FOOTBALL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1581, 14 May 1887, Page 2

FOOTBALL.

TEMUKA FIRST FIFTEEN V. SOUTH CANTERBURY FIRST FIFTEEN. The first match of the season was played in the Temuka Park last Thursday between the above teams. Temuka was represented by—Backs: J. L. Flint (Captain), J. W. Velvin, G. Velvin, R. Roberts, F. LeCren, and F. K. Gray ; Forwards : Cutten, Simpson, Hart, Thomson, A. Clinch, Dyson, J. Franks, E. S. Smith, and Cair. The Tiinaru team were—Backs: G. Wood (Captain), Maclean, Macintosh, Shepherd, Smithson, and Fraser; forwards: Goodill, Shirtcliff, Carey, LeCren, Gooch, Pelers, Wat kins, Kett, and Perry. Timara won the toss, and took the east goal, with a slight wind in their favor. Cutten kicked off for Temuka. The forwards of Te'nuka at once asserted "their superiority, and Timaru had to play a defensive game with the ball in their 25 for a considerable portion of the first spell. The Timaru backs by Borne good passing and kicking at leDgtb relieved the pressure on their line, and the game became more open and much faster, the ball at times travelling rapidly from one end of the ground to the other. The first spell resulted in no advantage to either side, and though goals were changed at half time the teams were so eveoly matched that neither side scored. In the second spell, however, the Teuuka forwards played a magnificent game, and nearly the whole of ibe play was within the Timaru 25 yards flag. The defending team on several occasions had to force down, and only escaped defeat by the smartness and good kicking of their backs. Reviewing the game it must be said that Temuka bad much the best of it, their forwards played splendidly, and it would be difficult to select any for special praise. Of the Temuka backs Gray shone preeminent, his dribbling, tackling, and punting being at times brilliant. LeCren played a striking gjines, and G. Velvin also tackled and kicked well. For the Timaru team the forwards, although overweighted, played a plucky hard game. Special mention should be made of Goodall, who proved a host in himself, but he would do well to pay more attention to the rules regarding off-side play. Wood made some brilliant runs, gaining a lot of ground for hie side. Maclean, a« fullback, on more than one occasion prevented the übiquitous Temuka forwards from securing victory. Both teams chen adjourned to the Temuka Hotel, where they were entertained in Mr Chamberlain's, best style by the local team. After the usual toasts had been duly honored, the Timaru team left in their drag at 7.30 amidet the cheers of their opponents. » — * — TEMUKA SECOND FIFTEEN F. SOUTH CANTERBURY SECOND FIFTEEN. The first match of the season between the above teams was played on theS.C. Athletic Society's grounds, Timaru, last Thursday. The Temuka team were:— Backs : Ogilvie (Captain), Cleghorne, Clinch, Mendelson, Stewart, and Hobbs; Forwards : Gunion, Hope, Stewart (2), Davis, Lewis, Coltman, Brinkmao, and D. Smith. Play commenced at 3.15, Temuka winning the toss, and kicking off. The first spell was very even, the ball being freely carried from ooe end of the ground to the other. Each side was forced down once, but neither could claim any advantage. In the second spell Temuka played magnificently, especially the forwards, carrying the ball well into the Timaru goal line. Brinkman secured a try, and Mendelson taking the kick scored a goal splendidly. The ball being set in motion again, it was quickly returned to the Timaru quarters, and the Timaru team were forced down five times in succession. The Timaru team appeared to hare collapsed altogether after the goal was scored, and no sooner did the ball leave their 25 yards than it was relumed, till at last Stewart secured a try. Mendelson took the kick but faded to score and when time was called Temuka was 'laft a winner by 4 points to nil. Special mention may be made of J. Clinch, Mendelson, Hobbs, Stewart, tnd all the forwards, who played »o well tov

gelher that all deserve equal praise. The Temuka team arrived home at about 7.45 p.m., and wore received by the First Fifteen with deafeni. g cheers at the Temuka Hotel where they awaited their arrival. Their health was drank with flowing bumpers, and congratulatory speeches were made. This is the first time a second fifteen has ever played for the Temuka Ciub, and they may be congratulated on the great success they achieved. PRESENTATION. Before commencing play in Temuka a very interesting ceremony took place, when Mrs Mendelson presented the Temuka Football Club with a very handsome banner. The banner is the work of Mrs Mendelaon's own hands, and is very artistically got up. The field is of black satin, trimmed with silk tassels, and the letters *f Temuka F.C.," worked in white silk, in the centre. In making the presentation, Mrs Mendelson gave expression to the sincere interest that she felt in the Cluh, complimented the activity of its oficers and members, and hoped they vould have a successful season. Mr Flint (Captain) accepted the handsome present on behalf of the Club, <md made a suitable reply, after which three cheers were given for Mrs Mendelson and her family.