ATHLETICS IN CHRISTCHURCH.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume I, Issue 42, 16 May 1891, Page 4

ATHLETICS IN CHRISTCHURCH.

(from our own correspondent.) May 2. Footballers were again unfortunate in the way of weather for last Saturday’s matches, as rain fell at intervals throughout the afternoon. In no case were the matches postponed, but what with a high wind and a wet field and ball, nothing brilliant was to be expected. At Sydenham great interest was centered in the game between those old rivals, Canterbury College and Sydenham, and despite the adverse state of the elements the large number of spectators were treated to a fast and even game. The College backs proved to be decidedly above the average, and though by playing font three-quarters they have only eight forwards, the new style adopted by them seems to give great satisfaction. Sydenham had the best of the forward play, but their backs did not show to advantage. During the first spell the game was essentially a forward one, and Sydenham more than held their own, with the result that McLean scored a try. Shortly afterwards fine passing amongst the College backs took the' ball to their opponents’ line, and from a free kick Creswell scored a goal. On changing ends both teams played with more dash, the ball rapidly travelling from one end of the ground to the other. Brilliant play amongst the College backs again had its effect, and Craddock got in between the posts, a goal resulting. From this out the game was very fast, and but for the safe tackling of the Sydenham full back more points would have been added to the score, which stood College 5, Sydenham 1. At North Park what was expected to furnish a good game between Linwood and Christchurch was shorn of a lot of interest by the weakness of the latter’s team. From the kickoff it looked as if Linwood meant business, as in the first few minutes they had twice crossed their opponents’ line. After this Christchurch shook themselves together, and for the rest of the spell successfully defended their lines against the invasions of the ex-juniors. In the second spell play was made more even, but Linwood were not to be denied, and another three points were added to the score. Two of the Christchurch forwards had the misfortune to meet with accidents early in the first spell, and for the rest of the game their club was without their services. Another round for the Junior Flag was decided with the following result:—Rangiora first beat Linwood second by nine points to four; Sydenham second and East Christchurch second made a draw. Merivale second beat Christchurch second by eight points to three ; Cambridge defeated Christ College by eighteen points to one; and Kaiapoi beat Lyttelton by eight points to one. In Otago practice matches are still being indulged in, but so far the weather has been all against good play. Union and Alhambra are showing best form, and it is the general opinion of enthusiasts that the premiership will lie between these two teams and Kaikorai. May 9., The senior football matches on Saturday last all furnished capital contests, and though the ground was again rather greasy, this did not prevent some really splendid play being shown. At North Park a large number of spectators assembled to witness the game between East Christchurch and Canterbury College. From the jump it was evident that both teams were in real earnest, and the College forwards foolishly made the game a tight one, which was right into their opponents’ hands. While this lasted the East made full use of their opportunity, and had registered a goal to their credit before half time was called. On changing ends the College evidently saw their mistake, and for the rest of the game gave their backs more opportunities. The result was that both Cresswell and Balch scored tries, the former being improved upon. This put the College a point to the good, but within a few minutes of time Lee, one of the East'backs, ran right through his opponents and equalised matters, the game thus ending in a draw. A much more brilliant game was that between Merrivale and Christchurch, and though the former team won by the substantial margin of--11 points, the game was not at all one-sided. During the first spell the Merrivale backs made themselves particularly prominent, and by brilliant runs had succeeded three times in

crossing’ their opponents’ line, two of the tries ’being improved upon. On changing ends Christchurch took the aggressive, and on several occasions should have scored, but foolish passing marred their attempt. Merrivale then woke up, and their backs playing like one man, secured two more tries, one of which was improved upon. The game between Linwood and Sydenham, at Lancaster Park, attracted a good number of spectators, some of whom would have done tnore service by stopping away, as they insisted on crowding over the lines and between the goal posts. Throughout the game forward play and packed scrums were greatly indulged in, and at this Linwood more than held their own. Twice only did the Sydenham forwards manage to clear their lines during the first spell, and on both occasions their backs took the advantage and secured two tries. In the second half Linwood had Sydenham busy defending their lines, and though on several occasions the former broke through, only one try was scored, Sydenham thus winning by two points to One. Linwood had decidedly the best of the game, and were robbed of two certain tries by the ball touching spectators. During the East Christchurch-Canterbury College match a peculiar point occurred, which was eventually laid before the Rugby Union. West, the College full-back, potted an unmistakeable goal, but on appeal to the officials the East umpire gave it no goal, and the College umpire was also understood to give a similar decision. This gave the referee no option but to give it no goal, although he was of opinion that it was a goal. The College umpire then stated that he had given it a goal, upon which the referee gave it a goal also. The Rugby Union, however, decided that the referee would have to abide by his first decision, and the College were thus done out of a sure goal. Through continual wet weather no matches have as yet been played in Dunedin. This is sure to put the Otago men back considerably, and does not improve their chance in the interprovincial match against Canterbury.