall is a very fair forward, being particularly good on the line out. AUCKLAND FOOTBALL. (From Oub Own Cohbespondent.) Auckland, August 19.— The play last Saturday waa very interesting, In the Senior Cup matohes Grafton defeated Gordon by 9 points to 3. Gordon had a lead in the first spell, and had a potted goal (3 points) to Grafton's try (1 point), In the second spell Gordon began well, but became disorganised, and Grafton scored four tries. Madigan, who also made some splendid runs, converting two. The senior clubs now Btand thus for the Cvp :— Ponaonby, 7 wins, 1 loss ; Grafton, 6 wins, 2 1 osßes ; Gordon, 4 wins, 4 losses ; Auckland and Selwyn, out of it. Ponsonby and Grafton meet next week, and great interest is felt as to tbe result. Last Saturday Ponsonby, on their off day, defeated Thames Wanderers by 9 points to In the junior matches Native Rose defeated Ponsonby Second by 7 points to nil. PonBonby Second lead for the Junior Cup, but the Natives have bad bard luck. The former have 10 wins and 2 lobbbs, and the Natives 9 winß, 1 loss, and 2 draws, though 'they have beaten Ponsonby twice.