SOUTHLAND NOTES.

Otago Witness, Issue 2046, 11 May 1893, Page 32

SOUTHLAND NOTES.

On Wednesday, 3rd inst., the Pirates journeyed to Riverton by coach and there played the local team, and, contrary to expectations, only succeeded in making a tie with them, each side scoring one goal kicked from a try. The game was rather much confined to the forwards, in which division the Riverton team was very strong. The ground is a poor one, being very rough, and neither long nor wide enough. Riverton has always been unfortunate in this respect. Mr Mentiplay acted as referee and gave entire satisfaction. On the same day the Invercargill and a team of Old Buffers played a match in town in aid of the Sixpenny Clothing Club, the funds of which will be benefited to the extent of £6 2s sd. There was a good attendance of the public and much speculation as to which would prove victors, for when the names of th_e Old Buffers team became known they turned out not to be such old gentlemen as were expected, among them being Jinkens, D. Todd, A. M'Robie, Taylor, Mitchell, F. Twemlow, C. I Borne, and the veterans R. Galbraith and Northcote. The last-named created no little amusement by his tackling, and proved that he has lost none of his skill in that department. After an uninteresting game, played in two spells of 30 minutes each, the score stood, luvercargill 7 points, Old Buffers nil. Mr L. L. Murphy made a satisfactory referee, with the exception that he did not blow the whistle loud enough. * The Invercargill team has been seen in two matches this season, and their play is rather disappointing, and if they wish to take a prominent place this year they will have to smarten up a bit.

The country cluba are giving promise of being stronger this year than they have been for some time.

Jack Martin, thel.F.C's. captain, sustained a sprain in the ankle which will probably prevent him from playing again this season. This will be a serious loss to the blues.

It is now evident that the Kaikorai does not intend playing the Pirates on the Queen's Birthday. This is the second Dunedin club that has broken faith with an Invercargill club. Next Wednesday the I.F.C. and the Pirates meet. The following fixtures have been made for the Queen's Birthday: — Star and Gore at Invercargill, Pirates and Awarua at Bluff, and Invercargill and Orepuki at Orepuki. I tip the Star, Pirates, and Orepuki to be the winners. Crossbar.