FOOTBALL.

Western Star, Issue 453, 15 June 1881, Page 2

FOOTBALL.

A RIYERTON v. INYERCARGIBL.- I The above match came off in Mr Calder’s paddock on the Highlands on Saturday last, and resulted in a victory for the visitors. “ The local team, considering that ronly three of them had ever played under the rules before, acquitted themselves remarkably well, and when they have had a little more practice together will no doubt give a very different, account of themselves to that, given on Saturday. Better forward players could not be wished for, and with a few fleet “ pods” for half-backs, Riverton should be able to send a team into the field that would not be despised anywhere. Invercargill sent down her best lot of kidkists, and if (hey were not put upon their mettle at the first spell (when the ignorance of the most of the Rivertnnlans regarding the rules placed them at a considerable disadvantage), had to play their level beat to score the other points they made in the game. The Invercargill team was captained by Galbraith. and the Riverton by E. SteVens, while Mr Buck acted as umpire for both sides. Play was commenced at, 3.30 by Invercargill kicking off. The ball being .sent well down towards the Riverton goal, the Inver cargill forwards followed close up, and soon forced it over the goal line. Stea l secured the first touchdown for lis side. The try, which wan a difficult one, was entrusted to Galbraith, who did not manage to make a goal, but the Invercargill men rushing up secured another try. This also proved a failure. The ball was then carried out to the Riverton 23 yards flag, and Sent well up the field, but was soon brought close down to the Riverton‘boundary. Here loose scrimmages were indulged in, until the ball was taken by Robertson over the line, and another touchdown scored to Invercargill, the try again proving a failure. Time was now called ; ends were changed, the ball being sent down towards Invercargill backs. The Riverton forwards folowing it up, kept It there for a long time, till Galbraith getting hold of it carried it right through and secured a touchdown, which he converted into a goal. The ball being sent out by tlie Riverton captain, the forwards played well up, keeping it in the centre till time was called. The ball was again sent out, and shortly after the kick-off Stead got away and secured another touchdown, the try not proving successful. Sortie very hot play now ensued, the Riverton men beginning to warm to their work. Brodrick getting hold of the ball got another try for his side. In the fourth sptdl Riverton played bel ter than in any other part of tue game, forcing the ball very close to their opponent’s goal, and looked like scoring, but M'Kellar got If: a^ay. again, going halfway down* Jibe*, ground before being collared.- - Tiie r ball was now kept in the centre .till time.jwapcalled,■ the game thus ending in a victory fj|r cargill by one goal and five touchdowns, Riverton not even scoring a point. A very agreeable afternoon’s play was “indulged fltlf and at the conclusion oSthe game..three were given by the respective sides for their opponents, the visitors leaving ■ for Rome; about seven o’clock. '