FOOTBALL.

Evening Star, Issue 7480, 26 March 1888, Page 4

FOOTBALL.

O.R.F.U. TRIAL MATCH. On the Caledonian Ground on Saturday afternoon the first of the Rugby Union trial matches, arranged with the view of choosing the best team against the English players, who arrive here in less than a month's time, was played. The ground has now been enlarged to the full size, and forms one of the best football fields in the colony. Teams of fifteen a-side were chosen, and a capital game was witnessed. Messrs Wyinks and Ross acted as umpires, with Mr Chapman as referee. In the first spell the Blues played against the wind, and managed to hold their own; but on changing ends the Colors adopted passing tactics, and in a short space Noel managed to elude the passing backs and got across the line. The place-kick was a failure. Lynch, by a fine fending run, scored near the posts shortly afterwards, and, taking the try himself, placed a neat goal. Again the Colors were not to be denied, and Noel, taking advantage of some pretty passing, obtained another chance and scored. The try at goal was at a difficult angle, but Lynch made an excellent shot, and was within an ace of scoring. The Colors thus scored a decisiye victory. Of the three-quarter backs, Lynch claimed most attention, He

played the best game on the ground, and his performance on Saturday, as in the Town v. Country match last season, afforded a commentary on the action of the Selection Committee in not including him in the Northern tour, and justified our comments that his omission was probably due to the fact that he was a country player. Noel and Keogh also showed good form. D. Fraser was not a success as full-back. Another trial match will be played on Saturday, and, there being no counter-attraction for that day, there ought to be a good attendance of the public.

A well-attended meeting of players and supporters of the Association game was held in the City Hotel on Saturday evening, Mr M'Donald in the chair. The report was read and approved. The season was well advanced before the club was formed, but during its short season the club had played seven games against other combinations—winning five, drawing one, losing one; goals won, twenty-six ; goals lost, twelve. Tho treasurer's report showed a debit balance, but the few subscriptions still to come in will fully meet the liability. Owing to the success of the club last season, the meeting resolved to form two clubs—one in the northern district and another in the southern—to foster a friendly rivalry, and thereby give an impetus to and further the interests of the game. Committees were appointed for that purposeviz. : South Messrs Gibbs, M'Gregor, Izard, and C. F. E. Gibson (secretary) ; North—Messrs M'Donald, Hunter, J. Moncrieff (secretary), and Buchanan. It was considered desirable to obtain a central ground. The annual meeting of the Rugby Union will be held to-morrow night. It is proposed to separate the offices of hon. treasurer and hon. secretary, in which case Mr M. Ross will probably be chosen to the latter position and Mr J. H. Chapman will be appointed treasurer. A proposal is also mooted in the direction of having the selection committee appointed by the delegates. There can be no question that last year's selection did not give general satisfaction.