FOOTBALL.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume IV, Issue 1032, 27 August 1883, Page 2

FOOTBALL.

ASHBURTON v. RAEAIA.

Fifteen Ashburton footballers left here on Saturday morning for Rakaia for the purpose of trying conclusions with players residing in the latter district, but «n arrival it was found that only nine men had turned up. However, some of the Ashburton men offered their services, and a very pleasant game was played, ultimately resulting in a victory for the- visitors, who managed to secure ten tries, from which Hit a single goal resulted, to nil. Although it was. to be regretted that Rakaia did not bring forward a full team so that a representative match could have come off, the Aahburtonites enjoyed themselves thoroughly, the reception accorded to them being most hearty, and they returned in the evening in great good humor. Rakaia numbered among her footballers one or two excellent players, notably Reid, who did yeoman’s service for his side, and an idea was mooted that a combined team of Ashburton and Rakaia men would be strong enough to play a South Canterbury fifteen with every prospect of success. Efforts are to be made to arrange a match on these lines, and we certainly think it is a good notion, as it would serve to arouse an interest in tae game in this district, which is much wanted at present.