South Yarra vs Melbourne
Saturday 14 July
Venue: Fawkner Park
Attendance: Unknown
| Final | |
| South Yarra | 1 |
| Melbourne | 0 |
Match drawn
Goalkicker: Andrew Fleming 1
Melbourne had lost the Challenge Cup to South Yarra on the first day of the season, and almost didn't get the chance to challenge for it again. After violent incidents between South Yarra and Carlton the previous week there were fears that they wouldn't play for the cup again.
The issue was resolved and they played as arranged. Since their defeat Melbourne had recruited widely, including the addition of David Ogilvy from South Yarra's ranks. South, on the other hand, had lost captain George O'Mullane, who had retired.
Melbourne had a better side on paper but they were unable to take the trophy back. On a perfect day for football the visitors were the better side for the first 30 minutes and had the ball 'behind' the opposition goal first within five minutes but couldn't kick a goal. They missed a number of place kicks from within kickable range.
Neither side could score until approximately 4.45pm, when Melbourne scored against the run of play after South had turned the game in their favour over the previous 30 minutes. They were unable to score the vital second goal in the last thirty minutes and retained the cup on the draw.
Best were Marshall, H. Conway and J. Conway.
Selected team
Bennie, J. Conway, H. Conway, W. Campbell, D. Campbell, T. Gorman, W. Gorman, Guy, Hurst, Harrison (c), Hilsden, JDC Ireland, R. Ireland, T. Ireland, Lock, D. Ogilvie, Shiels, Snodgrass, RW Wardill, Marshall. Emergencies - Aitken, Finlay, Gates, Bruford.
Media
Bell's Life - 14/07/1866
Telegraph - 14/07/1866
Australasian - 14/07/1866
Argus - 16/07/1866
Australasian - 21/07/1866
Telegraph - 21/07/1866
Bell's Life - 21/07/1866