TRAMWAYS MATCH.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVIII, Issue 1063, 21 July 1910, Page 12

TRAMWAYS MATCH.

AUCKLAND DEFEATS WELLINGTON.

The annual Rugby match between the representatives of the Auckland and Wellington Tramways Football Clubs was played at Alexandra Park on Wednesday afternoon in the presence of nearly 2000 spectators. The day was fine, but cold, when the match commenced, a fairly strong south-east wind blowing along the ground- Both teams contained representative players of their city unions, and. as a result some good football was shown. In the second spell heavy rain fell and spoiled what promised to

be an exciting finish. Auckland Won by 8 points to 6, but their win must be considered lucky, for the visitors had the best of the play. The Wellington skipper won the toss and decided to play with the wind. For the first quarter of an hour play was confined to Auckland’s half, but the local men raised the siege and made an excursion into Wellington’s territory. Mulling by the black backs set the Auckland forward forwards going, and, the ball getting among the local backs, Matthews received last and scored a pretty try. Webb converted, and the score read: Auckland, 5; Wellington, nil- After many attempts to score by the Wellington men Auckland was penalised for a back lying on the ball. Perkinson, who had made a good many attempts, finally succeeded in placing the ball between the uprights and over the bar. The first spell ended a few minutes after, with the scores: Auckland, 5; Wellington, 3. The second spell was more evenly contested, Auckland having slightly the best of matters. Half-way through the spell rain came on, and in the midst of a heavy shower M. Brophy battled across the line with three Weir’ lingtonians hanging on to him- Webb’s attempt at goal failed, and the scores read: Auckland 8, Wellington 3. When play resumed Wellington were playing one man short, a member of the team being ordered off the field by the referee. Auckland were having all the best of the play, the ball

Ie ng kept in Wellington’s 25. Wellington worked upfield, fast following up by the forwards, who took advantage of the mistakes of the local backs, putting Auckland on the defence. A mark was secured by a Wellington man, and Perkinson again found the posts: Auckland 8, Wellington 6. On resumption Wellington put new life into their attack, and great excitement resulted. Auckland, however, were soon back to the attack, the heavy local forwards showing to advantage on the .wet groundThere was no further score, the game thus ending in the local team’s favour, the final totals being: Auckland 8, Wellington 6- Mr. F. Nicholson was referee.