FOOTBALL.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 959, 23 July 1877, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

The return match between the Christchurch and Merivale Clubs was played on Saturdav afternoon on Cranmer square, and after a well contested game resulted in a victory for the former by fourteen points to one. point. The play during the first spell was pretty even till towards the end, when the Christchurch team rushed the ball over their opponent’s goal line aird compelled them to touch it down. Shortly after this loose scrimmaging ensued in the Merivale quarters, when Evans, by a pretty drop kick, scored a goal for Christchurch, the result being when time was called —Christchurch, 61 points to nil. After a change of goals, and the ball being again kicked off some very close and hard play took place on both sides, the Merivale team however frequently placing their opponents ’ goal in great danger, and twice compelling them to touch down in self-defence. In the third spell also the visitors bad rather the best of it, though they were unable to add further to their score. Most of the scrimmages were very tougli ones and well fought by both sides, but no alteration was made in either score up to time being again called. Goals were changed, and a few minutes breathing time indulged in, but it was not long before both sides were at work in real earnest. For alongtime theplay on both sides was very hard and even, but the Christchurch forwards, who were working well together, gradually took the ball in their adversaries’ ground and finally through the goal posts, the Merivale team being again compelled to touch down in self defence. It was brought out and kicked off again, but quickly returned and kept well into the Merivale ground, Anderson, by a good run eventually succeeding in securing a touch down, which was converted into a goal by Hartland. Tough scrimmages were again the ruling features of the "game, the ball being eventually kicked behind the visitors’ goal line, where it went into touch. It had, however, been previously arranged that in the event of a touch in goal it should count half-a-point, and this of course still further increased the Christchurch score. Time was called shortly after this, when a capitally contested game ended in favor of Christchurch by two goals (equal to twelve points) and four force-downs to two force-downs. The back play of the Merivale team was much superior to that of Christchurch, but in the forward play, which was the principle feature throughout the game, the latter had greatly the advantage, most of the men playing well on the ball and working capitally together. They had, however, some very plucky and effective opponents in the persons of Millton, 11. S. Paul, and Smith, each of whom did excellent service. R. Hamilton also, as a half-back, played remarkably well, and Moore made some grand kicks during the game. Amongst the Christchurch forwards Cuff, Evans, Hartland, and Ollivier deserve special notice,' the energy displayed by them going a long way towards their side gaining so decisive a victory.