CHRISTCHURCH v SYDENHAM.

Press, Volume LI, Issue 8793, 14 May 1894, Page 6

CHRISTCHURCH v SYDENHAM.

These teams met for' the first time this ! -season at Sydenham Park, when Christchurch won a well contested game by 6 ►points (a penalty goal and a try) to 5 (a Igoal from a try). Mr F. Evans was referee. ;Reese, the Sydenham captain, won the toss, jand defended the eastern goal, which gave 3his side the advantage of a stiff wind behind jthem. Cowlishaw kicked off for Christt church (Reds), and after a few scrummages dn neutral territory, a fumble by Craig, :the Chrietchurch fullback, placed the Sleds on the defensive, and a moment (later they were forced down by a kick by iH. Forrester. On the ball being kicked out Meikleham marked and Hall had a fruitless shot at goal, and after further forward play in the Christchurch quarters, Hall had. another try at goal, a force down resulting. .A lot of play took place in the Christchurch 'half of, the field, .the Sydenham forwards {following up in fine style, but the Christ-, church men then showed some improvement, and their forwards heeling - out smartly gave the backs a chance. Some good passing was witnessed between Ford, Mendelson, and Harley, the last named being first class in taking the ball, but the 'Sydenham collaring was too good to allow a score. After a lot of play in the home team's half, Sydenham by the means of free kicks removed the danger, and Halliday ;had a fruitless shot at goal. Christchurch fhad somewhat the best of the play until I just on the call of half time, when, Sydenham were given another free kick, and Hall had a try at goal, but missed. On changing ends Sydenham were forced twice in rapid succession, and Christchurch keeping up the attack rushed the ball over the'line, Driver scoring near the corner, but Smith failed to convert. Even play in neutral territory followed, and then Sydenham got on a fine passing run which enabled Reese to score, Hall kicking a goal from a difficult angle. Give and take play was then, the order .of the day until Christchurch were awarded a free kick close to the Sydenham goal, and S. Cox easily piloted the ball over tiie cross bar. A little later Gledhill got over the line for Chriatchurch, but in trying to improve his position he was tackled and no try was allowed. The play from thence out was of an even character, first one side and then the other having the best of it, and the call of time saw the forwards hard at work in the centre.