Saturday August 3 - Royal Park
Carlton 1
Melbourne 0 (half time 0-0)
Carlton win by 1 goal
Goalkickers: Nil
Three hours of heavy rain before the match meant Carlton's regular patch of Royal Park was unsuitable for play, and it led to wasted time before the match as they sought out a drier spot. By the time the game started there was only 75 minutes of playing time available. Despite the delays the third game of the year between the teams started as a 17 against 16 while Melbourne waited for a player to turn up. The Reds had agreed to start assuming he was going to turn up but he never did.
Even though they had lesser numbers Melbourne still adopted attacking tactics, and they had several good chances close to goal early through Riggall but couldn't convert. Carlton, on the other hand, used the little mark to move the ball around the ground instead of kicking long and it led to congestion. Umpire and ex-player for both sides Jack Conway was forced to step in and throw the ball up to clear the pack on several occasions.
Scores were level at half time, but with 20 minutes to go Carlton took a lead that they wouldn't surrender. They stopped the ball from rolling out of bounds and landed a pass to a player 15 yards out. He beat three opponents and the Blues had a lead they wouldn't surrender. Joyous Carlton fans had to be cleared from the ground before it could restart. With 20 minutes left, Melbourne attacked and kicked several behinds but couldn't convert for the equaliser.
The game ended at 5pm with tempers frayed and a number of brawls threatening to break out around the ground. Player movement was also hindered by spectators encroaching on the arena towards the end of the game. One player kicked the ball three times in a row and had it ricochet back to him off a fan.
Media
Australasian - 10/08/1872