Women Footballers in Melbourne.

Hokitika Guardian, 30 August 1921, Page 1

Women Footballers in Melbourne.

SYDNEY, Aug. 16. The Chorleys and the Fleetwoods, two teams of women footballers, displayed a good deal of their charms but very little real' football alt a match played on Saturday afternoon on the St Kilda ground, Melbourne, in aid of the St Kilda Club. This event had been freely advertised, as the women’s first football inajtch, and a huge and grinning crowd had gathered. The girls, elaid in ordinary football togs—jerseys, short pants, and boots, with a cap added to keep their hair in order—received a noisy welcome as they filed out. They were a well-built, athletic lot. Tho “Fleetwoods” comprised girl clerks from tho Defence Department. and the “Chorleys’ ’ were St Kilda girls. Most of them, as they made their first public appearance, were consumed with giggles, but their number gave them courage, and they were not abashed. The male spectators were very humorous at their expense. Tut they went boldly out into the field and took their places. -As football, the game was not worth talking about. Play was quite unconventional, and free kicks were regarded as out of the question. But the spectators appeared to get great entertainment from the game. “Barracking” was fierce, and to the point. The impire was a man, and, to give the thing a little more carnival appearance, he was in female attire. ’l’lie players got very muddy, very hot, and very tired. The interval was unduly prolonged, and the resumption of play was obviously not welcomed by the players. At three-quarters time, in response to urgent appeals, it was decided “to call it a day,” and the game ended. The boys who waited outside tbe dressing sheds to escort the players | home gave the place the appearance of a stage-door at 11.15 p.m.