FOOTBALL

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 16 September 1901, Page 4

FOOTBALL

IStar y. Westport Rivals.

The above match took place on Victoria Bark on Saturday afternoon, being 'witnessed by a large number of spectators. The weather was wet, and as a result the ground was very sloppy. The teams were oveuly matched as far as weight was Concerned, but the Stars handled the greasy ball remarkably well, while the Rivals niastly’ mulled. In the first spell fclie St.vr forwards heeled the ball out of the scrum every time, which enabled their backs to get in some passing, which •’they did well, missing very few chances. | In the second spell the Rivals heeled the ball out as often as their opponents, but the backs did not make much use of it. The 'game was fast at times, the ball going from one end of the field to the other with forward rushes, but towards tlio end of the game the Rivals had their opponents on the line, hut only 6cored onp try which was not converted. The Stars in the first spell scored two tries, which were not converted, and in the second spell crossed the line again, and once had hard luck for not scoring another try. v A. White, the Star wing three-quarter, having no one to pass overran the ball, and thus missed scoring. The Stars kicked off with a slight wind behind them, and soon had their opponents on the defence. After a few scrummages and line-outs, the Star hacks obtained possession of the ball, and after indulging in some passing Beale crossed the line, but MTherson failed to increase the score. Shortly afterwards the Stars heeled the ball out from a scrummage, and McKechnie passing out smartly to Sweetman, who in turn passed to Beale, the latter passing to White, who going at top speedksiiorcd at the corner flag, but aiegoal did not increase the sfegrb! The Rival forwards broke away a fijV times but were soon brought back ; half-time now sounded, with Stars 0, Rivals 0.

In the second spell the Rivals had the Wind in their favour, and had the Stars hard pressed at times. From a scrummage near the line the Stars heeled the ball out, and Kelly making a dash for it ’ scored for Westport, hut the kick at goal was a failure. The Rivals now began to liven up, but failed to score again. Svvoetman getting the ball put in a good dodgy run, and scored another try for the Stars which was not converted. From this out the Rivals had the Stars in their tvvonty-fives, and although they worked hard they could not cross the line. In the last minute M’PherSon receiving a pass from Beale, put in a good run, going three parts of the held but was thrown out of touch by one of the Rivals at the twenty-five fiag. ■ The whistle sounded, and a very friendly and interning, game ended Stars 9, Rivals 3. .The Rivals forwards played well, but the backs could not handle the ball, which was very greasy. White, the Rivals wing three-quarter was the pick of the backs. The Star forwards all played well, while the backs handled the ball splendidly, getting in some good passing rushes. Bweetman, the Star five-eight played a good game, getting the ball away well, arid although he is not very fast, ho is dodgy, and played the best back game on the fifild. Mir Reynolds had charge of the whistle, and gave every satisfaction, To-night the Stars are giving the Rivals a social in the Drill Shed, and are doing their best to entertain the Westport boys as well as possible.

Wanganui v. Taranaki

Wanganui, Sept. 14,

The Taranaki representatives played Wanganui this afternoon in the presence of a number of spectators, and were defeated by the narrbw margin of one point. Wanganui’s score was nine points, made up by a try secured by Stedman. converted by Robinson, and » pot from the field by liobinson. Taranaki’s eight points were the result of two tries-got by O’Dowd (converted by Hawkes) and Mynot. The game was interesting and exciting throughout. The Taranaki passing and rushing was a great treat. The backs played a great game, and had hard luck in not scoring on several occasions. Wanganui was not too good collectively, but individuals distinguished themselves. A regrettable feature of the game was an accident to Alf Bayley, by which he broke a log, and was removed to the hospital. The game was phyed in a stiff wind. Auckland y. Wellington.

Auckland, September 14,

Auckland gained a well deserved victory over Wellington in the presence of an attendance of .between 4000 and 5000, including the Governor. The crowd took a keen interest inc the proceedings, and liberally applauded the visitors. Wellington had the luck to win tho toss and gained tho advantage of a strong wind, but made little use of it. In fact they were outplayed from the jump, and tho Auckland forwards smothered their opponents time and again. The first score fell to Auckland, but this it turned out was a mistake. The ball was kicked over tho lino to Slattery, who grounded it and lot go. Rod. McGregor fell upon it, and the referee, unable to sea what actually occurred, awarded a try, Shortly after Wellington put on a spurt, and after some free passing Slattery’s strength enabled him to hurl himse 1 f over the line, making 3 all. In tho second spell Wellingbon was opposite the,wind, and played much better, and so good were the forwards for a time that they flattered the spectators into the belief that they would ■win. In the last quarter, however, the to pieces,'and Buckland scored two fine tries. The second was the result of some very bad play among tho Wellington backs, who could easily have kicked the ball out of touch. No- goals were kicked, and tho score when the Ibell went was,—Auckland 9, and Wellington 3. Both the full-backs and Asher and Bm kland. on the Auckland side, played fine games.