FOOTBALL.

Gisborne Times, Volume VIII, Issue 504, 18 August 1902, Page 2

FOOTBALL.

HAWKE’S BAY DEFEATS WANGANUI.

By Telegraph—Press Association. Napior, last night. Tho interprovincial football match, Hawke’s Bay v. Wanganui, was playod on tho Rocreatiou Ground to day, in tho prosonce of a largo crowd of spectators. Tho weather was vory showery, and tho ground in a muddy condition. Tho game, which was fairly oven, rosultod in a win for Hawke's Bay by 6 points to 3. McVay liiokod a goal from a penalty, and ILoath scored a try for Hawke’s Bay. Thurston got over for Wanganui. Tho socond spoil was in favor of tho local team.

BIG WIN FOR TE AUTE,

(By Telegraph—Pross Association.) (By, Telephone from Napier.) Wanganui, last night. Tho inter-college match, To Auto v. WaDganui, was hold on Saturday, aud resulted in a win for To Auto by 21 to 8.

HUIA v. WEST END.

[Notes by “ The Whistle.”]

Enough rain foil towards last week’s ond to causo a miniaturo doluge. Saturday morning was usherod in with heavy Bhowcrs, and thoro was little prospect of any play being possiblo until wolf on towards noon, when tho aorial taDk soemod to have at last run itself dry, and Old Sol smiled down as if to say : “ You can go on with tho gamo boys ; I'vo patched up tho leak for a timo.” Actuated by this guarantee, tho Poverty Bay Rugby Union decided that tho Huia-Wost End senior match should bo go on with, but shortly before 3 o’clock anothor ront in the dyko took place, and players and spectators wero compelled to huddlo into tho dres-sing-shod at Victoria Domain to escapo the downpour. At 3.30, tho teams took tho fiold. It says a great deal for tho intoreßt taken in the gamo boro that not only wore both Clubs well represented, but that a fair-sized crowd of spootatora were also present on such a day to witness tho play. Tho teams lined out as under : Huia : W. Sharp, Ball, To Reina, Kelly, Burns (captain), Symes, McOredie, Swann, Osborne, Courtayno, Moana, Hatoa, McGruthor, Bastable. West End : G. Hepburn, Waitai, Wateno, Skeot, Poananga, Miller, L. B. Sherrill (captain) Wepiha, Williams, Gray, Hcwinui, Bennett. The ground, as was only to bo expected, was thoroughly saturated by tho heavy rains of the past few days, and the going wbb heavy. Nevertheless, tho men gave a most creditable display. Thoy kept their feet surprisingly well, and handled and kicked the wet ball well. West End had the advantage of weight in tho scrum, and also packed hotter than their opponents. This advantage thoy mado the most of, and invariably elected to tako a scrum instead of a throw-in. However, the Huia forwards counterbalanced matters by doing better work on tho line-out and using their feet rather better in the open. The backs, of course, had not much chance of showing up to advantage ; arid yet they called up a cheer occasionally by getting in some capital passing. Tho game was very even, and at times particularly exciting. Though both lines were menaced on several occasions, good tackling and the inability to handle tho wet ball with any degree of certainty prevented the playerß on either Bido getting over. The game ended in a draw, each side kicking a penalty goal in the first spell. Both penalties wero inflicted for the same offence—lying on the ball, Kelly called called up great cheering from the Huia supporters when be placed tho ball fairly between the posts, and Waitai was likewise heartily applauded when he steered the ball, with a well-judged kick, over the centre of the cross-bar. Na score was mado in the second spell. The play was interesting and stubbornly contested. Waitai just failed by an inch to place another penalty for West End, tho ball falling short of the centre of the bar, Kelly had a good chance, from a mark by Te Reina, of placing victory to the Huia side; but he failed to direct the heavy ball.

For Huia, Sharp gave a sound display at full. He took the ball well, and generally found the line. Ball, Burns, To Beina, and Kelly all did good work. The latter’s defensive work was sound, and ho

was loudly cheered on the occasion on which he finely brought down Waitai, who was thought to have a clear run in. Syrnes made a first appearance this season. He kicked well, and always CONSCIENCE-SMITTEN THIEF. I found the line. McCredie, who was pro

siding at the gate, when he found hie side was short-handed, got someone to relieve him and valiantly took the field, and in a lot of useful work. Of the forwards, Hatea and Moana made a first appear-

ance. The former was of great service on the line, and at times gave glimpses of the form which made him so renowned four or five years ago. Osborne, McGruther, Oourtayne, and Bastable worked hard and

well. , For West End, Hepburn was reliable at full, and Waitai, Skeet, and Watene proved of invaluable assistance with their kicking. Poananga was a host in himself behind the pack. Of the forwards, all worked hard, but Sherriff, Gray, Miller, and Hewinui werej the most conscientiou toilers.

Two spells of 35 minutes each were played. Mr W. Gibson was referee, and Messrs J. R. Quinn and J. Martin acted as touch-judges.