FOOTBALL.

Otago Witness, Issue 1793, 3 April 1886, Page 21

FOOTBALL.

NOTES BY FORWARD.

Footbali is all the talk now, and one scarce hears a word about cricket. The approaching season, which commences on the second Saturday in April, promises to be a very successful one.

At Home when the mail left the London Scottish had just secured a hard-earned victory over the Harlequins by three goals and a try to nothing.

Lancashire beat Durham by three tries and two minor points to nothing. There were 5000 spectators.

In the London district the big event was the return match between Blackheath and Richmond, in wretched weather, at the Rectory Field, Charlton road. It is the last that will be played there this year, as the position of the ground hitherto played upon is now wanted to bo levelled and got ready for the ensuing cricket season. Rain fell in torrents, when fully 1000 spectators assembled round the ropes and braved the elements. The game was a very exciting ono, as it was not till within a minute or two of "No side !" being called that either side scored a point, when O. O. Taylor, getting the ball by

a splendid run, succeeded in getting a try for the home foam, which ho speedily converted into a goal, making the BUickheath men the nntbbers of the .situation. Both clubs played their full strength, and it is doubtful if cither have been )) :tf(>f represented tor a considerable tinii\ The Bl.sckhi-iith forwards pluyed wouderfully well together, bsing quite able lo hold their own in the scrummages with their powerful opponents, while the passing of the three-quarter backs, C. G. Taylor, SUvldavt, and Hutl, was up to their b-'.sfc fo-'jii, though anything like long runs, owing io the slippery st-ite of ttas ground, was quite out of the question. Among the Richmond forward;-, E. T. Giu-don, O. (Jur lou, and Le Fanu were always noticeable, while the halfback-;, Rotherham and Arbur, the first-named especially, did good service for their side. Tho visitors kicked off from the Rectory end of the field, having the slope, wind, aud vain slightly m their favour. The bull being sent into louch-and-goal, the first scrumnuge was formed in the Blaekheath half, from which Rotherham got the ball and passed to Wade, but the latter had not gained much ground for his side whon he was well collared. C. G. Taylor then relieved his side by a long punt, transferring the play to the centre of the field, from whence the bali was worked into the Richmond " twenty-five." Hure, however, it was ;iot kept long, as a combined rush of tho Richmond forwards again brought it back past the centre line, where it went, into touch. From the throw-in, O. Qurdon secured it and gained more ground for tho visitors, but was stopped by G. 0. Taylor, and the last-named shortly afterwards getting possession, passed to Stoddart, who by a capital run again got into tho visitors' half. Spills were now very numerous, owing to the wet and slippery nature of the turf. The ball was worked toward the Richmond goal, and eventually sent over the line, causing the visitors to touch down, no point of importance being scored previous to halftime. On changing ends the game became very fast, and Rotherham getting the ball, look it into the home "twenty-live;" but the wearers of the red and black were now playing a very determined gAme, and Hutt, by a good punt, returned the ball. The same player soon afterwards securing the ball, again made a determined attempt to get through, but was well tackled. Moore was the next to make the attempt, receiving the ball from N. Spurling, but appearing undecid"d was collared before roaching the line. After this the play continued of the most even description until ju->t before Hie expiration of time. C. G. Taylor then got the hall out of some looae play, and by a capital, dodgy run succeeded in placing it behind tho posts, and, taking the place kick himself, scored a goal to the credit of Blackheath, who thus won by one goal to nothing.

The Taieri Club " opened the season " on Saturday with a scratch match.

'I he Bast Christchurch club started with an alphabetical match, about 32 members taking part in the game, which was won by those representing Ato L. Several members .showed up we'll, notably, .Francis, Hobbs, Moorhou.se, Missen, White, Wilson, Dow, and Harden. The last-niL-ntioned [jlayer gives promise of proving a very useful acquisition to the club amongst the baokP.

A Press Association message from Wellington informs us that at n nvv.tingof the Rugby Football Union ifc was decided to wnd a team to Auckland this season.

I have frequently referred to the subject of pai I professionals, against whom the Scottish cluln set their face. As an instance of the exteut to which the practice is c.irrio'l on, I may cite a club in Preston, which paid lust year no less than £1190 to professional players. That the gAma pays is further evidenced by the fact that notwithstanding this large expenditure, the club made a profit of nearly £500.

The Excelsior Football Club played their open ing match on Saturday. The ciip^in and deputy-captain picked sides. The game resulted in a win for the latter by one try to ml.