Thursday 24 May - Wynne's Paddock, Ballarat
Ballarat 2
Melbourne 2 (half time 2-1)
Match drawn
Goalkickers: Cullen 1, Boyd 1
Melbourne's team included only six players from the 1875 list, and they took some time to get acquainted in their first match of the season but were equally matched with their regional opponents.
After an even first 15 minutes the locals took the lead before Cullen equalised. Ballarat got another to take the lead into half time, and Boyd scored Melbourne's equaliser in the second half. The local club had the better of the late chances but couldn't convert and the match ended in a tie.
Best were Carr, John Bennie and Freeman. Melbourne were captained by Sillett.
Media
Ballarat Star - 25/05/1876
Australasian - 27/05/1876