points to New South Wales' 5. In the second half, the locals briefly took the lead off of a kick from the field. Many times during the match, James McMahon provided the try saving tackle as the Natives consistently attacked the New South Wales line. Despite this, the Natives scored again winning the match 12 points to 9. With New South Wales making changes to the team ahead of the second match, there was much excitement. The changes were effective as the locals held the Natives scoreless until into the second half with scores standing at 9 points to nil at halftime. Once again James McMahon played a grand tackling game stopping many a strong attack from the Natives. With the score against them, the Natives "played up to high pressure", attacking the New South Wales line repeatedly. Three quick tries saw the visitors take the lead before New South Wales brought the score back to one point difference. In the remaining time both teams had a chance to score thwarted by excellent play from the opposition. In the dying minutes, the Natives were able to break through and score the match winning try. The final points stood at 16 points to 12 in favour of the visitors. The match was considered the best game of football seen within the colony. Intercolonial Matches New South Wales v. Victoria With Australian Rules Football holding a strong position in Victoria, it wasn't until 1888 that the Melbourne Rugby Union was formed. A Victorian team was formed to play against the visiting English side later that season. In 1889 a Victorian team was chosen to tour the northern colonies with two matches arranged against New South Wales. In the first match the home team held a strong position, leading the game 8 points to nil at halftime. Despite the visitors scoring two tries, New South Wales won the match 13 points to 6. The second match proved to be a much closer affair. New South Wales scored the first try of the game and after weathering many attempts at their goal line, the home team were leading 10 points to 5 at halftime. During the second half, New South Wales continued to add to their total leading 17 points to 5 at one stage. Victoria began to put on the pressure, scoring a try and two goals. Unfortunately the comeback was not enough