FOOTBALL.

West Coast Times, 3 September 1909, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

AUCKLAND v. TARANAKI.

A GREAT GAME.

NEW PLYMOUTH, Sept. 2.— The finest struggle seen here this year, and one of the finest games yet played fetween Auckland and Taranaki representative teams was played on the recreation ground this afternoon in the presence of four thousand spectators. A strong southerly wind had dried the ground, which the previous day looked almost impossible to play upon. Each province was represented by their strongest combination.

Tarauaki won by six points (two unconverted tries, scored by Cameron), to 3 (a penalty goal, kicked by Francis). The better team won on the day's play, Taranaki's superiority lying in the back division, "whilst the forwards were very evenly matched, the Auckland vanguard being superior in handling the ball. The Auckland barks were very sound in defence, but their attack was not as strong as their opponents. The local team, although altered in personnel but slightly, was almost unrecognizable as the team which played Wanganui last week. Had they been able to get the ball clean from the scrum Taranaki must ha- o won by more. Cameron's first try was the culminating point of a -no'/einent initiated in their own 25 by Mynott, most of the backs handling the bull, the run being made by Stohr, C. Heban, and the scorer. The points were even at half time. In the second half Cameron's teoro again emanated from Mynott, vho had a chance to score near the posts, but unselfishly sent the ball out to Sheohan, Avho sent it on to Cameron, vho went over. The kicking on Ihe whole was poor. O'Sulliron, of the All Black romoination strained himself severely, and if, unlikely to take the field again.