FOOTBALL.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1636, 19 May 1879, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

CHEISTCHUECH v. MERIVALE

The C.F.C. had two representative teams in the field on Saturday—ono to do battlo with a fifteen at Southland ge and another playing on Oranmer square against a Merivale team. Mr J. E. Evans captained the Christchurch team, and Mr W. Millton acted in a like capacity for the representatives o£ Merivale, each side starting play with two or three short of the allot cd number. Tho Merivale captain won tho toBS and chose the south goal, Hartland taking the kick off for Christchurch from the northern ond of tho ground. Both sides were quickly on the ball, and from the energy and determination at once displayed by each individual it Beemed pretty evident that a eloso contest was about to tako place. At first, tho Christchurch team appeared to bo the stronger of tho two, but, shortly after the commencement of tho game, it became pretty apparent that tho Mrrivale captain intended his men should rendor a good account of themselves. Several times during tho first twenty minute?, tho Christchurch team got tho ball over their opponents' goal line, but tho Merivale men were on it in time to prevont a touch-down being obtained by the wearers of tho red and black uniform. Up to time being called, neither side had been successful enough to place anything definite to their credit, a series of well-contested scrimrnßges being the principal feature during the whole of the first spell. In the second, a slight change took place in the ticb of affairs. The Merivale men pulled themselves together with redoubled energy, and, aided by some brilliant forward play en tho p;irt of their captain, together with somo fine runs by Anderson and i'inger, continually placed their opponents' r 1 in great danger, compelling them on sevtral occasions to touch down in self dofence. The Christe.liuvch men, however, never for a moment abated their zeal ; hut, on thr contrary, finding themselves placed rather more on their mett'o than was at first anticipated, played well on the ball, and contested each succeasive scrimmage in a most plucky

manner, the requisite amount of extra pressure and spirit always being brought to bear whenever tho ball found its way dangerously near tho goal line, the splendid play of Boulton and Potts boing particularly noticeable. Just before tho close of the second sped Anderson caught up the ball from tho back of a scrimmage about midground, and succeeded in dodging past all his opponents to over tho Christehurch line, whero he repeated tho operation, and cleverly evaded coming in contact with t.ho backs till ho had carried the ball and touched it down immediately behind tho conlro of tho goal posts. Million took tho try, and a lusty kick from him converted tho touch-down into a well-earned goal for Morivale. Time was now again called, and tho sidos changed ends. A few minutes' breathing time was taken, and tho ball was again kicked oIT from the north end by tho reds. Some lively play immediately ensued, principally in tho Morivnlo quarters, and sovoral times tho reproBontatives of that district woro compelled to touch the ball down behind their own goal lino. Tho Christ church mon, who were now playing in fine form, followed up the advantage with what appeared to be a touchdown, but it, was disallowed, the ball having been obtained from one of the Merivalo men who was playing off side. Immediately after, however, the disappointment was counterbalanced by Williams, one of tho Christchurch team, smartly securing an indisputable touch-down, far to the left of the goal posts. The try, a difficult or.e, was entrusted to Hartland, who, by a well-judged kick, sent the ball flying well over the centre of the cross-bar. This, of course, placed tho two teams on oven terms again, and at the close of the third spell it was exceedingly doubtful which side would eventually get the best of it. During the Inst twenty minutes the play was even more lively than in the first part of the game, a series of well packed and capitally contested scrimmages taking place in various parts of the field, and on several occasions dangerously near each goal line, tho Morivale quarters, however, being the most frequent scene of action. Still, the latter side gamely held their own, and each time tho ball was forced near the goal line it was removed to a safer part of tho field before the muchcoveted touch-down could be obtained, the best match of the season finally resulting in a draw, each side having scored one goal. On the part of Christehurch, Boulton and Potts played in splendid form, and they were well backed up by Atack, Baker, Evans, Harman, jun., Hartland, and Williams, each of whom rendered good service throughout the match. For Merivale, Milton ar.d Smith were specially conspicuous, and played forward in fine form throughout the match, while Anderson and Stringer made some fine runs and otherwise rendered excellent service as backs. Altogether the match was capitally contested by both sides, and resulted in tho most enjoyable afternoon's sport that has taken place on tho square this season.

SYDENHAM YOUTHS v. CAMBEIDGE. The match between these clubs on Saturday resulted in a victory for the former by three touch-downs (scored by Fowke, Smith, and Simpson) to nil. The ball was continually in the Cambridge goal quarters, compelling them to touch-down in self-defence. Fleming and Ogier played pluckily for the losing side, whilst Taylor's back-play for the Youths was grand.