AUSTRALIA DEFEATS AUCKLAND.

Otago Witness, Issue 2688, 20 September 1905, Page 61

AUSTRALIA DEFEATS AUCKLAND.

AUCKLAND, September 16. The matoh between the Australian and Auckland Fifteen 3 was played at Alexandra Park this afternoon. In view of the recent successes of the Australians at Manawatu. Wanganui, and Hawei-a tho greatest interest was manifested in the matoh, and, although the weather was somewhat dull and threatening, about 5000 people were present. As was anticipated, the Australians gave a remarkably good account of themselves, and while Auckland succeeded ill scoring 5 points to Australia's nil in the first spell, the visitors turned the tables in the -second spell by registering 10 points to Auckland's 3, Australia thus winning by 10 points to 8. ' The giound was in first-class order, and the teams were as follow: — Australians.— L. Smith, S. 'Wickhani (captain), B. Smith, M'Lsan, C. RusseJl, M. Dooro, F. Woods, A. Burden, J. darken, E. A. Oxlade, H. J. Juda. W. Hirschberg, T. Cotton, E. O'Brien, B. Lucas. Auckland — Newdic-k Mackenzie, Magee, Wynward, Todd. Kieman, Fraser, Tyler, Herring, Dunning, Francis, M'Guire Trevarthon, Bonella, M'Guire. In the first spell Auckland, kicking with the wind, maintained the advantage, but owing to the sound defence of the Australian backs, among whom L. Smith was particularly prominent, and to the better play of the Australian forwards in securing the ball in the scrums, thus preventing the Auckland backs from opening up, the local men were unable to gain anything material. In the second spell the visitors made use of the strong wind which was blowing, and by splendid line-kicking kept the play confined for most of the time in the Auckland twenty-five. The visitors also passed better, and at the same time maintained the advantage in the scrums. Auckland won the toss, and played with the wind, and the Australians, following up the kick-off, landed play in Auckland's twenty-five. The local men. however, were equal to the occasion, and, with the aid of the wind, soon transferred the scene of operations to the visitors' territory, where some smart passing work ensued amongst the Auckland backs. A free kick for obstruction relieved. Central play ensued, and for the space of about 10 minutes the game was confined to the forwards of both teams, who were, however, unable to make any headway. At last secured possession, and by a piece of smart work landed play in Auckland's twenty-five. The Auckland forwards soon came away, 1 and carried the leather by a pretty piece of work right down the field. Some smart and exciting play ensued in front of the visitors' goal, Mackenzie, M'Gee, and Wynyard, who were responsible for some fine passing work, being especially conspicuous. A free kick was awarded to Auckland, and Francis attempted a goal, but as the angle was too great he failed. Auckland continued to press, and lost a score through one of the backs making a mistake. From loose play in fronb of the visitors' goal Todd potted, and although the attempt was a good on£ it ended in a failure. Australia forced. The home team resumed the attack, and looked like scoring almost every moment, but through faulty passing on the part of the backs they failed to register a -score, and were forced back. A capital -passing rush among tho Auckland backs was then witnessed. The leather finally was sent to Mackenzie (wing three*qu'arter), who by a good piece of work took the oval Over the line near the corner. Francis converted. Auckland 5 points, Australia uil. The visitors were again placed upon the defensive, but not for long, as their backs, who were playing well together, by dint of good kicking soon cleared their lines. The visiting- forwards following 1 UD splendidly then took the ball inside Auckland twentyfive for the first time, and it was here that pore and M'Lean mado themselves conspicuous. Picking .up the leather in the loose Doro transferred to M'Lean (the wing three-quarter), who had a fine opening- He succeeded in getting within a few yards of the line, when Newdick stopped his progress. M'Lean, however, recovered, and. cro.sse.cl the line, but by,

some means or other he lost possession and the ball was forced. Shortly afterwards half-time was called. On changing ends the local men assumed tho aggressive, and in spite of the fact that Australia had tho advantage of a strong wind Auckland gave the visitors a particularly lively time of it. Fraser and Trcvarthan here put in some very good work. The Australians' pack ultimately came away with a fine rush, as tho result of which play was transferred to the centre. A regrettable incident then occurred. In a scramble among the forwards Judd lost his temper, and struck one of the local men, and the referee ordered him off the field, thus leaving Australia with only 14 men. The Australians rallied, and by a smart piece of work placed the scene of operations in front of the Auckland goal. Russell then ported a beautiful goal. Auckland 5, Australia 4. Australia continued to press, and looked dangerous on more than one occasion. From a scrum on the line the ball was sent to Fraser. who saved the situation by kicking down the field M'Lean soon broke away, and after a short run transferred to B. Smith, who made a good dodtrv run, as the result of which ho succeeded in getting nast all the Auckland backs and scoring near tho goal posts. Wickham's attempt at sroal was a poor one. Australia 7 points, Auckland 5 Elated by their success the visitors, playing well together, agair made matters warm for the local men, who i-allied and worked the ball by stages down tho field. Exciting play in front of the Australians' goal ensued, but Wiclvham, with an admirable kick, brought about the necessary relief. A free kick to Australia saw Wickbam. make a erooc] though unsuccessful attempt at sroal. On the Auckland men returning B. Smith broke away witfi one of tho finest runs of the day, and whon near the line pas=ed to Wiokham, who endeavoured to get over, but was collared close to the line. The locnl men rushed the ball into the Australia twenty-five. where they wero awarded a free kick from which Todd i Iss"f>d a nice t?oal. Shortly after time was called, the score being : Australia 10 Auckland 8 L. Smith, at full back; Wickham and M'Lean, three-quarters; and Woods, fiveeighths, distinguished themselves for the visitors; while" among the forwards the best were Oxlade. Burden, and O'Brien. As full back for Auckland Newdick played a very sound game. The three-quarters also exhibited good defence, but had not much opportunity in attack. Kiernan and Todd played fair games. Among the forwards Trevarthan, Francis, and Bonella were the most prominent, while Tyler and Fraser upon the wings troubled ths opposing baoks a good deal.