FOOTBALL.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 28, 18 September 1911, Page 5

FOOTBALL.

OTAGO v. CANTERBURY. (Per Press Association) Dunedin, September 16. Otago to-day secured the first win in the round of interprovincial fixtures. played here this season, defeating Canterbury by 8 to nil. The ground was somewhat greasy after the heavy rain in tho morning. The game,’ which was watched by about 8000 persons, was not particularly interesting, there being 100 n.ddi erratic | play. Canterbury forwards played, with! .fine dash in. the opening spell,; and although Otago succeeded in struggling through without a sc ore beingi registered against them, the honours were easily with the visitors. Ihe position was quite reversed in tho second ■ spell. The Canterbury pack quickly tired, whereas the Otago forwards played a fine loose game, and their fast following up frequently had the Canterbury backs in trouble'. Otago netted two tries, both by forwards, and Canterbury failed to sroro Sheehan secured the opening try, which was not converted, and the next try foil to Patterson, Eckhold converting.

WELLINGTON BEATS MARLBOROUGH. Blenheim, September 17. The team which Wellington sent over to Blenheim, 'though by no means a representative one, proved strong enough to beat Marlborough by 13, to 3. Previously the local team had not been beaten on their own ground for six years. The game, though fast at times, was not very interesting, partly owing to the westerly wind which blew down the ground. The visitors had the advantage of the wind in the first spell, and after a loose rush, Poole scored, Regan’s kick missing. This was. the only score before the interval. With /the wind in their favour it was anticipated Marlborough would more than hold their own in the second spell,' but the Wellington forwards kept the ball always within zo.fcli, while the backs played for safety. Bell intercepted Marlborough’s pass, ran half the length of the field, and scored, Roberts goaling. Shortly afterwards, from a passing rush, Poole ran round and scored under the posts, Roberts again adding the major points. From a mark O’Brien landed a good goal for Marlborough. The local team was outplayed both back and forward, and at no stage of the game looked like winning. NORTHERN UNION GAME. AUSTRALIANS AT HOME. London, September 17. The Australian footballers a;lived in Plymouth in excellent health and condition. The opening match against the Midland Counties takes place at Coventry on the 23rd inst. Probably what may prove the last football match of the year is that sot down for decision next Thursday, when the North Island Maori team meets Taranaki at Stratford. The Taranaki representatives have been strengthened since they met Nelson and Auckland, and should by now exhibit the combination that has been lacking in the previous games. The new game is very attractive to the spectators, being open and ? ast, and with good teams participating should vapidly win favour from the sporting public who like to sec something bettor than mere scrambles and linoouts. The officials concerned in next Thursday’s match have engaged the Taranaki Garrison Band to play at intervals during the game.