FOOT BALL MATCH.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXVI, Issue 3308, 2 October 1871, Page 3

FOOT BALL MATCH.

NELSON Y. WELLINGTON. In our last issue should have appeared the account of the match between the Wellington and Nelson Foot-ball Clubs, which took place Oil Fridny last, but it wus held over for unavoidable reasons. Wo now propose to give a general outline of the game. The goals were placed about north and eoufch across the Cricket Ground, ami were about 160 yards apart. The Nelson team won the choice for goals, and took possession of the goal ■which had the wind in its favor, the Wellington team haying first kick off. The arrangement was that goals should be changed every half hour, during the two hours' play. The appearance of the two teams was very good, but they were of a very different composition, the Nelson lot appearing much slighter than the WelHngtonians. The Neleonians appeared much the Bmarter of the two, having on magenta stockings, velvet caps with magenta taesels, and white jerseys a uiekerbocker. The Weliiogtoniaus had only ft distinguishing jersey, black and white stripes, but one which has gone through ull its contests without suffering defeut. During the first half- hour, all seemed to favor the Nelson phyers — wind, play, and all the smaller incidents which so greally aid in getting a gnme — and, indeed, there were those who prophesied that there would bo cause for much lamoiatation on the part of the Wellingtonians, who were, however, encouraged by their captain, and renewed their efforts, and Bucceeded in working the ball up to tho opposite goal, but only to be sent back again quicker than it went. This about completed the first half-hour, and, consequently, when " time " was called the goals were changed, and the Wollingtonians now had the wind nfc their back instead of, as at first, against them. Tho difference was at once perceptible, and after a considerable number of changes, tumbles, and scrimmages, they succeeded in gaining a touch down behind goal, which was done very cleverly by Mr Arthur, who then took tho ball out fifteen yards and held it for Mr Isherwood, who made a splendid und exceedingly difficult trial, across the wind and Hftk ground at the goal, the ball being just blown H&about two feet outside the poles Thus, after NHpne hour's hard and determined struggle, side succeeded in gaining a goal. And, on time being called a second time, the Nolsonians again had the wind in their favor. During this half-hour some splendid play •was shown by members of both sides, bufc the heaviness of the ground and the greater weight and strength of the Wellingtoniana began to tell heavily on thoir opponents, who were Bbowing signs of fatigue. The only goal obtained was now gained by tho WelJingtoniaus. As this was a pretty piece of play, v/o describe it as accurately as possible. Mr. Parlr, having guined possession of tho ball, ran through many of the Nelson men, and succeeded in making a touch behind goal. LTho ball wa9 then re-touched by Mr. laherTvood, who was not to be persuaded to make a trial at the goal, but, instead, " punted tho ball out " to hie own eide, who were on the watch.

Having done so, Mr. Arthur succeeded in gaining possession of it, and in less time than it takes to write it, had dashed through tho ranks of the Nelsons and touched it down, well behind tho Nelson goal, for a third time gaining another trial. This trial was taken advantage of by Cnptain Isherwood, who sent tho ball flying over tho goal posts with a beautiful place kick, which was held by Mr. Arthur. Soon after this, time was called for a third time, thus leaving only half an hour more to play in ; the Nelson men freshening up to gain a goal, and their opponents equally determined not to allow it. Indeed, to speak candidly, it wuß a really desperate struggle, and I we are sorry to have to record the fact of Mr. j Vickerman, of the Nelson team, having to bo carried off the field insensible ; there were many wounds given and received, which it will take weeks to obliterate, and a broken tooth was by no means the worst of the casualties. Tho lobs of one of the Nelsonians was much to bo regretted, us it is always a strict rule that in such cases no substitutes are allowed, but it also gave an opportunity to them for displaying that pluck which charac- | torißes an Englishman, in succeeding, if anything, better when placed at a disadvantage. Among tho largo assembly of visitors wore Sir George and Ladyßowen. His Excellency being on horse»back was not so x'eadily distinguished as Lady Bowen, who arrived on the ground in her carriage, and was greeted with loud cheers. The ladies of Wellington mustered unusually strong on the occasion, nud Beeined one and all to enter into the fun and spirit of the game thoroughly. In conclusion, we must congratulate both teams on the manner in which the game was contested, and for the very good humor under what would appeal 1 the mosi. trying of all eircumstnnces, being kicked on the shins. Wo will not mention any names us being boyond others in good play, &c, but sny all did their very best-. Brief not'ee has already been nia^e of tho pleasant dinnerparty which assembled in tho evening at the Empire Hotel, with the Ncls >n players a3 guests. For the more extended report which the character of the occasion might justify being given, we are unfortunately unable to find space. To the notice already given, it may bo mentioned that, during the evening, the company were de'ighted with some of Mr M'lnto-m's clarionet playing, which, it is needless to say, was on ev-ry occasion encored. The Nelson players took their departure by the steamer Wellington, and they did so amid considerable cheering and other friendly demonstrations.