FOOTBALL

Temuka Leader, Issue 1562, 28 September 1886, Page 2

FOOTBALL

GERALDINE V. WINCHESTER AND ORARI. The match which has been so frequently postponed from time to time on account of uopropitious weather and other caused was played on Saturday last in the Geraldine park. The weather was all that could Do desired, with just a light breeze from the east. There bad been a heavy rain all the previous day, however, and the ground was exceedingly wet and greasy, entirely preventing anything like fast play being made. The home team have been growing in popularity during the season, and there were a large, number of spectators on the ground, including some ladies. The interest taken in the game by those present was very keen, and the laughter evoked from time to time, as the various players came a spiller on the slippery field, was both loud and hearty. The home team were captained by F. Bethnna, and the visitors by G. Smith. The game was played in two spells of 35 minutes each, and the Geraldine captain having won the toss decided to defend the eastern goal, and thus play with the wind at his back. Winchester kicked off, and the ball was returned by F. Bethune to the centre of the field, where it was kept for some time in a number of scrimmages, until, from a good pass, F. Bethune made an excellent fun, the most brilliant of the match, and touched the oval down behind his opponents’ goal line. The kick was taken by A. Erskine, who, notwithstanding the greasy state *of the leather, secured a goal for Geraldine. The kick off carried the ball ont of touch, and from the throw in a number of scrimmages took place, which caried the ball all over the ground, both sides securing tke advantage alternately. Occasionally the, ppero would escape from the scrimmages, when some good attempts were made to obtain runs by both sides, but ere the unfortunate player could gather his feet under him and get under weigh on (he treacherous foothold he was charged down by the opposing forwards. The visitors, however, who were playing with two men short, were several times forced to set on the defensive. Time was called when the oral had been carried well into the visitors’ quarters. From the kick off scrimmages were again the order of the play, until by some loose play on the part of Geraldine they were forced down for the first time. From the kick out Geraldine resolved, if possible, to add another goal to their credit. F. Bethune tried several capital runs, in one ot. which he was cleverly collared by (I. Smith. During these runs he took his field in excellent style, charging over his opponents right and left until grassed, or, more correctly speaking, landed in the mud. T. Hart also made tracks with the leather several times, but the uncertain foothold made it almost impossible for him to get away, in spile of his gallant attempts to do so, The visiting team were now reinforced by one of their men, who put in an appearance, and by A. Penny, who was induced to take the place of the other absentee. The extra weight and fresh blood thus brought against the home team told in the visitors’ favor, and the game was carried close on to the Geraldine goal line, when they were shortly afterwards forced down. From the kick ont by F, Bethune, G. Smith secured the bladder, but whs run out of touch. From the throw in the leather was taken with a rush to the Geraldine quarters, and they were forced down twice in quick succession, The home team now rallied, and by a grand effort carried fho oval well dpwq into their opponents' ground, bqt ifoe superior weight of the visiting form fold, and the game was soon transferred to the Geraldine quarters. E. Millard and G. Bethune again and again secured the ball, and endeavored to travel with it, but were soon upset. The visitors then

secured a mark, from which Q. Smith took a shot at goal, but no score resulted. No side was then called. Geraldine thus won the match by 5 points (a goal) to nil. Mr R. H. Pearpoint acted as umpire for the visitors, and Mr F. Fieb for Gera’dlne, and both gentlemen gave entire satisfaction in tbu capacity. Mr Fish also acted as time keeper. The game was played m a friendly spirit throughout* both aidea doing their best to secure a victory for their respective clubs. The greasy state of the ground and ball made a fast game impossible, and passing was a risky experiment, that had to be attempted with great caution. In this, however, the home team seemed more proficient than their opponents. • Messrs-T. Hart, G. and B. Smith, and F. Shallard, <ad A. Bisset played a good game for The visitors, while for Geraldine E. Mabio, E. Millard, F. and G. BethunC, G. Harding, C, Foster, and A. Erskine were conspicuous. The drop kicking of E. Millard, who was playlog three-quarter back, was particularly admired. At the conclusion of the match three cheers were given for the respective sides, and the teams were then drawn up in front of the pavillion and photographed (mud and all) by Mr B Lloyd. In the even'ng it was decided by the home (&na to wind up the season by playing a match egainst all comers, in the Geraldine Park, on Saturday. next. .- ::

A football xnatgh . the Sydney Fifteen' and gh /Auckland team took place oh Satarday, two thousand persons beiftg pfesedt. f : •'lJhe New South Welshmen Were defeated, by eleven points to nil. ’■