Saturday September 14 - Melbourne Ground
Melbourne 1
Combined Juniors 1 (half time 0-1)
Match drawn
Goalkicker: Loughnan Jr
A week after beating Carlton to be acknowledged as the champion team of the competition the Reds went up against a combination of 25 players from the Collingwood, Richmond, East Melbourne and Southern clubs. Melbourne couldn't field their full side, forced to rely on three Second 20 players just to get to 18 in the first half, then adding one more after the break.
In a rough game marred by spectators interfering on the ground, the juniors continually worked towards Melbourne's goal but ran into a strong defence.They eventually broke through against an opposition fading with their reduced numbers. Melbourne's captain sent more men forward, but his side was unable to break through before half time.
After the break Melbourne was much improved, finally forcing a goal through from a scrimmage.The last 30 minutes was played in a scramble, with players regularly running into spectators encroaching on the turf. The Junior had a late shot to win but missed, and the game ended in a tie.
Media
The Argus - 17/09/1872