POLO.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume IX, Issue 461, 25 May 1899, Page 8

POLO.

THE NEW ZEALANDERS IN AUSTRALIA.

There has never been such strong interest displayed in a polo match here as the match between Oamperdown and New Zealand excited. The ground was thronged by visitors from every part of the district, say the Leader of May 13, notwithstanding that the weather was showery. Lady Brassey, accompanied by Lord Neville, was present, having come specially to see the match. The teams were :—Camperdown: Messrs J. C. Manifold, W. T. Manifold, E. Manifold, and L. G. M’ Arthur. New Zealand: Messrs W. Strang, A. Strang, Baker, and Robinson. The recent rains had made the ground rather heavy and slippery, but the game, nevertheless, was fast. Mr Baker’s pony came down twice, but he was not hurt. The others got through without a fall. At the start Mr W. T. Manifold carried to goal by a brilliant run, and scored for Oamperdown. This was followed by two behinds, and then Baker got a beautiful goal for the visitors. Camperdown had the best of the play, and added another goal. In the next term Camperdown had the advantage, and after another goal put up three behinds, one after anpther. Their success continued into the third term, when they added three more goals by brilliant play. Towards the end of the term the visitors rallied, but, in spite of a desperate effort, could only register minor points. At half time Camperdown were 6 goals 5 behinds, New Zealand 2 goals 2 behinds. In the fourth term Camperdown kept the ball in the vicinity of the New Zealand goal, but a stubborn defence was made, and they only got one more goal, while New Zealand scored only one behind. Although -practically beaten, the New Zealanders in the next term played all they knew, and the game became intensely exciting. Camperdown were put on the defensive. The play raged round their goal, and behind after behind was scored, but goals were saved. Just before the bell rang Camperdown got another goal, the scores being Camperdown 8 goals 9 behinds, New Zealand 2 goals 9 behinds. New Zealand continued their improved form in the last term, and got two more goals, but were unable to make up the difference, owing to the splendid defensive game played by Camperdown. Final scores : —Camperdown 8 goals 10 behinds, New Zealand 4 goals 12 behinds. The play all through was of a high-class character, both teams showing masterful combination and accuracy in hitting in every point of the game. The visitors’ play was frequently cheered, but there was a general feeling of pleasure that thay were unable to lower the supremacy of the Camperdown team. The New Zealand team met Caramut this afternoon at Osborne House, North Geelong, in the presence of about 3000 people, including Lord and Lady Brassey and a party from the Government Bouse, and *a large number of visitors, a special train bringing a large con ingent from Melbourne. The players were : —New Zealand : 8. Blake, J. and A. Strang, and J. Robinson;

and Caramut: E. R. De Little, R A. Affleck, H. Osborne, and R. A. D. Hood. The umpb es were Chester Manifold (Caramut) and Williamson (New Zealand). The game was really a magnificent one, the struggle throughout being remarkably even. The scores were equal three times, a “two all,” “three all,” and “five all.” With the totals equal at the ringing of the bell, the.play was continued on ; and A. Strang eventually scored a goal and Won the game for the Maorilanders, the scores being New Zealand, 6 goals 8 behinds; Caramut, 5 goals lObehinds. For the winners J. Strang played a brilliant game, and was ably seconded by A. Strang. For the losers De Little and Osborne were the most spicuousOn Saturday at Moonnee Valley there was a large a-semblage, including Lord and Lady Brassey, and a party from the Government House, to witness the first intercolonial match between New Zealand and Victoria. The former’s team comprised the Messrs Strang (2), Baker, and

Robinson; that of Victoria the Messrs Manifold (3) and Mr R. A. D. Flood. Mr E. de Little judged for Victoria, Mr Williamson for New New Zealand, while Mr ;A. Clarke was referee. The game was a spirited one all through. The Maorilanders made some brilliant rushes, but were met-so stronglj that they could nob score, Mr W. Manifold, with a specially good bit of play, scored first goal for Victoria. At half-time the scores were : —Victoria, 3 goals 8 behinds ; New Zealand, 1 goal 1 behind. On resuming, the visitors redoubled their efforts, but were unable to add another goal to their score, which, at the close of the match, stood : —Victoria, 6 goals 12 behinds ; New Zealand, 1 goal 13 behinds?