TOKOMARU v. TUPAROA.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2136, 19 July 1907, Page 3

TOKOMARU v. TUPAROA.

(Tuparoa Correspondent.) Football 1 has taken quite a new lease of life, -.and tlie first match was played by our team at Tokomaru against the Tokomaru club, some few weeks ago. Tokomaru proved tlie winners by 9 points to nil, but as several of our leading players were prevented from taking part in the match owing to the rivers bping in flood, it is confidently expected that the next match would provo a much more interesting contest. This proved to ho the case and the game which was played at the Mangahanea racecourse was indeed an exciting one and was immensely enjoyed by the largo number of spectators who assembled at the course to witness the match. Tokomaru were two tries to nil (6 points) up till a few minutes to the call of time, and the game appeared hopeless as far our team was concerned. However, the unexpected often happens in the game of football, and a combined rush up the field by our men resulted in a try being scored, which was converted into a goal. No sooner was the ball in play again than another rush was made for the Tokomaru line, and a scoro was assured, but unfortunately the ball was passed forward. Timo was called ending a really’ good game. The next match is being looked forward to with much interest by enthusiasts.

P. Babbington, S. Ivirikiri, and Kara ivria. . When the toams lined out it was apparent that tho ToUoma.ru averaged more than a stone heavier than their opponents, and no one considered that the Tolago team had a chalice. However, being very ably captained by Rawliiti Pnorata, tho visitors played a great defensive game and almost, completely spoilt Tokoniaiu’s back plav bv their quickness in getting on to the half and five-eights. The Tolago forwards wore good in the looro and time after time cleared their lino by concerted rushes. The backs did not attack much and wore weak at times in tackling. Tho locnl forwards were as usual poor, their scruiu work and line-out play being defective, while in dribbling auid pace they were quite outclassed. Tolngo’s tactics seemed to paralyse the local backs who except for some excellent punting, teemed to have no other aim than to bullock through or throw the ball about wildly. There was good individual work, which saved doicut, but tho captain did not get his men working together. Tokoimuu scored first, early in tho game. Cookery from a forward rush by Tohigo, picked smartly and passed to Erikana who sent to Newton. Newton .bent lour Tolago backs who were trying to collar him round the nock, ami scored. Aorcre converted. This was the only bit. of decent- passing in the game. Tolago then scored after a forward rush from their own 25. Prominent

in tho rush wero H. Nelson, Rawliiti, B. Lincoln and Moore. Tho To'koliuirii backs fumbled one after tlie otbor, and Rawliiti scored a try which was not converted. Towards

the end of the first spell H. Nelson got a shaking up through a collision with one of tho local heavy-weights. Ho had been playing a good game and had to retire for a tune.

The second spell was stubbornly contested, most of tho play being in Tolago’s ground. It looked as if Tokomaru would win, when five minutes before the close of tho game,

the spectators, most of whom were “barracking” for tlio visitors were electrified by another scoro for Tolago. It was obtained in tlie same manner as their first try, H. Marino scoring after n rush in which D. AA’liakaraa, ami J. Lincoln wero conspicuous. A splendid coal resulted, which mado tho scoro, Tolago 8, Tokomaru 5. There was then four minutes to go, and things wore lively. Tolago managed to keep play in the centre of the field until just on the caff of time. The ball went out, and was thrown in by Tokomaru. It- was pased by a forward to Erikana who punted high, the whole team following up. Two Tolago backs attempted to take the ball together, cannoned and the ball was missed. Cockory dribbled tho bail on and other Tokomaru players joining in they managed to get the hall within a few feot- of Tolago’s line, when Hyland snapped up the ball and determinedly pushed his way over the line, despito desperate efforts by Tolago and scored. No goal resulted and time was called, the scores being equal. Air. Fairlie made a capable referee and had a pleasant duty, there being an entire absence of rough play. After tho match, the Tokomaru team entertained the visitors by providing tea for them at Air. H. P. AA’hite’s restaurant, where both teams did full justice to an excellent spread. After tea, the usual dance took place to which tho Tolago team were invited. AA 7 . Gerrard, Tokomaru’s half-back was a. spectator of this game, he having had his ankle sprained in the Tokomaru-Tuparoa match. Next Saturday’s game is between tho Paikea and Tuparoa teams, and will be played here. Air. A. Alataliiki has been apoointed referee.

THE RANFURLY SHIELD. Press Association. AVANGANUI, last night. The AA r anganui Rugby Union tonight decided to challenge Auckland for the Ranfurly shield.