TARANAKI V. WELLINGTON.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume V, Issue 216, 13 September 1894, Page 3

TARANAKI V. WELLINGTON.

Great interest was centered in the meeting of the Taranaki and Wellington representatives on the sth inst. at Hawera, when, as was generally expected, the contest proved a good thing for the amber and blacks, the game ending in their favour by 6 points to nil. Wellington kicked off with the wind in their favour, and at once rushed the leather into the Taranaki’s 25. It, however, did not remain there long, for a splendid rush of the amber and black vanguard soon changed the scene of action to the Wellington territory. For a considerable time the play was of a give and take nature, neither side having much advantage. During the last fifteen minutes of the first spell the Taranaki backs played with great dash, their fine passing more than once getting them within an ace of scoring. From a long kick by Allen, A. Good followed up smartly, and out-pacing several of the Wellington backs, picked up cleverly. By 1 fine run, in which he showed great speed. Good succeeded in crossing the Wellington line and drew first blood for Taranaki Humphries took the kick, but failed to add the extra points. Although the visitors made several determined efforts to get on even terms, the spell ended without further score. In the second spell the Taranaki men again assumed the aggressive, and for a long time kept the Wellington backs busy in staving off the attacks of their back division, who made great efforts to increase the score. Time after time they got to within a few yards of the visitors’ line, but the defence of the Wellington backs proved too good. During the last 15 minutes of the game the visitors made a great effort, and carried play into the local team’s territory. For several minutes the play was almost on the Taranaki goal line, Wynyard, Gage, Pudney, and Bennett all making repeated attempts to cross the line. As the game gradually drew to a close, and play continued dangerously near, the Taranaki line, the excitement of the onlookers became intense, and frequent cries of “ Time ” could be heard from all parts of the ground. By a splendid kick A. Bayly caused play to centre, anti from

the scrums which took place at midfield the same player received a pass from Humphries. Making off at top speed for the Wellington goal line, Bayly managed to elude all the opposing backs, and was only collared from behind by Wynyard when within a few yards of the line. He, however, succeeded in transferring to H. Good, who dashed over the line and registered Taranaki’s second try. The kick at goal, which was taken by Lusk, proved abortive, and time was called immediately, leaving the amber and black victorious by six points to nil. Mr Weeks, of Palmerston North, acted as referee.