ASSOCIATION.

Otago Witness, Issue 2164, 15 August 1895, Page 33

ASSOCIATION.

HANGERS V. MOHNINOTOX.

This match was played at Moraington before a'good crowd of spectators, among whom were a number of the fair iex. The faot that the local team were leading for the banner and were determined to maintain their position made the meeting of these two teams of more than ordinary interest. The ground was found to be in a terrible condition, and before the game was properly started the mud was ankle deep, and the expectation of a fast game was not high. However, as time wore on both teams played their hardest, but the heavy lopsided ground did not suit the Rangers' quick passing play. The local men were much more at home, and played a great game from start to finish. The visit irs kicked off up-hill with the sun in their eyes, and immediately besieged th« Morning ton's goal, bat the defence was too stubborn to permit of any result. Play continued in MorniDgton's half for some time,

until the local forwards got quickly away, and a long shot by Garside looked like a score, bat Kuber cleverly pat the leather out of danger. - la answer to the cries of their sapporters the Mornington boys made fierce attacks on the Ringers' goal, but all attempts proved fruitless. Tha visitors (Blacks) carried the play into their opponents' territory, where Peters scored. Shortly afterwards tho same player repeated the performance, and half time was immediately afterwards oalled. With two goals to the good and the sun at their backs it was thought that the Rangers would pile up a score, but this was not the case. The second spell proved much faster, and from a penalty kick Garside scored for Mornington. Shortly afterwaida Anderson sent in a well-judged ooruer kick, which Holgate he*ded through. With the scores equal the exoitement among the onlookers increased, and each team strained ©very nerve to score. Play was rushed to Morniogton'e twenty-five, where Adams had two difficult shots, which jnst passed over tho bar. The Hill boys camo away, but were chocked by Bowie on Beveial occasions. The BUcks persistently besieged their opponents, and niusb have materially altered the scores but for the safe play of Thomaa and Sparrow (2). The Hill team made several expiring efforts to evade North, Aihton, and Hilgeudorf, but were unsuccessful. With a couple of minutes to go it appeared as if a draw would be tho result, but the Rangers made one Bnal rally, and Peters and EUrrop, taking the ball down the left wing at a great pace, the latter centred to Adams, who sent tho bill spinning through, leaving the Rangers victors after a very fast game considering the state of tfee ground. Mr Pollock controlled the game in his usual good style. Scores : Rangers ... 3 goals Homington ... 2 goals

NORTHERN V. THISIXK.

This m*tch was played at Sawyers' Bay. Tho ground was in very bad condition, and a gcod exposition of the game was impossible. In the first half tho g».me was very even, Stewart for the Thhtle being the first to score. This was followed by give-and-take play, until the Northern, by good combined play, carried the leather to the home te-am's go«i line, and a smart kick by Morrison equalised matters. In the second half the Not them repeatedly invaded their opponents' territory, but the splendid defensive play of .the full backs prevented a score, uutil Brawn, who was playing a great game, succeeded in eluding them, and by a well-judged pass to Johnston enabled that player to shoot it through The Tnistle then played all they knew, and shortly before the oall of time cucceeded in scoring. Betides those mentioned, K^lly, .Borlase, and Lang for the Thistle, and White, Young, and Clarke for the Northern, played well. Scores :—: — Northern ... 2 goals Thistle 2 goals

BO3LYN V ZBALA.NDIA.

The Zealandia and Roslyn Clubs met on the Exhibition ground, and after a very exciting game viotory rested with the latter. The game was very fas'; considering the state of the ground. The Roolyn had the bost of the first spell, scoring 3 goals ; but in the second the game was very even, each side scoring a goal. The Zealandia played with more dash aud combination th*n usual, Gardiner playing an exceedingly good game, and being backed up by Jay and Churchill. The half backs (Cameron and Malcolm) played a good defensive game. The Roslyn were ruther handicapped by the heavy state of the ground, but several good rushes were indulged in. The forwards, Wright, M'Millan (3), and Brown, played well, as did Hayward, D. M'Millan, Bunting, and Calder. Hayward and Bunting succeeded in stopping rush after rush in fine etyle. Mr L, Silmond gave every satisfaction as referee. Scores : — Roslyn 4 goals Zealandia ... 1 goal