FOOTBALL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5654, 27 August 1896, Page 4

FOOTBALL.

I'AUANAKI v. AUCKLAND. [Per Pkkss Association.} AUCKLAND, August 26. Ilio 'liaranalci v. .Auckland football Wiatoli took place to-day at Potter's Paddock, tho game resulting iv a victory for tUie visitors by sixteen points to nil. Five thousand people were present, and there was splendid weather. Mr W. G. Garitard, of Christchurch, was referee. A. Bayly captained the Taranaki team and Wynyard captained the Aucklanders. Taranaki won the toss, and with the advantage of the wind and sun at their back commenced a strong attack on Auckland's line. The Taranaki forwards broke away, A. Good getting an opening when close to the Auckland goal, and the Aucklanders were compelled to force in selfdefence in the first five minutes. Auckland were again compelled to force, and Taranaki had hard luck in not scoring. At half-way Smith made a short dash and kicked opposite the grand stand. At the line-out the ball was passed to H. Good almost up to Auckland's line, but a throw-on gave the home team a free kick,\ by which Clayton put his side out of danger. Taranaki again assumed the aggressive, aDd compelled Auckland to force. Absolum and Wynyard gained ground from the kick-out, but bad passing by Surman spoiled the chaaco. Clayton and A. Good exchanged kicks, and Absolum forced. From a line-out tho visitors were in evidence, and A. Bayly got away, but was cleverly caught by Smith twenty yards from tho lino. Wells, however, got possession, and crossed the line in the far corner from the stand. Watson essayed at goal, but only made a good kick. From this stage, of the game the Aucklanders played much better, Hancock, M'Millan, and Brady showing up conspicuously, while the opposing backs also were excollent in play in Auckland's twenty-five, where tho ball was taken by good forward play on tho part of the visitors. A scrum ensued, and the Taranaki forwards, coming through, invvaded.the Auckland line. Clayton tried hard to save, but despite all efforts to avert .a scoro Shaw got in. Humphries took the kick and landed a goal — tho spell ending Taranaki eight, Auckland nil. In the Becond spell tho homo team had the advantage of the wind, and the visitors had the sun in thoir eyes. The home team wer.e awarded two free kicks, from which Absolum vainly attempted to score. A smart run by Humphries, from about midJftelcl, transferred play to Auckland territory, where he was collared by Clayton. A. Good took up the running, but was ako collared, and H. Good coming to the rescue with a grand run, crossed the field and scored the third try of the game. Watson, who was entrusted with the kick, failed to r convert. When the ball was put in play again, Auckland followed up a long kick, and it appeared to the spectators that '. Laing scored, but the referee gave a touch in goal. Almost at the end of the game a smart forward rush took the ball up to the Auckland goal, where Watson scored and Humphries converted, the game ending — Taranaki sixteen points, Auckland nil. The visitors proved too good for the Aucklanders throughout. [From Our Correspondent.! The first spell of the Auckland-Taranaki match was very fast and open, there being plenty of back play on both sides. -The visitors had much the better of the game, their forwards playing with great dash. Allen (three-quarter) and Bayly were the best of the backs, both doing splendidly, especially the former. Forward, Odowda and Watson were in great form, but the pack generally are a fine body, and it ii doubtful if any provincial team can have a chance against them. They are a better team than when in Christchurch in 1894, having more combination behind and the forwards are brilliant. Clayton (the Auckland full-back) and Smith and Absolum (wing three-quarters), were the best backs. The forwards worked hard, but compared unfavourably with their opponents. I certainly think that Taranaki is the best team in New Zealand, [Per Press association.] WEST COAST v. NELSON. NELSON, August 26. The interprovincial football match West Coast v. Nelson was played this afternoon. Unfortunately, though the morning was sunny, a cold rain set in and made the Trafalgar Park ground unpleasant. About ten minutes after the start Fell, for Nelson, scored a try, and in the last ten minutes of the game Kilgour scored for the West Coast. There was no other score, and an evenly-played match resulted in a draw. The Nelson half-back was hurt, and had been removed from the field, just before the West Coast scored. SOUTHLAND v. QUEENSLAND. INVERCARGILL, August 26. The Southland team against Queensland on Friday will be: — Full-back — Best; three-quarters — Bain, Manson and Rallinshaw; five-eighths — Stead and D. M'Robie; half — Jenkins ; forwards — Martin, Dacre, Molloy, Anderson. Hughes, Murphy, Donaldson and Purdue.