Newspaper report

Source:The West Australian 19 May 1891 - via Trove

The Association match between the Rovers the West Perth football teams was played on the Old Recreation Ground on Saturday last. The weather was fine, but there was a stiff breeze blowing across the field. There were a large number of spectators on the ground. In the first quarter the West Perth's had the best of game from the kick-off almost, and the Rovers were unable to take the ball out of their territory for any time. Shean marked in front of the Rover's goal posts and put the leather through, registering the first goal to West Perth. After the kick-off, Scrymgour got the ball and made a pretty run round the wing and took the ball out of danger. The play was now on the left wing for some time, until it was again forced into the West Perth territory, but at quarter time the score was still; West Perth 1 goal, 0 behinds; Rovers nil.

The ball set going again and West Perth had another chance for a goal but the kick missed, after a scrimmage, however, McKenzie marked the ball, and with a splendid long kick put up the second goal. A little by play followed on the kick off, and then Grundy took the ball away and the play was taken into the vicinity of the West Perth goal. The ball was soon brought back again, however, and a behind was soored for the West Perth by Sadler. Soon afterwards the West Perth scored another goal. Then Grundy got a free kick for being thrown, and the ball was rushed into the West Perth territory. McKenzie, however, sent it back and some sharp play took place on the left wing. Grundy again got the ball and marked to Cottrell, Cottrell marked to E. Darlot, and Darlot to Liddelow, nothing resulted, however. Shortly afterwards the West Perth scored another behind, and Davis on a splendid long kick put up a fourth.

In the third quarter McKenzie and Shean both tried for a goal, but the kicks both fell short.

In the last quarter the Rovers played up well, and had scored a behind in very quick time, and before the West Perth had time to recover they had another try, but nothing resulted! Cottrell was the next man to try for a goal, but he only scored a behind. However, after the bounce they managed to get the ball through the posts. Cottrell had a kick from the centre, and the Rover's back got the leather and sent it through, making the score two goals to four. Liddelow put up a behind before the call of time, but the Rovers were unable to get on eren terms with their opponents. The play throughout was too rough to be good.

The principal players for West Perth were : McKenzie, Shean, McGann, J.Davis, Sadler, Buckland, Peate, J. Kneale, H.Wilson, McDonough, Wade and Bishop. For the Rovers : J. Scrymgour, Grundy, H. Liddelow, T. Cottrell, G. Henty, Stowe and L.Ogborne.

The scores at the finish were : West Perth, 4 goals 5 behinds, Rovers 2 goals 2 behinds.