FOOTBALL.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 469, 10 July 1902, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

TOKOMARU V. WAIPIKO,

AN EXCITING GAME

(Special to Tijiks.)

Football appears to have “ caught on 1 firmly on the coast this season, and the roturn inatcli between Tokornaru and Waipiro, played at Takapau station on Saturday last, was a most exciting contest. Fairlio captained Tokornaru in good style, whilst Tuckwcll proved the best of generals for Waipiro. When tho teani3 stripped and appeared on the Geld they were subjected to close scrutiny from tho spectators, and a keen fight was looked forward to. Tho home team won the toss, and elected to play with tho wind in their favor. Fairlie set the ball rolling for Tokornaru, and Jiailoy returned in good style. From the throw-in the Tokouiaru vanguard came with a strong rush and succeeded in carrying the oval to within a few yards of tho Waipiro line, where a free kick was awarded to tho home team. The Tokomaruitea kept their opponents on tho defensive, and Murphy made several smart dashes which nearly proved fatal to Waipiro. Finally the latter by dint of combined play on the part of the forwards succeeded in forcing their opponents back to mid Gold, where a series of serums took place. Fairlio, Whito, and Murphy made desperate efforts to get down on tho Waipiro lino again, but despito their brilliant play half-time was called with no score.

The second spell was romarkablo for soruo dashing individual play, and the friendly rivalry displayed by both sides in endeavoring to score sometimes ended in a good deal of blood being spilt. Tbore was fast open play in tho second half, and soverul fine rushes wero made by tho Tokornaru forwards, who in each case wore met with stubborn dcfenco on tho part of the Waipiro men, Bailey, I’ainter, Fox, and Parata being conspicuous for good sound defensivo tactics. Fairlio, Whito, aud Murphy did some excellent passing for Tokornaru, but tho collaring of tho homo toarn was too good, and no scoro resulted. Several free kicks wero awarded Tokornaru, arrd Fairlie mado a brilliant shot at goal, tho ball just falling short, tho barrackors for the visitors being greatly disappointed. Another good shot at goal was also mado by Fairlie later in tbo game from a difficult angle. For a while Waipiro were compelled to assume tho defensivo, Donald, Smith, and others making several desperate attempts to cross the line. Clever play on tho part of Pointer and Tuckwell relieved tho pressuro, and the Waipiro vanguard getting a good rush on, tho ball was carried into the onomy’s territory, where some tough scrums took place. Just before tho call of time Tokornaru mado a grand final effort, and a fine run by Murphy ended in tho ball boing carried over the lino, but no try rosultod, and tho game ended in a draw.

Tho two teams wero evenly matehod, and tho game was a most stubbornly contested ono. Tho backs of both teams played sterling games, and it was vory difficult to individualise them. There woro a good many honest toilers amongst tho forwards, and tho pace was mado a cracker from tho jump. MrH. L. Wilson mado an excellent referee, and Messrs Duff and Mulligan discharged tho duties of lino umpires. A splendid lunch was provided by Mr A. B. Williams, whoso hospitality was much appreciated. In the evening a banquet took place, Mr H. L. Wilson prosiding. After full justico had boon douo to tho good things provided by Host Pettie, tho Chairman proposed tho health of the King. In doing so ho remarked that it was a vory opportune tirno to drink to His Majosty's health, seeing the dangerous illuess through which ho had passed. Ho was quite sure that both teams would join with him in wishing His Majosty a speedy recovery. “ Tho Tokornaru Team ” was proposed by tho Chairman, Mr Wilson, who mado an excellent speech, thoroughly appropriate to the occasion. He complimented the visitors upon tho hard luck they had experienced in not gaining a victory. In acknowledging tho toast, Mr Fairlie, tho Tokornaru captain, thanked tho Waipiro team for tho generous hospitality that thoy had shown. Ho hoped that the teams would meet again shortly. The toast of “ Tho Waipiro Football Club ” was proposed by Mr Fairlie and suitably acknowledged by Mr Tuckwell. “ Kindred Sports ” found an able proposor in Mr Durant, who made a capital speech. Ho referred to tho Tokornaru Cricket Club as a real livo athletic body, and expressed the hope that many contests similar to the ono played that afternoon would take place. Ho coupled with tho toast the name of Mr Oates, the popular Secretary of tho Tokornaru Club. Mr Oates, in appropriate terms, suitably acknowledged tho kind remarks that had been made, and proposed the health of tho referee, makiag pleasing mention of tho manner in whioh Mr Wilson had performed tho duties. Mr Wilson replied, stating that he was always pleased to do what he could to assist football. The rest of the evening was devoted to social harmony, songs and recitations beiDg contributed. A most successful ovening terminated shortly before midnight. Tho visitors wore highly delighted with the trip, and especially with tho hospitality of tho Host of the Waipiro Hotel, who did all in his power to make the outiDg an enjoyable one.