October 18 - 1888 "Natives" suffer second loss in England
The “Natives” won their first three matches in England, then lost to Moseley and again, on October 18, to Burton-on-Trent, 3 to 4. But, information on the game is hard to come by.
“Football
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THE NEW ZEALAND TEAM IN
ENGLAND
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A DEFEAT
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[UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.]
London, 18th October.
The New Zealand football team met a
team at Burton-on-Trent to-day, and were
defeated by a goal and a try to a goal.
——————————-“
“MATCH No. 5 —versus BURTON-ON-TRENT.
OCTOBER 18.
With a weakened team, and meeting residents of the famous brewery town, it is not much to be wondered at that we allowed the quality of English ale to excel the Colonial, and retired with our second defeat.
SCORE: Natives – 1 goal.
Burton – 1 goal, 1 try.”
From “RUGBY FOOTBALL AND THE TOUR OF THE NATIVE TEAM”, compiled by T Eyton. Published 1896. P. 19.
“Next is Burton-on-Trent and the team loses again, 3-4. With average luck it might have won — McCausland is off-colour and misses two easy goals. The referee gives a throw-in to Burton by mistake and it scores a try. Gage, Taiaroa and Ellison play especially well.”
From “BLACK JERSEY SILVER FERN Tom Ellison – First Maori to captain the All Blacks” by Denis Dwyer. Pub. 2015 by Grantham House. P.84.