FOOTBALL.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 20, Issue 68, 27 August 1909, Page 7

FOOTBALL.

Marlborough Beats Auckland EIGHT POINTS TO THREE. [By Telegraph.—Special to Guardian] Blenheim, Last Night. A very large crowd, even larger than that on Saturday, and including many ladies, assembled on the Showgrounds this afternoon to witness what will be a historic game in Marlboro’ football. Many competent judges had ventured the opinion that the Auckland team would win by at least 15 points. Contrary to expectations, Marlborough won, after a tremendous game, by 8 to 3. The visitors won the toss, and played with a light breeze and strong sun at their backs. Marlborough went at it with a will from the first and kept Auckland fully engaged, though many thought the visitors were only playing with the home team. The fact that Auckland wore compelled to force three times during the first spell and Marlborough only once gives a good idea of the play during the spell, though no score was effected on either side.

In the second spell the wind dropped a bit and the sun wp,s partially shielded by clouds. Auckland made things very willing, and about half-way through the spell Seeling crossed, Magee failing to convert. Marlborough then played even harder than before, and in a few minutes, from a free kick, awarded to Marlborough through the visitors lifting their feet before the ball was put in the scrum (a bad habit of theirs), Church placed a perfect goal from near half way. With even scores both sides put in their best play, and shortly after, amidst the wildest excitement, Nolan picked up from a scrum near the line aud crossed, Church adding the major points in iplendid style. Ten minutes later the bell went, with the score unaltered, although the visitors tried their hardest to add to their score.

All the Marlborough men played the game of their lives, Oben and Manning being specially good. Oben took many marks, which stood his side in good stead.

A HARD GAME. SEVERAL {PLAYERS KNOCKED OUT The Hegglun Brothers and Nolan shone in Marlborough’s pack, but all were good. Magee had a shot at goal from a mark, but it failed. As showing how hard the game was, play had to be stopped six or seven times through players on both sides being temporarily knocked out, though none were seriously hurt. Auckland gave two or three exhibitions of clever passing. After the match the crowd went delirious with enthusiasm. The Auckland team leave to-night for Wellington, where they play the Wellington reps, on Saturday.

NORTH V. SOUTH. Wellington, Aug. 26. The match between teams represent ing both islands was played here yesterday, and was won by the southern team by 19 to 11. The Boulh Island men have now won three games and the North Island five.