FOOTBALL.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume III, Issue 114, 29 September 1892, Page 8

FOOTBALL.

Auckland had an easy win over Wairoa by 26 to 6 points. In the first spell Masefield, Gaudin, and Braund secured tries, and Stone, besides placing two of them, also put over a penalty kick. Keen scored for W airoa, and the spell ended—Auckland 15, Wairoa 2. In the second spell Bruce, Braund, Ronayne, and Blewden scored tries, but Stone could convert only one. Absolum and Lowry scored for Wairoa, but the places were fruitless. On Saturday the flagging interest in football will receive a stimulus by the match between Ponsonby and Parnell which should be a close and exciting game. If Ponsonby score a win, a final match for the Cup will have to be played. The proceeds will be given to charitable purpose. [By “ Proteus.”2 Wellington, Sept. 27. The Wellington reps, met the Manawatu reps, on the Newtown Park last Saturday afternoon, when, after a wellcontested game, the former proved victorious by 13 points to nil. The ground was again soft, which of course prevented any really good football being exhibited. The Wellington team was without the services of Ellison, who owing to an injury to his ankle was unable to play. His place was filled by Roberts, who acquitted himself remarkably well, his kicking and collaring being splendidly performed. The Wellingtons, as a team, did not show that amount of dash that was exhibited against Canterbury, their passing and combination being somewhat weak compared to that shown in the latter match. The Manawatus played a rattling game, and very often gave the Blacks a deal of trouble, especially in the first spell, when they had the wind in their favour, and were in close proximity to the Wellington line. The latter’s defence was good, the backs being very smart at times, displaying good football and knowledge of the finer parts of the game. Immediately after the kick out the ball was carried to the Blacks’ quarters, where J. Robinson was awarded a free kick. The ball was placed but nothing resulted, and the Blacks carried it again to neutral territory, where Speed obtained possession and was splendidly brought down by Baker, the fast Wellington threequarter. Time after time Speed got

away, and was on every occasion floored by Baker, who was playing brilliantly. The Maroons continued to press the Blacks, Matheson and Mowlen being especially prominent, but presently Gage, by a smart piece of play, removed the game to the visitors’ side of the field, Speed and Robinson quickly bringing the leather back, but a fine passing rush between Roberts, Lee, Gage and Baumber removed the ball to the Maroons’ 25 for the first time. The Blacks now worked hard, straining every muscle to score, and eventually succeeding, Wynyard getting over after a severe struggle. The remainder of the spell was in favour of the visitors, who had played very consistently all through. The opening of the second term was noted for the dash and energy displayed by the Blacks, who to all appearances meant to give the Maroons a lively time of it. Presently the ball was inside the visitors’ 25 flag, where Gage obtained possession, and, after a tricky run, scored, Lee making a poor attempt at goal. On resuming, the Manawatus worked hard, and removed the leather to the Blacks’ division, where Duncan, had he been supported, most certainly would have scored. The Blacks gradually brought the leather back to the visitors’ ground, where Oliphant obtained possession, and although he could have got in, passed to Baker, who potted an undeniable goal from the 25 flag. Wellington. 8 points; Manawatu, 0. Following the kick-off the Maroons again pressed the Wellington, Jewel making a fine run before he was collared. Cockroft headed a rush near the Manawatu quarter, and Wynyard, getting possession, passed to White, who scored under the posts. Baumber placed a splendid goal—Wellington, 13 points ; Manawatu, 0. After this, Wellington seemed to take matters very comfortably. their play being anything but good. Presently White passed the ball to Baker, who immediately got under way, but was quickly brought down by Speed. The play for the remainder of the spell was not interesting, both teams seemingly having enough of it, and the spell closed with the score—Wellington, 13; Manawatu, 0. It must be said of the Wellington

team that their passing and combination —have undoubtedly won for them all their matches this season, being far and away superior to any yet shown by a Wellington representative team.