FOOTBALL. CHRIST'S COLLEGE v. WELLINGTON COLLEGE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5349, 30 June 1885, Page 4

FOOTBALL. CHRIST'S COLLEGE v. WELLINGTON COLLEGE.

The second annual match between these Colleges came off yesterday afternoon on the Christ's College ground, and ended in favour of the home team by three trie 3 (six points) to nil. Last year the match was played at Wellington, when a very even draw resulted. The match under notice was set down for 2.30 p.m., and punctually to the time the teams lined out, Wellington playing with the wind and kicking off. Mr W. J. Cotterill umpired for Christ's College, Mr E. P. Bunny for Wellington, while Mr W. V. Millton occupied the position of referee. The Wellington boys, clad in black, looked of a more- solid build than their opponents, but there could not have been much, if any, difference in the weights of the teams. There was a large attendance of spectators, numbering some-. thing like 600 or 600, amongst whom were a considerable number of ladies, who were provided with seats on the river side of the ground. After the kick off, Wellington took the ball down the ground, but it was beautifully returned by G. Williams, and in less than ten minutes the visitors were forced down. Gradually Wellington cleared their line, principally by the aid of hard forward play, and tight scrimmages. It was only for a time, however, as the Christchurch boys were so superior in the loose work that their fine dribbling gained them yards of ground. A fine run by G. Williams, who passed to Cotterill when collared, took the ball to vrithin a few yards of the Wellington goal, where, after several scrimmages, P. Williams came through with the leather, and Wellington were forced down a second time. Shortly afterwards, from a pass, G.; Williams got a try after an almost uninterrupted run. His progress waa only impeded by one player, who -.might easily have pushed him out of touch had ha tried. Cotterill took the try, but failed in his attempt. Shortly before the spell closed Cotterill, who was playing very well Indeed, kicked the ball across the ground, to H. Williams, who also got over the line, the tackling of the Wellington men being of a rather weak description. He took the try himself, but failed to kick a goal. These reverses roused the Wellington men, and they played up with greater spirit, compelling their opponents to act on the defensive for some time. For something like twenty-five minuteß after the ball had been kickedofftheChristchurchboyspenned their adversaries, who were now alive, to the dangers of the long passes of the home team. ; H. Williams at last got in, but -very softly allowed himself to be pushed into touch in '■ goal. Then Wellington had a turn in their favour, the forwards, of whom Reader, Pike, Hume, Glasgow were conspicu- . ous, doing some good work. A dash or two

by Eichardson and Kemble greatly aided them in their progress towards the Christ's College goal, which waa in danger for several minutes. H. Williams removed the scene of play, and the forwards coming along after him, P. Williams scored a third try for Christ's College., H. Williams again took the kick at goal, and made a good attempt. Wellington wore again forced down almost immediately atter the kick out, and the ball had not been set rolling five minutes bofore no-side was called. That the best team won there can be no doubt, the winners being smarter in backing up, and better collarers. Their dribbling was also of a much better description than that, of the Wellingtonians, who wore constantly over-running the ball. Their back play was weak. Montgomerie and Eichardson, especially the latter, were tho best of the backs, whose collaring, on the whole, could not compare with their opponents'. P. Williams, for the winners; played a Bplendid dribbling game, which, combined with a similar .exhibition against the East Christ- . church Club, should eertaiplj^ commend

him to the notice of the Bugby Uhion in their forthcoming trial matches. In the evening the teams dined together. It was stated that the visitors intended playing a game with Canterbury College, but we are informed that the match was never made.