CHRISTCHURCH ATHLETICS.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume I, Issue 45, 4 June 1891, Page 2

CHRISTCHURCH ATHLETICS.

(from our own CORRESPONDENT.)

Saturday last was an off day as far as the Senior contests were concerned, most of the teams having outside engagements to meet. Merivale and Christchurch journeyed to Dunedin, where they tried conclusions with the Alhambra and Pirates respectively. In both cases the home teams were victorious, and judging from the play the Southern representatives appear to be superior to their Northern friends. ’ The game between Merivale and Alhambra was a most interesting one. In the first spell Merivale had somewhat the best of the game, their forwards’ play being especially good. The defence, however, was strong, and the only score registered was a goal from a mark obtained by the visitors. On changing ends Alhambra seemed resolved to wipe off the score against them, and a goal from a penalty kick and a try made scores even. Brilliant passing amongst the home team backs enabled Cunningham to get over, a goal resulting. From this to call of time Merivale forced the play, but were unable to score, the game ending Alhambra 6 points, Merivale 3. At the Carisbrook Grounds a grand match was witnessed beteen the Pirates and Christchurch. Here, again, the Otago men. were successful. The play was remarkably even, and scoring was fast on both sides. During the first spell Pirates had considerably the best of the play, and had scored a goal and two tries to their opponents goal before the interval. Smart passing between the cracks on either side shifted the play from one end of the ground to the other, and the Pirates seemed to be much cleverer than their opponents in scoring. In this spell the home team registered five more points, but play was very even.

“Augur,” writing to the Australasian in reference to the annual race meeting of the Melbourne Hunt Club, says:—The chief reason I am sorry I could not attend is that the meeting was, in the matter of palpable roping and reversal of form, the most unique ever held in Australia. And not a sign made or a word said by the stewards. Bah I No wonder some people are so anxious ,to dispense with the stipendiary steward. It doesn’t suit their book to have the doings of their horses too closely watched. If the office of stipendiary steward is abolished, some member of the V.R.C., at the next general meeting should ask for the names of the members of Committee who voted for its abolition.