MERIVALE v CHRISTCHURCH.

Press, Volume L, Issue 8477, 8 May 1893, Page 6

MERIVALE v CHRISTCHURCH.

This match was played on Lancaster Park, and resulted in the defeat of the Christchurch team by 16 points (two goals from tries and three tries) to 5 points (one goal from a try). Mr A. M. Labatt acted as referee. The first noticeable piece of play was a rush by the Red (Christchurch) forwards, who, headed by Craig, bore down io the Blues' (Menvale) territory, whence a return kick by Lawrence from Smart relieved matters. Cook, J. Fraser, and Rides returned the play, and scrums ensued in the Reds' quarters, from of which Chiids obtained a try, and Cook converted. A good combined forward rush by the Reds compelled the Blues to forcedown, while two of their men and one of Christchurch were engaged, much to the amusement of the spectators, in playing with the ball belonging to the match on the opposite ground. Good play by Smart, Mendelson and Gledhill among the backs, Craig, Humphreys aud Marchant among the forwards, put Meiivale on the defensive, and the Bluett were forced twice in close succession by kicks by Mondslion. Johnstone hc.vleil a dribbling ruiii by the Blues, and the ball went ialo touch near the Rsd lines, but oilside play subsequently afforded Christchurch relief. Lawieuce failed to Stop tbe rtuh which followed; and a score was only averted by Lang kicking into touch. *A little later Christchurch were forced by an attempted pot by Lang. Even play succeeded. Then Meuzics missed a pass from Lang, which Humphreys intercepted ; the ball went on to Rees, from whom it was passed to Marchant close on the Blues , lines, and the last-named got over and then placed a goal from the try. Christchurch were next forced by a pot at goal by Lang, who ought to have run in, and just after Alendelson was prevented from scoring for Christchurch by V. Menzies overtaking him before he could reach the line. In the second, spell Merivale had decidedly the best -of it. To start with, Cook converted a try, ob-tained-by Evans from a pass -by Johnatone, and Boon after J. Frazer scored, after good passing between Cook, White, Lang and himself. From another attack just on the Reds' lines Johustone got a try, and the last score was obtained by Lang, who received the ball from Rides after a neat dribbling rush by the Blue forwards, •with Corsbie in the van, had carried plaj into the Reds , territory. Between these scores the Christchurch representatives struggled manfully. White and Lawrence were called upon to stein several charges; Mendelson made some good runs, but was eventually Well tackled, and Smart's quick passing and rapid kicks cave frequent relief. During the same time Christchurch were thrice forced dowji, from a mark by P. Menzies, a kick by Lang, and a free kick for obstruction.