FOOTBALL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1527, 3 July 1886, Page 2

FOOTBALL.

TEMUKA. P.O. V. TIMARU F.O. ' The return match between these Clubs took place in the Pemuka Park on Thursday afternoon. The day was fine, 1 and the attendance of spectators large, and the greatest interest was evinced in the game. The Timaru team arrived shoitly after 3 o'clock, and play commenced at half-past. The following comprised the Temuka team :—Fullback —J. W. Velvin (Captain) ; half-backs-Flint, E. Smith, and T. Hart; quarter-backs—G. Velvin, and P. K. tjray ; forwards Haines, Polaschek, Blyth, D. Smith, Shallard, T. Hobbs, Dyson, Stewart, and Otfilvie. Timaru won the toas, and selected' the East goal. Play was commenced by Velvin kicking off. The ball went well into'the field, and, the Temuka forwards following up well, prevented the Timaru backs from returning it. Some loose scrimmaging followed, from one of which Hart, for Temuka, obtained the ball, and made a " pot " at the goal, but failed j to score, for a time the ball was kept well within Timaru's ground, the Temuka men resisting all attempts to beat them back. By a persistent effort, however, Timaru managed to reach Temuka's goal, but it was quickly returned, and play was resumed in Timaru's quarters. At this juncture kheehan secured the ball, and made a first-rate run through the field, but just before reaching the 25 yards flag was "grassed " by J. Velvin.

Cotter also attempted a run, but was stopped by the Terauka backs. Some Bcrimmaging ensued, and flint obtained a mark for Temuka, an J tried a "pot" at the goal, but did not score. Sbeehan then tried another run, but again failed, after which some good play waß shown on both sides, the forwards working well. E. Smith was next to handle the ball, and, by a good run, took it into the Timaru 25 yards, and Blyth, following up well, took the ball, being only stopped from scoring a few inches from Timaru's line, Hughes collaring him well. Scrimmaging ensued during the next few minutes, in which the Timaru forwards worked it forward. J. Velvin then got the ball and made a good run for Temuka, taking it well into Timaru's ground, and Timaru had to act on tl>e defensive to prevent their opponents from j scoring. Shortly after this time was called. During the spell the visitors were several times forced down. On play being resumed, the ball was kept well in Temuka's quarters for a tim?, but the forwards rallying worked the ball into their opponents' ground. Timaru, however, again got the ball well into Temuka's quarters, and Hcbbs secured a mark. Hughes took the kick, but the ball went low between the posts, and no score resulted. Neil, Gerity, and Cotter, for Timaru, then tried runs in succession, but the collaring of the Temuka backs proved too much for them. Flint and J. Velvin tried runs for Temuka, and the forwards, following up well, rushed the ball well into Timaru's quarters, where the home team for a time had the game all to themselves, till Cotter, by a splendid punt, sent the ball out of danger. The Temuka forwards, again getting the ball, rushed it back again, and Timaru had to force down. The ball being kicked out, the phy became general in the middle of the field." Eventually the ball was put out of touch, and on it being thrown in by Timaru Sheehan managed to get over Temuka's line with it, and secured the first touchdown. Unfortunately for Timaru, the umpires decided that the ball should be brought back, owing to it not having been thrown out straight. Scrimmages ensued until G. Velvin by a good bit of play got the ball and ran it down the touch line, securing a touchdown for Temuka. This was disputed, but the umpires and referee gave it in favor of Temuka. The try was taken by Flint, who failed to score. Some good piny was afterwards shown by the Temuka who rushed the ball well ' up into their opponents ground, and time was called when the ball was inside the Timaru 25 yards flag. The game thus resulted in favor of Temuka by two points to nil. The play throughi out whs very hard, both sides doing their utmost to score. For Timaru Sheehan, Cotter, Bowie, Strachan, Gerity, Hobbs, McLean, and Neil played remarkably well, but perhaps Sheehan might have played a little less roughly. For Temuka J. and G. Velvin, E. Smith, Hart, Ogilvie, Gray, Haines, Dyson, Polaschek, and Blyth played in first-class manner. Blyth playing a splendid forward game. It should be mentioned that Mr Geo. Wood umpired for Timaru, and Mr J. J. Heap for Temuka, Mr W. King actios; us referee. Some refreshments were on the ground, provided by the home team, and were done full justice to. A match between Temuka and South Canterbury takcß place on the 10th instant. Practice will ba held to-day i the Park.