FOOTBALL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 3474, 3 August 1899, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

Sydney, Aug 1. lu the football match, England v. Metropolitan Branch of the Union, the latter won by 8 points to 5. Tho Englishmen protested against one try. Tho local men played a very rough game, and several Englishmen were hurt. One local player was ordered off the field. MR ISITT’S CHARGES. The Rev. L. M. Isitt, who is conducting a no-license campaign at Dunedin, said that in coming down in the train with the Kaikorai and Woffington footballers he had witnessed a scene of drunkenness aud blackguardism that was disgraceful. Four or five of them wore unmistakeably under the influence of drink at Studholme Junction. Tho secretary of tho Wellington Rugby Union telegraphed to the manager of the Wellington team in Dunedin, drawing hia attention to Mr Isitt’s charges of drunkenness against the Wellington and Kaikorai foams, sta ing that he has absolute confidence that they do not refer to the Wellington men, aud asking him to give a denial. The Wellington footballers gave an indignant denial to the Rev. Mr .Isitt’s statements so far ns themselves are concerned.

Messrs Galbraith, Kelly, and Coffey, repreaenring tho Wellington team, interviewed tho Rev, Mr Isitt, tho result of which is that he has absolved the Wellington men from the charges of drunkenness.

The first ‘ rep/ match of the season to he played in Temuta, Ellesmere y. South Canterbury, will he played in the Victoria Park, Temuka, on Saturday next. Play commences at 2.0 f) p.m. A collection will be made on the ground to defray expenses. The teams selected are thoroughly representative, and granted decent weather there should be a vary good match. The officials have made every arrangement for keeping the ground clear to allow of spectators witnessing the game comfortably.