FOOTBALL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 7926, 18 July 1887, Page 2

FOOTBALL.

DdNEDIN V. PIEATES.

This match took place on the Carisbrook ground on Saturday afternoon. The ground was in grand condition and the weather magnificent. The Dunedin won the toss, and Drabble kicked off with his face to the sun. At the very outset the Pirates' full back muffed' the ball, and the Dunedin men pressed their opponents very hard for the first 10 minit^ Twice did the Dunedin backs almost pot a cos] It took the Pirates the best part of the first spell to get together, their work in the earlier part of the game being of a very disappointing: nature. The Dunlin, on the otheThandt played a good combined game. No score was made by either side in the first haif. Early in the beginning of the second spell Matheson made a good dash to within a short distance of the Dunedm goal-lino; the ball then went into touch. In the line out Konaldson secured ifc and was rewarded with a try. Howison t«ok the kick, which was unsuccessful. Shortly after this Milne came through a scrummage and dribbled the ball over the line, scoring the second try for the Pirates. Drabble took this kick which was again unsuccessful. After the kick out there, was a lot of give-and-take play. Thomson got; the ball about the twenty-Eve flag, and dromTwl, a first-rate goal. The Dunedin team plaH up manfully, and with such success that towards the end of fcho game they had the ball well in the Pirates'twenty-five. Cook, who had played a really first-class game, here followed Thomson s example. The Pirates lost no time in kicking out, and by Stephensoti's help the baj was once more brought close to tho Pirate"' goal. Walls obtained a mark, and ifc was an open questwn whether the goal would be kicked or not Luckdy for the Pirates the kick was charged down, and the ball went to. the other side of the ground, where Montgomery succeeded in kicking into touch. The time Jhtetie was now blown, and a thoroughly enjoyable game brought*) a close. For the winneSthJpfcfc of the forwards were Drabble and A. W.Mowis. HM,t if R *e' r WOrk t0 do- and did * right well. Ronaldson in particular played a really good game. For the backs Fraser played batter than usual, which is » R ying much. Nevertheless, he at times, I reget to say, showed a graat tendency to run back. That Thomson alao played well there is no doubt, but he should remember it is as much his duty to stop the opposing halfs ticking goals as to kick them himself. Ovendon at three-quarters, made one or two good runß; Esquilaut contented himself with a strong defensive game for the losers. Cook is out and away the pick of the baefcs. The good kicking and punting at three-quarters came from Smith and several well-meant- but unsuccessful dashes from Stephcnsoa. For the forwards Martin was first-rate cm the lino out, aud worked bard all through. The next best were Turnbull, Menelaus, and Turfcon. Harper all through the first spell was very dangerous with his dribbling. The Pirates remedied this in the second half by playing Morris opposite him. Messrs Rose and Mills umpired, and Mr Chapman was referee. The teams were as follows :-Dunedin: Backs—Austin, Walls. Smith, Stephenson, Cook Hurdy; forwards — Martin, Turnbull, Home, ?" r, t0 "> M. enel a»s. Branigan, Carter, Harper, M'Kay. Pirates: Backs—Howisou, Esquilant Montgomery, Oveudon, Fraser, Thomson- for-' wards-Drabble, A. W. Morris, 3. H. Morris, Diamoud, Cautrell, Matheson, Black, Milne Ronaldiou. '• Spectator..

MONTKuIM.O V. tfINUAIII-KICIIUOND.

This match was played on the Oval, and resulted in a drawn game, one try each being scored. The ground is of full length, but is only (iOyds wide, and in addition to this it was ankle-deep in mud ; these two causes combined completely nullified the efforts of tlie last Montecillo backs. Punctually at 3 o'clock Shepard kicked oIF, playing with tho sun in Ins faco. After some good kicking between the backs, a scrum was formed near the centre. A good dribblo by Isaacs and Noel was replied to by a combined rush of the Colours' forwards, but tho passing and kicking of the Colours' backs not being successful, the ball appeared within a few yards of their posts, only to be sent down the iield by a rattling kick by Esquilant. Shepard came to the fore with a good dribble, and a serum was formed near the hnlf-way flag. Best and Esquihnt took the ball out of danger, but all to no purpose, for the Red forwards, with mi irresistible rusli, brought the leather back to its old quarters. Brodrick, however, was about, and punted well down the field ; Aitken replied, and from the throw out the Montecillo forwards took charge of uffairs, only to be stopped by a small boy. After some desultory play, of which the ZingnriKichmond forwards had all the best, owing tc thoir quick packing and fast following up, Noel got a mark. Aitken took the kick, but was unsuccessful, and Deaker, by grand kicking, relieved his side, and put the Montecillo on tho defensive, and shortly afterwards they were forced down, it being only owing to Aitken's pace that a score was prevented. Half-time was called shortly afterwards,- and tho ZhignviRichmond supporter*, who were present in large numbers, were jubilant over the grand form displayed by their boys. Simpson returned Trosocler's (kick at thobeginuing of tho second spell, and 10 minutes give-and-take pliy took place, of which the Monteeillo had somewhat the butter, but the kicking of the Colours' backs nullified all the efforts of tho Reds' forwards. A long succession of forward rushes now ensued, and the ball appeared in the Montecillo's quarters, but Aitkeu and Noel by fast Following prevented the ZingariKichraond backs making use of their kicking powers, but shortly after Treseder got in. No goal resulted, but the Montecillo were now on their mettle, and rush after rush of thoir forwards were unanswered by the Colours, and the ball was carried over the line, where Noel and Kallingshaw had a maul m goal, in which the latter was the victor. The ball was then taken up the field by Treseder and Rallingshaw, assisted by their three-quarters,;only to bo returned, and Simpson got a mark. Watson was entrusted with the kick, but was unequal to the occasion. After this the spectators rushed the ground, and play was suspended for about 10 minutes, time, however, being allowed by the referee. Just on the call of time the Montecillo again rushed the ball over the line, and Dallas scored, Noel lying on top of him. The kick was unsuccesful, and the game thus ended as stated above. Of the Zingari-Rieh-mond forwards Treseder, Rallingshaw, and Wales were the pick, while all their backs were good, and it would be invidious to select any for especial praise. Of the Montecillo forwards Beck, Isaacs, Shepard, and Dallas showed up well; while their backs, with the exception of Noel and Watson, were not up to form. The game was fairly fast, but rough; the Zingari-Richmond working like Trojans to win, and tho Montecillo for the same purpose in order to maintain their position as premier for the present season. The condition of the ground was altogether against good play, but all the came it was as good a game as has been witnessed this season, the only objectionable feature being the crowd.

