WELLINGTON v. OTAGO.

Otago Witness, Issue 2010, 1 September 1892, Page 30

WELLINGTON v. OTAGO.

The final match of the association interprovincial tournament — viz., Wellington v. Otago — was played on Lancaster Park on Saturday afternoon. The ground was in good condition, and a large number of spectators were present. Woolridge having won the toss decided to play with the wind, and D. M'Millan (Otago) kicked off. The forwards by smart following up rushed the ball into Wellington territory, where they overran the ball, and a goal kick resulted. On Wellington's kick-out, D. M'Millan again headed a rush into Wellington territory, but a serviceable kick by Ireland relieved Wellington. Walker then obtained possession of the ball, and dribbling well up the field looked like scoring, but Ireland intercepted .a pass and returned the ball to the centre. Tho Otago forwards, however, by their splendid combination again made a vigorous attack on their opponents' goal, where they had a great misfortune in not scoring, Woolridge relieviug his side by a splendid kick. The Otago forwards, continuing their onslaught, made desperate efforts to score, but owing to the grand defence of Ireland, who was playing a splendid game, their efforts were fruitless. The Wellington men roused up, and by-splendid play carried the leather into Otago territory, where, after some give-and-take play, Halewood scored first blood for Wellington. On kicking off, Otago rushed tho play up to tho Wellington goal, where Walker shot, but Ireland again relieved, a corner kick resulting. Otago, however, failed to put the leather through. Halewood obtaining possession, passed to Woolridge, who by bnlliant dribbling carried the ball into the southerners' quarters, where a corner kick waß obtained, but provsd resultless. The ball was then for a time sent up and down the field at a great rate, neither side seeming to have tho advantage. G. M'Millan at last scut the ball well up to his forwards, who by smart and tricky passing carried the leather once more into dangerous ground, where misfortune again followed them, the northerners' backs returning the ball into midfield, where give-and-take play ensued until Woolridgo obtained possession and, careering down the field with the ball at his toe, passed to Phillpotts, enabling that player to score goal No. 2 for Wellington. On kicking off, the northerners again invaded their opponents territory, where Forbes, by an excellent kick scored third goal. Almost immediately after this another rush into Otago's quarters, headed by Halewood and Woolridge, enabled the former to score the fourth goal-for Wellington. Half time was called shortly afterwards. As tho teams crossed over it was expected that with the wind in their favour the Southerners would make things warm, and this

expectation was realised, for from the start of the second spell they repeatedly had the Wellington goal in danger, but through - erratic shooting failed to score. The ball was carried again to the Otago line, where Halewood scored again for Wellington. Otago, by good followiug up, obtained a corner kick, which had no result. Shortly after this the ball was again on the Northerners' line, where Walker shot at goal, but hit tho post. After the ball was kicked out Otago, with renewed efforts, rushed from midQold, and with beautiful passing, tho ball going from toe to toe, and amidst tremendous cheering, M 'Donald scored a goal for Otago. Again Otago kept up their onslaught, but, owing to an infringement, Wellington were enabled to clear their lines, and Woolridge getting the ball scored again for Wellington. From this until call of time, Otago had decidedly the best of the game, their passing tactics evoking great cheering from the spectators. Within a few minutes of time, they obtained a foul in front of Wellington goal, M'Lachlan took the kick and passed to D. M'Millan, who scored the second goal for Otago. No further score was registered. The game ended in a win for Wellington by 6 goals to 2.

The game was considered the best exposition of Association football ever shown in the colony. The Wellihgtonians had a decided advantage over their opponents in weight, being fully a stone heavier all round. Their forwards, especially Woolridge, Halewood, and Phillpotts, playiug a good game, whilst Ireland was a hoßt in himself at full back, his long-kicking being greatly admired. The Otago torwards one and all played splendidly, but were very erratic in their shooting, or otherwise they 'could not have failed to equalise matters. The half-backs tackled well, and the full backs kicked beautifully. Garden, at goal, played a safe game, especially in the second spell. It may be mentioned that the Otago men were sore and stiff from the match of the previous day, whilst Wellington reserved two me,n for this match, which with their superiority in weight considerably overmatched Otago, whose pretty' combination was greatly admired.