FOOTBALL.

Mataura Ensign, Issue 1033, 15 May 1902, Page 2

FOOTBALL.

PIRATES 11. v. EXCELSIOR. The above match was played at Gore yesterday in splendid football weather, and ended in a win for the home fifteen by four points to three. Owing to the late arrival of tbe local players, time only allowed of two spells of thirty minutes each being played. The game was an interesting one throughout, and was closely contested, although the Pirates had the best of the tussle. The first score was registered by the Pirates, Organ getting over near the corner flag, but the kick at goal was unsuccessful. Later on in the first spell McCartney (Excelsior) got a clever mark in a good position, and Ussher kicked a splendid goal. In the second spell play was principally confined to the forwards, and all through the visitors bad the best of the game, and missed several good chances of scoring from penalty kicks in close proximity to tbe Excelsior goal, but the kicking was very poor. No further score was put up by either side, the local players winning as above stated. Mr A. Mcliobie was referee. Tho match played between the Albion and Mataura Star, played on the latter's ground yesterday, ended in favor of tho Gore team by three points to nil. Shortly after the commencement of the game Latham obtained a try for the Albion, which was the only score. Both teams played excellent football, and the game was closely contested, and was full of interest throughout. Previous to the above match being played the Excelsior 111 and Mataura Cadets tried conclusions, the former winning by 25 points to nil. In yesterday's matches at Invercargill the Star beat the Pirates by three points ; Invercargill were defeated by the Pirates by 15 points, and Athletic won against Waikiwi by two tries to one.