THE LAST MATCH OF THE FOOTBALL SEASON.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XIII, Issue 21, 18 September 1885, Page 13

THE LAST MATCH OF THE FOOTBALL SEASON.

Saturday last witnessed tbe last and final football match of the season played in public by the pupils of St. Patrick's College, Wellington. This, coupled wi'h the fact that the issue was to be fomght out against the second fifteen of Wellington College, raised abnor> mally high the interest of the contest, and various were the ■peculations, for it was publicly whispered that each team was pledged to put forth a last and strenuous effort to claim the palm.

Healthy rivalry in any sphere is refreshing to witness, and tbat many took deep and lively interest in the match was abundantly shown by the crowds that gathered at Newtown to see the contest decided. Nor was public expectation disappointed, for the game was fast and furious, and brave and gallant w ere the efforts made by the " boys " on either side to carry their respective flags to victory. But, as in the first contest with the Wellingtonians, spite a plucky and galland stand, a hard and well- fought game, St. Patrick's boys were not to be stayed, and point after point crowned their efforts, till they placed to their credit another clear and decisive victory. In the first spell Wellington College gained a try, while St. Patrick's had all its scoring to make,

Oft doomed to death, Still fated not to die.

But rallying as before to the inspiriting call of their captain — Bernard M'Mahon — they bore down all opposition, and fairly won, by their energy and pluck, the undivided applause of the field. At call of time, St. Patrick's team had put up 16 points (2 goals and 3 tries) against two points woo by their opponents.

The Fathers of the College lent to the game their encouraging presence, and heartily shared the triumph of the day. Hearty good humour marked the proceedings iv the thickest of the fray, and cheer after cheer went up for the blue and white — St. Patrick's colours— as the gallant fifteen, flushed with the honours of victory, marched off the field. B. M'Mahon (captain), F. and G. Redwood, Mahoney M'llroy, Diamond, Kett, Lee and Daffy gave powerful aid.