KAIAPOI v. ALBION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6168, 2 May 1898, Page 1

KAIAPOI v. ALBION.

These teams met at Lancaster Park. The game was very late in starting, the delay being caused through Albion's difficulty in raising a team. Albion then had only fourteen men, two of ■whom were substitutes, and the match looked a very " soft thing " for Kaiapoi. However, it was the unexpected that happened, for the Blacks gave their doughty opponents a lot of trouble, and the finish of the game saw the Northerners victors by the narrow margin of one point. Albion was the first to attack, Butler and J. Archibald taking the ball well into the Yellows' quarters, bat a well-judged kick by G. Duncan centred play, while another by M'Grath put the Blacks on the defensive. From a loose rush H. Driscoll got possession, and forcing his way over the line, scored the first try, which was converted by G. Duncan, giving Kaiapoi a lead of five points. Butler and Archibald were again prominent wiih a good run, but the latter threw away a good chance of scoring through failing to pass to Nelson, who had a fair opening. Kaiapoi were forced twice in quick succession, and G. Johnstone had two attempts at gaol from marks. A determined attack by the Yellows was met by sure collaring, and good play by Nelson took the ball to the ' other end. The Yellows were soon attacking again, and G. Duncan spoilt a chance of scoring by kicking into touch at the corner flaw. For the rest of the spell the play was up and down the field ; but no further score was made, though Karaitiana narrowly escaped potting a goal, the ball striking the cross bar. On resuming Kaiapoi at once attacked, and from a scrum near the line J. Lynskey got the ball and scored, but G. Duncan failed to convert. Even play followed, each team attacking in turn, but eventually Bamford marked, and Nelson placed a neat goal. The Albion score was further increased by a try gained by G. Johnstone, which that player failed to convert. Time was soon after called with the play near the centre of the ground, the scores being— Kaiapai one goal and one try, eight points ; Albion' one goal from a mark and one try, seven points. Mr A. E. White was the referee.