COMMERCIAL TRAVELLERS' MATCH.

Otago Witness, Issue 2785, 31 July 1907, Page 61

COMMERCIAL TRAVELLERS' MATCH.

OtAGO V. SOUTHLAXp. ' I A football match, which will form the subject of much pleasurable reminiscence for many days to come amongst those who took part in it, and those also who had the excitement of witnessing it, was played at Balclutha on Saturday, the contesting teams being- the " gentlemen of the road " — otherwise commercial travellers, — representing respectively Otago and Southland. The Otago team arrived at the Clutha by the south express, and the Southlanders' train steamed in shortly after, and on the arrival of the latter team they were heartily ( welcomed by Mr De Carle, on behalf of the Otagoites. After dinner at Vezey's "the game's afoot" became the cry, and both teams wended their way to the convincing ground, where tne stern realities . of football, under the guidance of Mr Harper White, were soon entered upon before a large crowd of spectators. Among old-time players of " ye grande olde game " of football taking part in the contest at once noticeable were J. Logan, Pen Boyd, R. Emerson, J. Martin, and T. Moncur. And there were other well-known' presentday exponents. The Otago team, who had ' done themselves proud at the dinner, soon asserted their superiority, and shortly" after play commenced Harlow scored, while during the aftei'noon Cramond (captain Otago team) got three tries and Logan one, the northern men eventually winning by 26 points to nil." Tacking into consideration the fact that two 45-minute spells wefce played, the lack of training of a large majority of the players, and also the preliminary exercises at BalclutKa, both sides j lasted out the fast game wonderfully well — | allowing, of course, for one or two judicious breathing spells, when a case of bellows to mend became too insistent. The game was played in the best of spirit, and both sides were so well pleased with the fixture that the contest is to be an annual one. The old Caversham player Emerson, for Southland, showed by his kicking that his foot had lost none of its cunning, and Archenhold (captain), Wilson, Philp, and Martin also played a strenuous game for the Southern men, while for Otago JSpraggoi, Moncur, Boyd, Cramond, Harlow, and Logan put up solid displays. Much amusement was caused during the play by the energy shown by a Balclutha resident in administering first-aid to those placed hors de combat, and there were other funny incidents. Mr H. White made a judicious referee. At the conclusion of the game felicitous speeches were delivered by Mr Archenhold (Southland) and Mr De Carle (Otago), while Mr Henton kindly took photcs of the two teams. The banner, specially made for the occasion, now hangs in an honoured place in the local Commercial Travellers' Club.