Saturday 22 May - Eastern Oval
Crowd - 1000-3000

South Ballarat 1.1, 2.7, 4.8, 4.12
Melbourne 0.6, 0.7, 3.9, 5.11

Melbourne win by 1 goal

Goalkickers: Carroll 2, Baird 1, Griffiths 1, Robertson 1

After three straight losses against metropolitan clubs to start the season, Melbourne travelled to Ballarat and finally came away with a victory.

The home side had the best of the play in the first half, going two goals in front while Melbourne spurned a number of chances. They got the third after half time before Melbourne rallied. Baird and Carroll goalled before South Ballarat put on a rally of their own to briefly halt the comeback but the Reds eventually bounced a kick through to level the scores.

South Ballarat took the lead again, but two late goals to Carroll and Robertson put Melbourne in front. South had opportunities to equalise but were unable to break through and lost by a goal.

Later the home side were alleged to have reneged on a deal that guaranteed Melbourne 20 pounds for appearing.

Best were Carroll, Griffith and Kelly.

Media
Argus - 24/05/1886
Sportsman - 26/05/1886
Ballarat Star - 26/07/1886