United v. Pout Ohalmkks.

This match resulted in a win for the United by two goals (6 points to nil). M'Naught winning the toss, elected to defend the southern goal. Crawford for Port Chalmers kicked off. The ball being well returned, play centred in the Port's twenty-five, where it remained for the greater part of the first spell. Towards the end of the first spell R. M'Naught, getting the ball from the line out, passed to Laurenson, and that player dropped a splendid goal. In this spell the Port team were compelled to force down four times. In the second spell for a time matters were more even. The Port forwards playing bard and well together, kept tho leather about the centre, but the United forwards' fast looce play soon had the ball in the Port's twenty-five, where it remained for a long time. Julian here relieved his side by getting hold .of the leather and running from his own twenty-five to the centre flag, where he was collared by R. Millar. A splendid rush of the United forwards carried the ball to within a few yard of the Poit's goal, and J. Power by good following up obtained a try, from which J. Clothier placed a goal. The Port team were again forced down four times in this spell, making ■eight in all. The United team were forced down once. For the Port, Julian, Finnegan, and Bauchop (backs), Crawford, Stewart, Leonard, and Fairley (forwards), and for the winning team, C. Holland, Duncan, and B. Millar (backs), M'Lauchlan, Fountain, Harlow, and Power (forwards) played well.

Taieju v. Uniteksity.

This n?ateh was played on tho Taieri Club's ground, w.bich ivns iv good condition, in the presence of a fair number of spectators, of whom an unusually large proportion were of the gentler sex. At the kick off the Unjl-ersity, mainly owing to a fine dribble by Hardy, took the ball to within n fe;v feet of the Taieri line, where Smeaton just saved a score, but the Taieri forwards, "by tight scrummaging, soon altered the aspect of the game, and after about 10 minutes' play in their opponents' quarters, taking advantage of a miskick, rushed the hall over the line and gained a try almost in touch in goal. Murdoch made a splendid attempt at goal. Inglis and Hart intercepted the University's kick out, and the latter being a good deal disorganised by changes in their team, found themselves very hard pressed. After about a quarter of an hour's play, Milne, the Taieri centre three-quarter, took advantage of a nice pass to drop a very neat goal with his left foot. After this score the University were forced down several times, and only managed to relieve tho pressure for a few minutes towards 4he end of the spell. In the second spell the jgama was much more even, and though the Taieri forwards on several occasions took the 'ball to within a yard or so of the Blues' goal line, Fitzgerald stopped all the rushes very pluckily, and the University forwards, working better together than in the first spell, soon shifted the play to less dangerous quarters. Good dribbling on the part of Simmers, Milne, and Fooks, and a long run by Elliott, put the Taieri on the defensive for some time, but the excellent collaring of their backs prevented auy score, the game thus ending in a win for the Taieri by four points. Of the Taieri backs, Joe Allan collared splendidly. Murdoch and Smeaton ran well, and Milne played a useful game, but threw away some fine chances of scoring by his unselfish passing. Tho three Gibsons, Hart, and Steele were the pick of their forwards. The University forwards playeda hard uphill, game. Smith, Fooks, andTennant did the most work, and Torrance collared exceedingly well. The backs were too hard pressed to shine, but Elliot and Fitzgerald played in firstclass style. There was the utmost good-feeling .among the players, and an entire absence of •that wrangling which has been imputed to the University te-in, who were so well pleased by •the generous spirit displayed by the Taieri men •during tho game, and by their kindness in providing refreshments afterwards, that they felt " it was worth while coming to the Taieri ground, af only to be licked," and so says Mark.

