SYDENHAM v. DUNEDIN.

Otago Witness, Issue 2407, 19 April 1900, Page 46

SYDENHAM v. DUNEDIN.

The match between the Sydenham (Christchurch) and Dunedin teams took place at the^ Caledonian ground on Saturday in the pre^ sence of a fair number of spectators. The match resulted in a win for the visitors by 7 points to 3.

Dunedin won the toss and elected to play with he wind, which, to say the least, was not at all of a inilcl nature. From the kickoff the Blues were at oiice put on the defensive, the Colours carrying the ball to within a few yards of the line, when Cornish relieved with a good, serviceable kick. Play was now in the centra of the fielc 1 . The Colours were not to be denied, for again they pressed the Bhies very herd, and were awarded a free kick iniide the Blues' twenty-five. Norman took the kick, which proved fruitlcs;, and the Blues forced. The Blues now began to liven tip to their v. ork, and for tully 10 minutes kept the Colours defending their line. Time after time they were within an ace of scoring, but what chances they Iml were thrown away by either hard kicking, reckless passing, or hanging to the ball. On one occasion they were awarded a free kick, which was entrusted to Cornish, who made a very good but unsuccessful attempt, the ball falling jusfc short oi the b?r. Some give-and-take play ensued, aim nothing eventful happened until within a few minutes to half time, when Mason secured ths bill'fvom a scrummage, and, passing to Mackenzie, the latter scored after a good run. Cornish took the kick at goal, but failed to increase the score. The whistle then pounded for half time, the score standing — Dunedin 3 points, Sydenham nil. The second spell was less interesting than the first, both teams evidently suffering from lack of training. Shortly after the kick-off the Blues rushed the ball down to the Colours' line, and after a few scrums on the line the Colours were eventually forced. The play here became fairly open for a time, and from a loo&e rush Brunton secured the ball and fell across the Blues' line. M'Namara failed to convert. Both teams were now on a level footing, and some lively play ensued, till the Colours were awarded -a mark, from which -Gasson kicked a beautiful goal. The Blues were now on their metal. Again and agahi they endeavoured to improve their ecore, but all their energy was of no avail, as the Colours wars playing a, very careful game, and when time sounded the score stood : Sydenham... 7 points Dunedin... 3 points For the Dunedin, Cornish, at full back, played a safe game, but is very weak in using his touch line in kicking. Orr is a promising three-quarter, and played a very creditable game ; whilst Mackenzie was not at all at his Las/;. Henderson, at five-eighths, played a very fair game, but requires a lot of coaching in this responsible position ; whilst Thomson, at half back, is rather inclined to hold to the ball. Of the forwards, Brown, Williams, Sinoock, and Kice were undoubtedly the pick, Rice, as usual, proving himself to be a- lower of strength to his side. Gas3on, the Sydenham's full back, plashed a very reliable game, his kicking being all that could be desired. Love, at three-quarter, proved himself a very fast_ opponent, but had few opportunities of distinguishing himself. M'Namara, at fiveeighths, did credit to himself both in hisposition on the field and in the team, which was evident from the fact that there was not as much as a difference between either the teams or the referee during the whole of the game. Of the forwards, Milne, Kennedy, and Brunlon, were tho pick of a fciriy even lot. Mr A. Downer "had control of the whistle, and gave every satisfaction.