Albion I. v. Eketahuna I.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 8210, 4 August 1905, Page 3

Albion I. v. Eketahuna I.

The Eketahuna and Albion Senior teams met in the Park, yesterday, when the former were defeated by live points to nil. The first spell was played on the practice ground owing to the Junior representative match being played on the Oval. The second half was contested on the Oval. The ground was

■wet and sloppy and the ball greasy, conse-

quently a very poor exhibition was given. The teams were evenly matched, the Albions perhaps having a slight advantage. The HP home team began the "match with thirteen players, but obtained a Junior man shortly after starting, and Spring came on a little later. The Albions kicked oft", and uninteresting play resulted, neither side having much advantage. The Eketahuna forwards got away with the ball at their feet, but Mmii was kicked too hard, and dead ball 'resulted. Play was carried back to the Eketahuna territory. The Albions started a passing rush, but Baker passing to Minett the latter failed to take the greasy ball, and a scrum resulted Shortly afterwards from an Albion forward rush the ball went over the line. Eketahuna could easily have forced, but failed to do so, and Dawes fell o:i the ball between the posts. O'Connor converted. From the kick-out play was of no interest except for a forward rush by Eketahuna which was stopped in the nick time, and a force down by the Albions. The half-time whistle sounded with the score —Albions 5, Eketahuna nil. On resuming, play remained in mid-field till two Eketahuna forwards broke away with the ball at toe, but were stopped by Sinclair carrying out at touch. Some passing by tlie Albions was ended by Baker beans; collared and a scrum resulted. From the serum a rush was started, and the ball was kicked dead. Eketahuna got away with fie ball, but the rush was stopped by O'Connor. A little later, from a mark andkiek by an Eketahuna man, Spring started after the ball, but was tripped by an opponent. A penalty kick took play to Ekotahuna's quarters, but. good forward play carried it back again. A good run by # Bradbury took the contest once more, into Eketahu'na's _s's, where it was kicked out at touch. A few minutes later a good eluuiee of scoring was spoiled by Baker passing too low. Eketahuna was forced just before call of time, and the game ended- -Albions 5, Eketahuna nil. In the Albion backs O'Connor and Minett put in eood work, while of the forwards Bradbury was the pick, his following up being especially good. Dawes put in excellent work and of Hie rest Spring and Faulk ncr were the best, Eketahuna were a very even lot. Mr F. O'Connor made a capital referee.