A letter by Tom Wills was published in "Bell's Life in Victoria & Sporting Chronicle" on 10 July 1858, calling for a "foot-ball club, a rifle club, or other athletic pursuits" to keep cricketers fit during winter. An experimental match organised by Mr James/Jerry Byrant was played at the Richmond Paddock (later known as Yarra Park next to the MCG) on 31 July 1858, very few details of the match have survived. Other matches were played 14 August 1858 and 28 August 1858 organised by MCC.