Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), Monday 7 August 1899, page 7


A FINE MATCH.

The Fitzroy dressing-room on Saturday was like the convalescent branch of a casualty ward. Descrimes and Potter were limping about, one with the aid of a stick, and the other on crutches; Kiernan and Dalton, each with his arm in a sling, were comparing notes; while Sloan was in and out directing operations, and, though unable to play, no one was more keenly interested. Colling-wood had a full team, but Fitzroy, with their half-dozen on the casualty list, had pressed some of their reserves into the service, and also un-earthed a Collingwood junior in Beecham, a brother of the Fitzroy bowler, who, for a first ap-pearance, did remarkably well, and showed from his position as half-back a deal of promise. The ground was very slippery after the rain, which had not had time to soak in, the water lying about in pools. The wind blew strongly into the corner near the press-box, and Collingwood had first use of it. Smith and F. Leach had shots for goal, and then for a while the play was down in the corner near the scoring-board. Collingwood eventually got the ball out of the corner and transferred play to the top wing, but Jenkins, who was defending ably, kicked right across his goal, and sent the rucks racing back again. Smith eventually got a mark from Condon close in, and scored first goal. The crowd was a large one, and

at this feat the Collingwood supporters cheered lustily, and from this out every item in the game was cheered, and the excited throng kept up a roar all day. McDougall got a free kick imme-diately the ball was bounced, and Jim Grace marked the kick, and with a high punt got first behind for the maroons. The game was very fast, but Collingwood was showing the better system, and kicking off the ground, whereas Fitz-roy were trying to handle the ball too much. Hickey, with his hand bound up, was defending ably, but he was evidently in great pain every time he touched the ball. Fitzroy opened the

second quarter strongly, and, after M. Grace had scored a behind, McDougall had a shot. He did not raise the ball, however, and, following up his kick, got it again, and this time made no mistake, and cleverly snapped a goal. Sime's good play gave Smith a chance, and he snapped Col-

lingwood's second goal. The play was fast and furious, but singularly free from roughness, and the ball travelled all over the ground. A grand

mark by Condon resulted in Tame getting the ball, and though most people thought he dropped the mark, he had his shot, and a long skimming kick brought a goal. Fitzroy were hard pressed, but a very clever piece of play in which Drohan outpointed Pannam put the Fitzroy goal out of danger, and M. Grace got another behind before the bell rang. During the interval Sloan brought a fresh ball into the magpies' room, and suggested that it be used, as the old one had be-come so greasy. Condon looked at it, and as he said, "No thanks; we'll play with the old one," Monahan chipped in with "We are in the lead, you know." It was just a little exchange of courtesies, but footballers do not give away many points nowadays. The game in the second half was a repetition of the first. Pannam had, how-ever, to go forward, owing to a recurrence of an old strain, and once, while almost unable to move, the ball came to him as he stood in front of goal, and he pushed it through. Once when Drohan, Fontaine, and Noonan had cleverly passed the ball down the ground, Jim Grace spoilt it by being free-kicked for holding. After the magpies got their fifth goal, there was little in-terest in the game. Foletta, however, scored for Fitzroy. He marked close in, and, but for the carefulness, of Proudfoot, he might have had a heavy fall. The policeman rushed out to spoil the mark, but was just too late, and in his rush he carried Foletta off his feet. There was a well-

deserved cheer, however, as the big man held the little fellow up. The crowd had recognised the act of a true sportsman. Just as the bell rang the veteran Cleary had a free kick, and punted a beautiful goal. Collingwood had won, how-ever, by 12 points. Gibson umpired the game admirably, and made very few mistakes. He was prompt and fast, and pleased all but the "one-

eyed barracker," who cannot see anything against

his own side.

Condon, as usual, played a very fine game for the magpies, marking, kicking, and running very well. Hailwood, M. Fell, and A. Leach gave him good assistance on the ball, but Smith, who usually plays forward, was given a run in the ruck, and played fine football. The ruck did better work than that of their opponents, handling and passing the ball with more effect. O'Brien, Williams, and Monahan did good work back, and when Monahan went into the ruck he was very prominent. Proudfoot's kicking was splendid, and he came away well often. It was one of Sime's best days, and he played a really good game. F. Leach was clever in the centre, but Pannam in the first half and Tame in the second were both beaten by Drohan on the wing. Tulloch was the best of the forwards, and Watsford, both forward and following, was very useful. All through the magpies played the better game, and

deserved their victory.

McEwan was the best man on the Fitzroy side, his fine defensive work often getting the maroons out of trouble. Time and again he saved them by resolute dashes and good kicking. Jenkins was but little behind him, and he played a very clever game. Hickey, who should have been allowed a rest, but could not take it, played hard and strong football, but he was in great pain with a sprained thumb. His pluck exhibition was admired by everyone. Drohan was the best of the centre line. He dashed in and out in fine style, and always did good work. Clarke, too, played a slashing game in the centre. J.

Grace was the best of the forwards, and M. Grace, Noonan, and McDougall were the pick of the ruck, all three doing splendid work. Fontaine was very useful on the ball, and played a hard game.