FOOTBALL.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXIX, Issue 8233, 10 September 1906, Page 6

FOOTBALL .

WELLINGTON v. MANAWATU.

By Telegraph—Press Association.

PALMERSTON N., Sept. 8. The representative football match, Wellington v. Manawatu, waa played before a largo crowd Of spectators, to day. Manawatu, who for tba first time this season, was able to play with a truly representative teutn, were defeated by 17 points to 6. Wellington's score consisted of cue converted and one unconverted tiy, two goals from marks, and a lenalty goal. Mauawatu's score was composed of t>o penalty goals. The game on the whole was evenly contested, though the homo team lacked the cleverness of the forward aud back divisions of tbe visitors.

OTAGO v. CANTERBURY.

CHRISTGEIURCH, September 8.

The 28th annual match between Otago and Canterbury was played at Lancaster Park, tiiia afternoon, before an attendance of about 3,000 spectators. The weather was beauii fully fine with r warm - .wind blowing, and the ground /waa in firstcl&ss order. Tim Otago team was not the st oneeat that could bare been chosen, owing to the absence of the Otago University players, and it was thought that Canterbury might at least seeuro a win. Tho home team began in ga promising style, a passing rush by tho backs enabling Fryer to suoro under the poets. McGregor converted the try. When they really settled down the Otago forwards shewed themselves to t)Q superior to the Canterbury vanguard, securing the ball more frequently in tbe scrums, and being more dashing" in loose work. Half time was called with Otago leading by 6 points to 5, tries having been soored for the visitors by Fitzpatriok and McKenzie. The first portion of tbe second spell saw Otago attacking almost continuously, chiefly as the result of the forwards' work, and Dougherty soored two tries, which were not converted. The Canterbury backs, who were undoubtedly superior to their opponents, were unable to Beoure the ball until the game was nearly over, and though Egan added a try to their soore their effort came too late, and Otago won by 12 points to 8.

OTAGO UNIVERSITY v. SYDNEY ' UNIVERSITY.

DUNEDIN, Septemberß. The Rugby ruatoh between the Sydney and Otago Universities was played on the Caledonian Ground,, this afternoon, in the presence of about 5000 spectator. After a long spell of fine weather rpin set in this forenoon, and the ground and ball were greasy. A stiff southwesterly breeze was blowing. The game was iatereating, but too onesided. The ground no doubt handi capped the visitors, but they must have played rauoh below their usual form, as they were never dangerous. Playing with the wind in the first spell Sydney were beateu by the looal forwards, and Otago put on 8 points. On changing ends the visitors held their own for some time, but nearing the end they tired, and Otago added 13 points to their score. The game ended— Otago University ... 21 Sydney University ... U

Tries were scored for the winners by Foote, Lomas, Gilray, O'Callaghan and Harrison, of which Harrison converted three. Two of the local men were injured. Tansey, the best of the forwards, having his shoulder dislooated. Except for- seven minutes Otago played with only 14 men in the eeoond spell.

(The Sydney Univer-ity team contained eight New South Wales representative players. The Otago University won the Dunedin premiership this season).

WELLINGTON MATCHES

WELLINGTON, September 9. The Athletic (Wellicgton) Kugby Football Club, yesterday, met the Waipuna (Marlborough) Club team. Waipuna won by 11 points to 9. The Atbletio Fourth-class team beat the Palmerston North Juniors by 5 points to 3. The Masterton tailors beat the Wellington tailors by 3 points to nil.

From a private letter received in Wellington from a prominent Rugby official in the Old Country, it is made clear that a British football team will visit New Zealand in 1908, and that every effort will be made to ensure a very strong representative combination. Particular attention is to be paid to the forwards, so as to secure the very best material, as after the visit to Britain of the New Zealand team it has come to be recognised that if success is to be attained the British team must have a very powerful vanguard. There is every probability that all the best Welsh players will be able to make the trip, and it is believed that the team will prove the strongest English Rugby combination ever seen in New Zealand.

ASSOCIATION POOTBaLL.

OTAGO v.-CANTERBURY

DUwEDIN," September 8. The Association football match, •Canterbury v. Otago, was played at Culling Park, The visitors were a strong combination, composed entirely of ex-British players. It was enrly apparent that in respect of individual skill and clever concerted play the Canterbury men surpassed the local team. Otago, however, played a more dashing game, and their final victory by two goals to one justly represents the total of opportunities turned to advantage. 'lhe first spell was very evenly contested, Bassett scoring first goal for the visitors. Eaeborn, outside left for Canterbury, was conspicuous for speedy dashes down the line, and 'excellent oeotring. For Otago MoLellanrl was exceedingly «lever al£ hooking the ball into the

centre. Prom one of his openings Morrison equalised the score for Otago. In the second spell the local team made the bulk of the attack, and Morrison scored the winning goal. Laat year Canterbury beat Otago, on Lancaster Park, by 5 goals to I.