LOCAL PLAY.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XV, Issue 5211, 2 July 1888, Page 3

LOCAL PLAY.

GISBORNE V. ROVERS. The second match between the Gisborne and Kover Cluba for the cup presented by Mr J. R. Scott came oft in Capt. Tucker's .^paddock on Saturday afternoon. There were not many spectators, although the afternoon was all that could be desired, and the admission a mere nothing, being only sixpence. The Rovers (Reds) having won the toss elected to play down hill with the sun at their backs and the wind in their favor. The Gisborne (Bluea) kicked off, and for a time tho play was very even and all in the centre of the field, but after a while tho Reds carried the ball into their opponent's twenty-6ve, where, except for fonae fine rushes, which carried it back to thi centre and several times into tho Reds twenty-five, it remained for a considerable time. Towards the end of the spell however the Blues played up vorypluckily f forced their opponents very hard, time being called neither side had scored, although Giaborne had been twice forced. On resuming play the Reds by a fine rush carried the ball over tho Bluea line, and Weston secured a try for them, which, being well out towards tho boundary line Lewis failed to convert into a goal. The play during the first part; of this spell was again much in favor of the Reds, but the Blues playing very hard managed to carry the ball into their opponent's ground and kept it thero for somo time, very tine play being shown on both sides, and it deemed ai if the Bluea were going to score, but towards the end of the spoil tho Reds again rushed the ball into their opponent's twenty-five, and Skeet by a very fine run very nearly got over the Blue line again. In fact: the Reds declared that he did get over but the umpire and referee were against them, thero was no other score mtde on either side though tho Reds were forced down once. This match was a splendid one and well contested, for though the Rods seemed to have the heavier and better team the Blues played up well, and gave them their work to win. The passing of the Reds was, contrary to that of the last match, much better than that of the Blues, who might have done better if thoy had "one in for inure open pay. The play during the first spell was quiet and friendly, but in the second spell it was a bit rougher, •specialty after the disputed try. The remit of the match was Rovers 1 point, Gisborne nil. The Giaborne having won the fir^ game, there will have to be a final mi eh to decide who is the winner of the cup, and a very interesting game may be expected as each side will do its very beat to win the cup fof fts club.