FOOTBALL.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 5030, 11 June 1889, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

TIMARU F. OAMARU, This match was played at Oamaru yesterday and resulted in a draw, neither side scoring. Timaru played with the wind, and Oamaru kicked off, Perry returning into touch at the centre flag. From the throw out the Oamaru forwards worked the ball into Timaru territory, where it remained for gome time despite the efforts of the blues. The forwards, however, worked it down to the Oamaru twenty-flve, only to sea Thomas regain all the lost ground by a long punt into touch. Timaru again worked it down, principally through the agency of the backs, who were passing very well despite the uneven nature of the ground. Oamaru got an irresistible rush on, and sweeping everything before them carried the hall over the blue line, McLean saving a try by falling on it. From tne kick out Timaru menaced the home goal, and some passing amongst the backs gave Jones an opening, which ho failed to take advantage of. Shortly after the same player attempted a pot, hut the bull went wide and Oamaru forced down. Halftime was shortly after called with the ball in the centre. Matheson started the second spell, and Ross mulling the ball, Oxby gained a lot of ground by a neat dribble. Gifford cutting short his career. From the scrum which followed, Pereas, Moule, and Todd, came through with a grand dribble, but Stubbs, taking the ball from their toes and passing out, enabled Mclntosh to regain most of the lost ground. From a throw out Chisholm made a good run and passed to Lauronson, but what looked a certain try was prevented only through the ball being called back for a throw forward. Timaru on several occasions suffered severely in this respect, passes which seemed perfecliy correct being ruled thrown forward. For the last ten minutes the game was much mote lively, rushes and counter rushes being the order of the day, and when time was called the ball was in Timaru quarters. The game as far as Timaru was concerned was a poor exposition of football, very different to what one would expect after the splendid form shown against Sydenham. The forwards were completely overrun by the Oamaru men, who came through them time after lime with the ball at their toes, leaving it to Stubbs and Laurenson to stop the rushes. Until the Timaru forwards learn to pack and hold the scrum they cannot expect their backs to show to advantage. This is more to be regretted as the backs are all dangerous men when in tbeir opponents’ ground. Chisholm, Qoodall, and Studholme were about the only men who did not offend in this way. The former played splendidly all through. Matheson, Pearse, and Oxby also made some good rushes ; at half, both Stubbs and Laurenson played a good sound game and had a lot of hard work to do. Every time they had a chance Mclntosh and Perry gained ground both in kicking and running, their passing to one another being particularly good. McLean was safe at full back, but must learn to take his kick sooner. For Oamaru the forwards, one and all, played splendidly, every man working on the ball. The manner in which they screwed and broke through their heavier opponents showed excellent combination, and their backing up was all that could be desired, Perens, Moule, Baker, Todd, and Graham being amongst the best. Both their halves played well, but their passing contrasted unfavourably with that of their opponents, more especially as their forwards gave them more opportunities. Gifford was a host in himself at threequarter, saving his side several times by his grand collaring. Thomas and Ross also played well, the latter especially passing well. Grenfell at full back was safe and kicked well. The umpires and referee gave satisfaction, and Timaru may congratulate themselves on securing the services of a man like Mr Paul who thoroughly understands the game. The visitors were at a great disadvantage through the bad state of the ground, which was about as rough and uneven as it could possibly be.