RUGBY FOOTBALL.

Observer, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 4, 29 September 1917, Page 10

RUGBY FOOTBALL.

THE Auckland representative team met the fifteen from the Featherston Camp on the Domain last Saturday. The weather was fine, but the attendance was not up to expectations, being estimated at about 1,000.

The game was played under some of the suggested new amendments, the advantage rule as applied to the line out, and the absolute free-kick, the, former clause having the effect of making the game fast and open, and the spectators were treated to an exciting match. , _

On the play the Soldiers had a bit the better of things, but did not make the most use of their openings, and this enabled the local team to make a drawn game of it. For Featherston Darby kicked two penalty goals and Barrett scored a try, while for Auckland Lewis kicked two penalty goals, and Herring crossed the line.

As a curtain raiser the Whangarei representatives under 20 met a team from the Returned Soldiers' Association, and defeated them by 10 points to 3. The score is not a true indication of the play, for the game was fast and even throughout, the Soldiers being unlucky in not notching further points. For Whangarei W. Lam.b and Forsyth scored tries, W. Lamb converting one and George the other.

After the game Mr J. Arneil, on behalf of the Auckland Rugby Union presented the Featherston team with the ball used in the match. He congratulated the players on their game and wished them success in any future matches they might play.

. Captain Packer, in acknowledging the gift and good wishes, expressed the hope that next year's Feathers,ton team might make the trip to Auckland, and have greater success than had attended his team's efforts. He assured the donors that the ball would be n» welcome addition to the recreation equipment of the camp.

It has at last been decided to play the Charity Cup match between Railway and University next Saturday. This will be the last of the big matches this season and should be a hig attraction.