BRITISH SPORT PAST AND PRESENT 



favourable frame of mind. The order of battle was as follows : 

 Calcutta, forwards — Hills, Moore, Wallace ; half-hacks, W. L. 

 Thomas and Fox ; back — G. E. Thomas. The Munipoories 

 ranged very differently, and the order they took showed the 

 peculiarity of their game. They had one man, back, and three 

 forwards, and of the remaining two, one posted himself between 

 Calcutta half-backs, and the other alongside the Calcutta back. 

 This rather astonished the world in general and the players 

 alluded to in particular. Wherever the vicissitudes of the 

 game took the latter there went also attendant sprites, and 

 would not be shaken off. It had one good effect, for it made 

 the Calcutta backs keep their eyes open and most careful to see 

 that their back territories were never left for an instant un- 

 guarded. The game commenced as usual from the centre of 

 the ground, and from the start until the close may well be 

 described as fast and furious, high pressure being maintained 

 throughout without abatement. It was one of the quickest 

 and most interesting games I have ever witnessed, and the play 

 was admirable. It was expected that the sides would be most 

 unequal, and this being the impression there was not at the 

 outset much enthusiasm, the only feeling in the bosoms of the 

 spectators being one of curiosity ; but as the game got into full 

 swing and it was seen, that instead of being overpowered, the 

 Calcutta men were fully holding their own, it gave way to 

 excitement, which became intense when after a short struggle 

 the Calcutta scored " first blood " by making a goal. 



' Loud cheering then arose, and the other members of the 

 club, who had hitherto been depressed and almost silent on- 

 lookers, awoke as from a trance, and for the rest of the match 

 encouraged and aided their representatives by cheering advice 

 and enthusiastic shouts. The Munipoories who were looking 

 on grunted guttural dismay when the first goal was made, and 

 looked as if they did not altogether like the appearance of 

 things. After a brief respite the second game was begun. 

 Like the first game it was obstinately contested, but unlike 

 the previous game the goal was secured by the Munipoories, 



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