FOOTBALL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 6385, 31 July 1882, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

Zingari v. Balclutha,

A mixed team of Zingaris proceeded by the 8 o'clock train to Balclutha on Saturday last to try conclusions with the local club. The trip will long be remembered by the visitors. When they had got as far as Mosgiel the rain came down in torrents, and never ceased during the day, and, as expected, the ground was in a frightfully greasy state. The players were completely soaked before they started, their uniforms clinging to them like sticking-plaster, and the effect of their appearance was heightened by the sickly smile which nickered hesitatingly on their countenances at the sight of what seemed to be a duck-pond in front of each goal. The Zingari captain, winning the toss, elected to defend tho south goal, and proceedings commenced by King kicking off for the opposing team at half-past 1. The Zingari played a dribbling game, avoiding tight scrummages, and it was m consequence of this that they had decidedly the best of the first spell, forcing their opponents down four times. Smith made a good attempt at potting at goal, landing, within a foot of the bar. Hamer, Stewart, and Donaldson were within a ace of scoring. In the second spell the Balclutha team adopted the same tactics as their opponents, and being a more powerful lot, pressed the Zingari hard, forcing them down threo times, but could not score; thus the game ended in a draw, slightly in favour of the Zingari. The Balclutha showed a decided improvement in their play. King Campbell, and Macpherspn played in good form for thoir side; and Smith (a promising player), Stewart, and Marsh for the Zingari. _______