FOOTBALL IN OAMARU.

Otago Witness, Issue 2274, 30 September 1897, Page 35

FOOTBALL IN OAMARU.

September 27.— Oar football season for 1897 has concluded ; aud it has been a very successful one — the best for years so far as play is concerned. Our clubs have increased in membership, more matches have been played, and ou the whole better play has been shown than has been tho case for years.

Our two seniors — the Athletic aud O Amaru — played their fifth and final game on September 9, and after a very fast forward game victory rested with the Athletic) by a penalty goal to nil. Tbe play was of a very even nature, and the penalty g al was all the difference in the teams. Tbe forwards of both sides were equal, the Athletic* being in a trifle better coudition than tbeir opponents. The backs couteuted themselves wilh a kick now and then, and only two passing rushes were iudulged in during the game — one by either side — bub nothing came of them. The result of this match puts the Athletics at the top of the list for, the season. They have 15 points to their credit, and the Oamaru 14 ; so thab the play, although the Athletic? are one gamo to the good, has been very even throughout the season.

The previous week (September 2) the Athletica Second -aultVred a severe defeat at the hands — or is feet the correct way of putting it ? — of the Oatnatu Second, they being d^fra'wd by 36 point* to nil, f»ix goals and two tries making up the score. The game needt no comment. The Oamaru had a much stronger and bf-tter team than their opponents, who were somewhat pushed for men, and consequently combination told.

Our ssaaon was fittingly concluded last week by a tournament held on the North Road ground ia aid of a disabled footballer, and a record attendaoce was" the r<'»ult, the committee netting something over £30 from the afiuir. The tournament mutches were well coutested, and eight teams entered. In the first round both the Excelsior teams were defeated, and also the Athletic A and C teams, leaving the Oamtru A, B, and C and Athletic B teams in the eecund round. Tbe next round resulted in the Oamaru C aud Athletic B being defeated ; and in the final the Oamaru B defeated the Oatntrn A by two goals to nothing, and won the silver badges given by the committee. The Garrison Band were present, and enlivened the proceedings with selections during the afternoon. The Gymnasium Club al«o gave an exhibition in gyoinastio exercises, aud a ejele parade and footrace of 440 yds filled up a most enjoyable afternoon's amusement. Tho footrace was won by C. Keddell from scratch in 56^sec, and was a capital race, the winner judging hit final sprint to a nicety, and winning by about 3yds. Everyone — especially the Udies— thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon's sport. Oimaru suffers from not having another senior team in the town, as were there one more senior team matches would become more frequent, and probably better play and more science would be introduced into Oamarn football. I might remark that were there another dozen players in Oamaru with the energy .and enthusiasm which has been shown by the captain of the Oamaru Club football would go ahead briskly in Oamaru. Let us hope nexb season will develop tome* .