Football.

Southland Times, Issue 14101, 14 July 1898, Page 4

Football.

STAR v. GORE. The return match between these teams at Gore yesterday resulted in favour of the town team by two goals and four tries (22 points) to nil. The weather was fine during the afternoon, but the ground was in a sloppy condition, there being sundry pools of water near the centre of the field. This disadvantage did not deter the visitors from playing their usual game, and, as the outcome of judicious passing by the backs, Bain crossed the line three times and Strang once. In the first spell the local team played uphill and it was not long before they were in difficulties, the Stars immediately setting up an attack. From a scrum near the centre R. Donaldson came away with a fine dribble, but although he eluded several opponents and engaged the Gore full-back, a probable chance to score was lost by kicking too hard and a force down was the only result. The kick out relieved the home team but little, and from a scrum the ball passed through several hands and finally into Bain’s who lost no time in drawing first blood for the visitors. Knucky made a good attempt at goal,the ball passing nnder the bar. On resuming,the home team worked the leather to the centre but their ever aggressive opponents were hungering after a further score and after several force downs Reynolds got the: ball out to Stead and after Mcßobie, Smith and Jenkins had the handling of it, Strang scored near the posts and Mcßobie registered a goal. Just on the call of time another passing rush was started by the Star backs and Bain—who played brilliantly throughout—darted over the line near the corner flag, but the angle proved too difficult and the kick did not enhance the score. On changing ends the Gore team showed better form and for about 20 minutes the game was evenly contested the Star having twice to resort to the advantage of forcing down. Although they had few chances to score the individual work of several Gore men was equal to that of their opponents, but until they learn to play with more combination their chances of success will be small. Towards the middle of the list half the Star were again the invaders and after several efforts to gain a further advantage had failed, the forwards took the ball near ths Gore line and Bain bounded over at the corner, no goal resulting. Towards the finish the Gore forwards showed signs of tiring and their opponents commenced to assert their superiority, R. Donaldson and Jenkins scoring in quick succession, and Mcßobie converted one of the tries. For the winners Stead, Snrith and Bain played a great game amongst the backs, and in the forward division Murphy, Jenkins, Knucky, Donaldson and Stone were prominent in all "the dribbling rushes. For Gore, Marten, Robson and Robins of the backs, and Scott, Carroll, Mulvey and Moloney, of the forwards were the pick. The decisions of Mr R. Galbraith as referee gave entire satisfaction, as also did those of Messrs M. McNeihge and D. McAra on the touch lines. The result of this match again places the Star Club in the position of premier team of Southland, the wearers of the blue and white not having lost a match, the nearest approach being the draw against the Britannia last month. The final meeting between the Star and. Brits takes place on the Union Grounds next Wednesday, and judging by the closeness of the last game and the large scores registered by both clubs against Gore, more than usual interest will no doubt be taken in the final fixture.