FOOTBALL.

Franklin Times, Volume 9, Issue 645, 28 June 1921, Page 7

FOOTBALL.

1 t F.R.U, COMPETITIONS. RESULTS AT A GLANCE. > Senior —Pukekohe 3 v. Bombay 0. Tuakau 8 v. Patumahoe 3. Junior—Pukekohe 15 v. Bombay 6. Patumahoe 3 v. Tuakau 0, The Franklin Rugby Union competitions were advanced a further stage on Saturday in showery weather. In the senior competition Pukekohe continued their undefeated record by beating Bombay by the narrow margin of a goal from a mark. Tuakau beat Patumahoe by 5 points. SENIORS. PUKEKOHETvT BOMBAY 0. The above teams clashed on the Domain, When they previously met at Bombay, Pukekohe were very fortunate in leaving the field victors by 6 points (two goals) to 5 (a converted try). Since then, however, Bombay were defeated by Tuakau rather easily, while Pukekohe had a victory over the team from the rising township. Onewhero beat Tuakau and Pukekohe' defeated Onewhero and so did Bombay. On the'face of these happenings, Saturday’s game between Pukekohe Bombay looked a “stone ginger” for the wearers of the maroon jersey, but the supposed “soft thing” turned out to be a hard nut to crack, as from the commencement to the conclusion they kept Pukekohe very busy and at times had the maroons hard pressed. From a spectator’s point of view the game was anything but brilliant, the greasy ball and wind hampering, the players from handling the oval to consequently play confined to the forward division, with occasional glimpses of back on either side. If anything Bombay had the better of the game until thb last twenty minutes, when the reds asserted themselves and on several occasions were nearly over their opponents’ goal line, but the defence .of the yellows w r as too sound. Once the red forwards dribbled the oval to Bombay line and Marshall fell on it. The majority of the spectators were of the opinion that a try had been scored, but Bombay were awarded a free kick, which relieved. With regard to the incident in question, Matthews, 'the Bombay wing threequarter was to field the ball when Marshall and another red player rushed down. Something happened, whether Marshall pushed or bumped Matthews, the writer is not prepared to say ? but he toppled over and Marshall grounded the, ball. The light was bad and it was difficult for spectators on the Harris Street side to see what actually took place. It was evident an infringement of some sort occurred, and the referee, who was'in a better position than the spectators to see, awarded a free kick to Bombay, which was only the proper thing to do, if an infringement; ' took place. At any rate Matthews himself should know whether he was pushed with open hands or bumped. A section of the crowd appeared to disapprove of the referee’s action, and also throughout the match criticised several of his rulings. The attitude was uncalled for, even if the referee did make a mistake, but to the writer’s way pf thinking his decision was a correct one. Referees should be supported and not barracked, and a number of the Pukekohe public should know better..

Shortly after Syzemore marked near the half-way line and, in spite of the greasy ball, his boot acted like a propeller in sending the oval Between the uprights. It -was, -indeed a marvellous kick. Syzemore thus won the game for Pukekohe which ended:—

Pukekohe .. ■ • • • Bombay .. . • .. 0 Mi W. J. Taylor controlled the game satisfactorily. The forwards on both sides worked wel! and were fairly evenly matched and it would be difficult to select any particular individual for special mention. Of the rearguard, Matthews (Bombay) was undoubtedly the best back on the field and it was indeed beautiful to watch him handle the greasy oval and break away with his nice tricky run. Noble (Pukekohe) was the best back on the side of the winners. Perry, Syzemore. Crum and Blake put in some good work for Pukekohe, but Tonkin did not handla the ball in his usual style;. Shortly after /the commencement Campbell was injured, and was replaced by Joe Aadams, who put in some brilliant work, showing glimpses of his old time form. “Joey” is not yet a “has been” by any means. For Flay at full back was safe and so was Archie Way, but lie did not receive the neseeeary support from his colleagues. Trie old liveeight. acts best when the sting is out of the ground.

TUAKAU 8 V. PATUMAHOE 3. Patumahoe journeyed to Tuakau and suffered, defeat by 8 points to 3. Schlaepfer scored for the losers. The

\ . Tuakau team was not up to its mam strength, several of the players not being available. Mr E* Pollock refereed.

JUNIOR.

PUKEKOHE) 15 V. BOMBAY 6,

At Bombay the Pukekohe mniors defeated the home team rather comfortably. Bambay bade a brilliant start and rattled on six points to their opponents’ nii In the first <|Barter. The reds then threw put a des- y perate challenge and in the second quarter added eight points. From, then onwards they never looked like getting defeated. For the winners, tries were scored by Parker (2), and Fisher, one of which was converted by B. Hart, while Jim Adams potted a goal from the field. Flay scored a try for Bombay, and Pullan kicked *a penalty goal. Mr R. J. .Glasgow \ referred, in a most impartial manner. PATUMAHOE 4 V. TUAKAU. At Patumahoe the home juniors secured their first win this season by defeating Tuakau by 3 points to nil. Mr C. McCullough referred. PUKEKOHE V. TUAKAU. The following teams will represent Pukekohe against Tuakau on Saturday next, July 2:— Seniors, at Tuakau.—Backs: W. Crum, C. Noble, R. Tonkin, J. Blake, J. Syzemore, J. Adams, G. Perry, N. Higginson; forwards: W. Reynolds, TL Bagnall, S. Marshall, A. Needham, W. Short, C. Dazeley, H. Bilkey. Emergency: E, Goldsworthy. Juniors,' at Pukekohe.-—Backs: J. Smith, Joe Clarke, H. Marcroft, Jim Adams, J,. Olphert, Les Hart, Roberts. Les Fisher; forwards: R- Fulton, R. Perqkins, W. Stewart, S. Clewes, IX Blake, V. Parker, H. Pieydelf. Emergencies: L. Reynolds Nj Blake. '

CHAMPIONSHIP LADDER.

SENIOR.

Points. Ch. Team. P. W. L. For Ag. Pts. Pukekohe 5 5 0 46 17 10 Onewhero 5 3 2 36 40 6 Bombay 6 3 3 33 N 31 * « Tuakau 6 3 3 43 45' 6 Patumahoe 6 0 6 17 56 0 ' ' JUNIOR. a Onewb*ero 5 4 1 73 25 S' Pukekohe 5 6* 4 1 79 27 8 Bombay . 4 2 83 46 8 Tuakau 6 1 5 28 81 v 2 Patumahoe 6 1 5 21 >410 2