Dhion v. Kaikoiiai.

The weather on Saturday was all that could be desired for football, and accordingly a large number of spectators were attracted to the Union ground to witness the struggle between the above clubs. The game, which was expected to be very close, proved one of the most stubbornly contcsted_ oE the season, and at time's it was found almost impossible to keep the excited supporters from crowding on to the field of play. The ground wao in splendid order, and must have been a treat to players after the wet grounds they have been accustomed to of late. Sides were captained by Hunter (Union) and Douglas (Kaikorai). Messrs Wyinks and Farley umpired, with Mr Morrison as referee. Douglas haviug won the toss elected to defend the northern goal, Hunter kicking off. From the kick-off the ball was well returned into touch in the Union twenty-five by Miller, whence after a lot of serummagingj it was shifted to the halfflag. Some-capital punting between the backs and fast dribbling amongst the forwards then ensued, until C'roxford by a smart kick sent the ball into touch in the Kaikorai quarters. Good passing amongst the Kaikorai backs gave Keogh a chance, and by a splendid run, amidst tremendous cheering, he carried the ball to Union quarters, where ho was brought to earth by Fraser. The Union men had their work cut out to keep their heavier opponents from scoring. Miller having the ball passed to him from the line out, had an easy shot at goal, but the ball went wide. The Union forwards now warmed up, and by ucuje capital rushes, assisted by Hunter's punting, invaded the Kaikorai territory. Henderson crossed the line, but losing hold of the ball the Kaikorai full back was on it in an ixistant and saved a score. The Kaikorai forwards shifted the scene of play to the Union twenty-five, where Miller, getting hold of the ball, made a desperate effort to score, but his progress was retarded by Grieve. Through short passing on the part of the Kaikori backs Bee got hold of the leather, and by kicking well up the field into touch cleared the Union lines. Half-time was now called, and the teams reversed their positions. During the second spell the play was much faster, and the Union forwards by playing looser pressed their opponents hard on several occasions, but the fine defence of the Kaikorai backs prevented them from scoring. Douglas set the ball rolling for the second spell, and it being well returned, play was centred in the Kaikorai's twenty five, where it remained ior some time. The Kaikorai's forwards, by packing well, forced the play to the Union quarters, but Fraser hero changed the state of affairs by a fine kick to his opponents' twenty-five. The remainder of the spell was very evenly contested, until the Union forwards, by some splendid dribbling, menaced the Kaikorai lines, and_ were again within an ace of scoring. The Kaikorai forwards rallied, and carrying the scrum, cleared their lines for a while, and eventually shifted the play to neutral territory. Timo was called shortly after, the game thus ending in a draw, neither side scoring. Both teams played a rattling game from start to finish, and it would b» invidious to single out any player. The kicking and running of the backs were especially good, and on several occasions brought forth loud applause from the spectators.

ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL,

The Dunedin Association Football Club played a match between scratch teams on the

ground al, Tahuna I'ark on &iilurday. ljie weather was all that ecudd be desired, anil the ground in good order for tho game. Some of the members wuru a littlu late in coming on tho ground, and a kick off was nut .■liV.aed in time to allow the orthodox l.'v minutes' play each way Teams were captained by iUoucriell and Izard. The former won the toss and chose to play with the sun behind, lzard's team was soon aggressive and hemmed tho enemy m their twenty-five for a lime, during which somo fine play was exhibited. JloucriotF and Fmdlay had hard work to check the combined play of the opposing forwards, in which Armour, W. X Stewart, and Stranger did good work; despite the defence they \vo\dd not be denied, and Stranger put in an elective shot. The kick oil' was smartly followed up, and Bowdler, by a long shot from tun left equalised matters. The game was m.w of a give-and-take character ; fast runs were niado by the forwardß on each side, and only checked when goal was within range. During the second half Moncreiff's team had rather tho best of tho play ; the forwards played a better combination, (.'alder (late of the St. Bernard's Jt'.C, Edinburgh) doing some grand tackling and dodging. Izard and K. Stewart played a strong defence, but lacked tho support of the half backs when this goal was pressed. Moore, M'Gregor, and Oalder each scored for Moncrietf's team, and Armour for Izard's, during tho second half. Moncrieff's team won by 4 goals to 2. There was a marked improvement hi the passing and tackling, but a great want of judgment when shooting at goal. Much hard play is absolutely thrown away when a player gets thu ball passed to him in front of goal, and instead of giving it the coup tic t/ran; kicks it hurriedly and wide of the goal. There is also a disposition on the part of some of the players to be selfish. Bowdler, M'Gregor, Moore, I'errett, Calder (forwards), Findlay and Moncrielf (backs) played well for tho winning team, and W. !'. Stewart, Armour, Stranger, Broadley, Crawford (forwards), I/,ar.l, R. Stewart (backs), and. Allan (goal; for losing team. ,

A Christchurch telegram states that the football matches there ended as was expected. Sydenham beat Merivalo by atiy to nil after a very even game. North Canterbury defeated Christchurch at Rnngiora by 2 tries after ti very tough match.