FOOTBALL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1339, 12 May 1885, Page 2

FOOTBALL.

TEMUKA V. TIMARU. The first match of this season between the above Clubs was played in the Temuka Park last Saturday afternoon, commencing at 3 o'clock. The visitors were captained by Mills and the local men by Haines. The captains agreed that the game should consist of two spells of 40 minutes each. Messrs Wood and Lough acted as umpires for Temuka and Timaru respectively, and Mr Reid as referee and timekeeper. At the beginning of the game thero was a stiff breezo blowing right across the ground, and at the end rain fell rather heavily, which made it unpleasant for the players, Haines kicked off for

Temuka, when the ball was quickly returned by one of the opponent's threequarter backs, and a capital rush was made by their forwards which brought the ball within the 25 yard flag of Temuka. For some time it was kept about this place, both teams playing their hardest. Temuka was it last forced donn, and the ball being brought out the forwards charged together so wall that the ball was taken for the first time towards the visitors' goal. A series of scrimmages ensued, and finally the ball was picked up neatly by Wake who made a splendid run, and with good passing between Goodall and Wood, one* more the ball was brought near the Temuka goal. Here a free kick was obtained by Timaru, and * try at goal was made, but without success. The rest of the play duriag this spell was confined chiefly to the centre of the ground, hut towards the latter end the Timaruvians were struggling hard to get the ball away, which had been brought within their 25 yard flag by the dribbling of the Temuka forwards when time was called. During the second spell the play was Tery even, no one seemel to be able to get away on account of the half-backs of both teams, who worked hard for their respective sides. The Timaru men were forced down, and the ball on being kicked out was caught fairly by one ot their opponents' halfbacks, who, having made his mark, claimed a free kick, but it was not allowed by the Timaru umpire. This was rather unjust towards Temuka, especially as it prevented a try at the goal. When time was called neither side bad scored, and the game therefore resulted in a draw. The most friendly feeling prevailed amongst the players, and we could not wish to see a match pass off more pleasantly.