WELLINGTON v. CANTERBURY.

Otago Witness, Issue 2686, 6 September 1905, Page 62

WELLINGTON v. CANTERBURY.

CHRISTCHURCH, September 2. The football match between Canterbury and Wellington was played at Lancaster Park this afternoon in wretched weather. Heavy rain fell last night and during the greater part of to-day, and in consequence the ground was in a shocking state, resembling a quagmire before play had been in progress very long. The -attendance was confined to a mere handful of spectators. Under the- circumstances the game was to a large extent a mud scramble, and confined largely "to the forwards. The greasy state of the ball made'it very difficult to handle, but on occasion the -Wellington backs essayed a passing rush, and they took the' ball very well. The Canterbury defence was, however, on the whole very sound, W. Menzies, at full back, playing an excellent game. In fact, one of the features of the match was the fine work of the two full backs, G. Spencer's sound kicking proving of great service to 'Wellington. The victory of the home team by 6 points (a penalty goal and a try) to 3 points (a try) just about represents the difference between the teams. In the first half Canterbury had the best of the play, while the second spell was evenly fought out, Wellington claiming a slight advantage. Among the Wellington forwards Hardham was perhaps the soundest worker, being at the head of most of the rushes, though Gillespie and Driscoll put in some useful dashes. At the opening of the game good kicking by Spencer had Canterbury defending, but Walter headed a rush back to the centre, and the Reds then set up a strong attack. Dribbling rushes, in which Love, Fryer, and Fraser were prominent, compelled Wellington to force down twice in quick succession. Another dash by Canterbury sent the ball over the Wellington line, and Gray, following up fast, scored a try, which Fraser made a good attempt to convert. Canterbury kept up the attack, Hardham at length coining to the rescue of his side. The homo team was soon back in Wellington's twenty-five, and a dash by Fryer carried him as far as 'Spencer, who tackled sately. In the scramble that followed Wellington were penalised, and Fraser kicked a goal. Half-time was called with Wellington still on the defensive.

The teams did not leave the ground aE -the interval, but changed ends and proceeded immediately with the second spell. Wellington opened with a brisk attack, and Canterbury soon had to force down. The visitors kept hammering away at Canterbury's goal line, but without success, and play was removed to Wellington's twenty-five. The home team, rashly attempted some passing, which had them in trouble. A kick by Love was charged by Hardham, who followed up fast, and, sending the ball over the Canterbury line, succeeded in touching down. Snencer's shot at goal was unsuccessful. This was the beginning of a series of very determined attacks by Wellington, their backs showing some very creditable passing under unfavourable conditions. Their efforts, however, went unrewarded, and in the closing stages Canterbury rallied, time being called with play in the Wellington half. Mr G. Bush was referee.