Football.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4686, 7 May 1883, Page 3

Football.

The match for the Sydenham Fcotbe.ll Olub on Saturday waa Fifteen v. Best of the Club. Thero was a good muster of members, some eighteen players rollicg up to play against the Fifteen, two of whom were absent. Four spells of twenty minutes eaoh were played. In the first spell the Olub players did not mako any stand against tho Fifteen, who kopfc the ball within the Olub twenty-five soon after tho kick-off. Sevoral good runs wero mado by Beara and Allardyce for the Fifteen, tbo latter got within a few yards of the line, where, being stopped, ho passed the tall to Bsare, who ran in and obtained firet blood for tho blues (Fifteen). The try, which was a hr,rd one, resulted in nothing. Tho reds (Olub) now began to get warm, aud made things lively for a time, till Allardyce again found an oponicg, and with a fine run jußt roauaged to got orer tho line. Boing close to touch, ho puated the ball out to Beare, who succeeded in getting in nearer the goal, but the try again failed. In tho second spell the ball waa kept in tho centre of the ground, the Olub forwards playing hard, and giving the blues some trouble, but Allardyce was not to be denied, and getting through the reds' backs, gained the third try, tho kick at goal boing again unsuccessful. M'Lean who had been playing a good game for his side, now got hi 3 chance, and getting through the rcdß, scored auothor try for tbo Fifteen, from whioh he kicked a good goal. In fch e third and fourth spells the Fifteen had their work cut out for them, for the Olub taking advantage of their numbers pushed the blues close, and wero very near scoring several timos, but did not manage it, a well fought game resulting in a win for the Fifteen by 1 goal. 3 tries, and 1 touch-down to nil. The forwards showed great improvement in their form by playing looser than is their usual oustom, and if they will adopt that style of play will bo able to hold their own this season. The books played well all round, their passing being especially good, but ft litle more kicking instead of alwayß attempting to run will groatly add to their eflWcncy. Next Haturday the Club meats tho Kavcns at Syden hum, aud should at least mako a olose game of it.