Saturday July 13 - East Melbourne
Crowd - 7000
Carlton 1.12
Melbourne 3.5 (half time 1-2)
Melbourne win by 2 goals
Goalkickers: Fred Baker 2, Charles Baker 1
Play was delayed due to a dispute by Melbourne over Carlton appointed umpire (and ex-Blue) Prevot, but when the game finally started the side who appointed him only had trouble with easy scoring opportunites. With the use of the wind they had numerous opportunities but failed to make them count in the tricky breeze.
Melbourne went in as slight chances after winning the first meeting between the sides for the year, and as opposed to their opponents they took they chances. Carlton struck first, but in an exciting end-to-end game, Melbourne managed to equalise through Charles Baker after a pass from Bob Sillett. The next goal was scored by Fred Baker with a lucky kick and thanks to the Blues fluffing an excellent chance to equalise just before the break Melbourne went to half time with the lead.
Carlton had 1.7 on the board at half time, showing their terrible inaccuracy, but missed an early chance and Melbourne had two behinds on the board before Carlton could launch a sustained attack. They were finding it hard to get through the Melbourne defence, especially Jim McKie.
The ball went from one end to the other, with both teams having their chances, and Carlton got the ball through the goals but it was touched so did not count as a major. F. Baker eventually got Melbourne's third and the game ended not long after.
Best were Longden, Sandilands and Houston.
Notes
Some sources give the attendance at 5000, 6000 or 8000
Media
Argus - 15/07/1878
Australasian - 20/07/1878