CHRISTCHURCH v MERIVALE.

Press, Volume XLVI, Issue 7350, 1 July 1889, Page 6

CHRISTCHURCH v MERIVALE.

The return match between the above Clubs took place on the Christchurch ground, North Park, and after a fast and exciting game the Blue-and-White proved victorious by four points to nothing. Owing to the late arrival of some of the Christchurch players the game was not started until nearly, half-past three, consequently towarifc the end of the game it was with great diliiculty that the ball could be seen. Merivale played with four three-quarter backs, and from the start it was apparent that they intended making the game fast and lively, Surman, Joe and Geo. Horuer making some fine runs, while Lowry, Fred Homer, and Mountfort contented themselves with passing to the above mentioned players; but Wilson, Broughton, and Labatt by good kicking, and Greenwood's smart runs, equalised matters to a certain extent, although Merivale held a decided advantage all the first spell, and Plank dribbling the ball over the line enabled McGuire, who backed up well throughout the game, to score, but Evans did not improve the points. Immediately on starting thesecond spell the Christchurch forwards, keeping the ball amongst them, commenced a series of attacks on the Merivale line and experienced that bad luck which has stuck to them through the season. Time after time they were right on to the line, only to have the ball kicked into touch in goal, or a force down, and once Greenwood ended up a good run and dribble by obtaining a try, which was, however, disallowed, owing to his interferiug with Geo. Homer. The Blue and White forwards seemed all to pieces and the Christchurch continued the attack, Childs, Roxby and Hawkes doing some good dribbling, but Richards and Mountfort cleared the line and the forwards, playing better together, had Christcliurch on the defensive, and Lowry giving Surman a neat pass, that player potted a neat and quick goal. After kicking olf, Greenwood made some fine runs, and Wilson and Labatt kicked in capital style, threatening the Merivale goal line, but were unable to get o»er and Merivale coming again with a good rush, Surma* got over, out owing to the darkness the officials could not see properly, and, therefore, decided against him. The game was fast and exciting all through, although the ground was a trifle heavy. Broughton, full-back, played well, and made a tine run along the touch-line in thesecond spell. Labatt and Wilson kicked in their usual well-known manner, while Greenwood made some good runs. The half-backs, Wilkinson and Bemey, collared well, but did little or no passing. Childa, Roxby, Humphreys, and Hawkes did good work in the forward department. Richards, as full-back for Merivale, played throughout without a mistake, and Mountfort, Surman, Joe and Geo. Homer, at three-quarter, did some flue passing, especially iv the first spell. Haskins, E.-ans, McGuire, and Plank were the best of the forwards, the latter doing some grand dribbling. .