FOOTBALL.

Colonist, Volume XXXIV, Issue 7050, 29 June 1891, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

ALBERTS V. ALBIONS.

Fine weather and a dry ground were agamf given our footballers on Saturday to contest the Cup fixtures, the competing teams on this occasion being from the above Clubs. There was a good attendance of onlookers, who were treated to a much better exposition of the popular game than in the previous Cup contest, the play being more open and faster. There had been muoh talk as to the probabla result of the match, each team finding plenty of enthusiastic partisans, although, as the day drew near, on account of the absence of the Bird brothers from the Albion teams, the> Alberts were more fancied. - However, at the last moment, matters were somewhat equalised through J. Clear and Barnett being; unable to don the colors of the latter team* and a tough struggle was anticipated. The forward division of the Albion team were oonsidered a strong lot, aud for some time at the commencement of the game they caused considerable anxiety among the friends of, their opponents, by keeping the play in close proximity to the Albert line. . The latter, however, were pretty strong on the defence, whilst the tactics adopted by the attacking party in their efforts to score were not very taking, and they were eventually compelled to retreat to mid-field. The battle raged here for a short time, and then J. Laird received the leather, and showing a clean pair of heels to three or four opponents who attempted to chase him, got over the line amidst cheera from the spectators. Barltrop failed to con vert, and this was the only score duringtha. first spell, the rest of the play being pretty even till call of half-time.

A great mistake was made by the Albiona in not taking more advantage of tbe slight breeze that was blowing in their favor, but tbe Alberts were more cunning, and directly sides were changed and the oval again set rolling, they were all on the alert to secure a shot at goal, no matter how far away, Beveral attempts to score were made in this- .style, some of the kioks being good, whilst others were very indifferent. The best were mada by Barltrop and H. Clear, the former potting a goal from almost the centre of tbe field, whilst tbe latter from a plaoe-kiok, and from abont the same spot, put the ball just under the bar. Previous to Barltrop'g pot. how* ever, Tim Hall had secured a try, and before tbe game concluded he again crossed the line, neither of his tries were converted, and when no-Bide was whistled the gams stood — Alberts, three tries and a goal (6 points); Albions, nil. For tbe winning team Wainhonee played a first olass gameaafull.baok; the three-quarters all played wel', Neßbitt getting off one or two good rnns. They ought to have been fed more, but the passing of the halves was often nipped in the bud by the smartness of the Albion halves, and some of the forwards, Hall and Laird are worthy of speoial praise for smart following np. Mills and Simpson also did a lot of good work, the former especially distinguishing himself. The forward play on both sides might have been better ; there was too much hard kicking, especially in the looss, the consequence being an entire absence of anything like a good dribble. Snow was in good form among the Albion backs, and he played an excellent game,- but, bar M'Artney and Garter, the others did very tittle, and j without doubt the back division was the weak spot in their team.

The junior teams from the same Clubs as contested the senior fixture, ooounied the south field, and fought for the Junior Cup. Eaoh team scored a try (Jenner for the Alberts and Grant for the Albiona), bat the Albions were more fortunate in place- kioking, and they succeeded in converting their try into a goal. The game; however, was mostly in favor of the Alberts, and it cannot be said that the best team won.

Next Saturday, we understand, a m&tflh will take place between teams representing the Navels and the Artillery, when a good game is promised. It is said that the City Rifles have a team ready to fight the conquering side.