FOOTBALL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2144, 29 July 1907, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

SATURDAY’S MATCHES

Tho first match in the final round of the senior competition was played at Victoria Domain on Saturday last, when West End secured a victory over Kniti-Oity by S points (a goal from a try and a penalty goal) to 4 points (a potted goal). There was a good attendance at tho match, notwithstanding the inclemency of tho weather, and great interest was manifested in the proceedings. Instead of the play being confined to tho forwards, as is the general rule on a wet day, both teams endeavored to inako tho game fast and open and tho spectators were treated, to some of tho best passing seen this season. Tho West End backs throw the ball about with great freedom and their try was the result of a prottly pioce of play. In tho closing stages of tho gnnio tho City forwards had their opponont-s strictly on the defensive tho greasy state of thi» ball making thoir foot rushes very dangerous. THE SENIOR GAME. AVost End won tho spin of tho coin and elected to defend tlio western goal. Hansen kicked off,, and “Sailor” Roderick returned. West End attacked, and with a fino footnish, in which Mutu and Pino woro prominent, swept tho ball on to City’s line, where Kelly secured and cleared his lino by kicking out. The West Endors initiated a passing rush, which Rowe intercepted, and after making a good run ho found tho lino at West End’s 25 flag. Brown received the ball from Graham, and mail© a strong dash, but was well tackled by Witty and the ball went, out at the centre. From a scrum

in mid-field the West End pack heeled the oval out to Graham, who passed it smartly to Brown, who, after making a spirited dash down the field transferred to Wi Friday. The ball then travelled to Roderick, to Kelly, who was thrown into touch at the corner flag. After some scrum work on t-'ho line Wilkinson relieved with a good, line kick. The West End pack returned to the attack, and Rowe brought off a splendid “speculator,” calling forth cheers from the onlookers. Turner, Mutu. and Bine were doing great work for 'the “All Blacks,” and the City backs were kept busily defending. Puflett gainer! a lot of ground for his side nv a fine lino kick, which transferred play to the other end of the field. From the line-out Lowe broke away, and with the" ball at his toes menaced the Blacks’ goal line. Hepburn, who was playing very safelv at full, relieved the pressuro with a good run and kick to touch TJi<j West End vanguard raced the ball into City’s territory where Graham, who was playing a great game behind the pack, marked cleverly right in front of, the goal. Brown was entrusted with the kick, and succeeded in jutting the ball over.

West End Kaiti-City

3 points 0 points

Turner came through with the ball at his feet, and Hay, the Blues’ fullhack, saved a certain scoro by getding down on the ball. Turner and Hay both received injuries, the latter having to retire, A. Bright coming on in his place. Half-time was then sounded.

Upon resuming Wi Friday made a great run, and was just stopped in time by Wilkinson, who tackled well. A fine footrush by the Blues’ vanguard carried play into the Blacks’ territory, where Hepburn again came to the rescue and sent the ball well up the line. From a loose scrum in mid-field Hoke passed the ball out to-Brown. The latter made a strong run and kicked high, and Mutu snapping the leather up gave Pine a good pass‘and Pine raced in and scored between the posts. Brown was again successful in the kick at goal.

West End ... 8 points Kaiti-City ... 0 points Kelly took a high kick well, and centred, and the City vanguard charged down on the ball. Hansen secured from a loose scrum in front of the Blacks’ goal and sent the oval out. to Rowe, who transferred to Puflett. The latter, instead of sending the ball out to his wing' had a pot at goal, and sent the leather neatly between the posts amidst great applause.

West End Kaiti-City

8 points 4 points

For the remainder of the spell the Blues continued to press their opponents, but failed to add to the score, although Puflett struck the bar with a dropkick from near the half-way line.

For th© victors, Hepburn (full) played splendidly, taking a greasy ball well, and finding the line iri great style. Kelly (wing) did not play up to expectations, having some difficulty in taking the ball. He gave glimpses of his former dash at times but was well marked. Sailor Rode rick (centre) played well, but is inclined to give his pass with too much vigor, especially with a greasy ball. “Weka” Roderick (wing) was in hirelement; and appeared to be able to take the wet ball as well as a dry one. Brown and Wi Friday were a dangerous pair of five-eighths, and took a lot of watching. . Graham (half) played the best game on the ground, and West End’s victory if mainly due to his efforts." His tak ing, kicking, and tackling left nothings to be desired. Turner (wing forward) gave the best exhibition he' has yet given on. a local ground. He was on the" ball irom start to finish and had no trouble in handling the ball. Of the pack, Mutu, Pino, Heke, and Somer veil wore the most consistent.

For the losers, Hay (full) played well up to form, getting down on tin rushes in good style. Bright, who came on when Hay was hurt, also played well as full. -Witty (wing gave his best diplay yet a a senior He is clearly'out of his place on thi wing. Fuflett (centre) was in great form with his kicking, and got hi: side out of many difficulties. Hi goal was a nice piece of play. Wilkinson (wing) played very well o: defence, but did not get many chan ces on the attack. The- five-eighths Rowe and Robinson, both played their usual brilliant games, although at times “Robbie” found tho ball ■greasy. Grinlinton (half) made tho most of his chances when his pack secured the hall, and shone out ij the open, getting down on his opno lients very smartly. Winter (win' forward) played a fine game, being particularly brilliant in the loose Of the pack Lowe, Nicolas and Hanr by were the most prominent. Mr. Jas. O’Connell made m efficient referee, giving entire satis faction. Messrs Olsen and Horgaj were the line umpires. THIRDS.

On No. 2 ground tho West End thirds met and defeated Takitinn by 14 points to 8. E. and W. Whit field, Douglas, and Muldoon scored tries for West End, one of which W converted, while Sceats and Morel: were Takitimu’s scorers, Campbel converting one. Mr. C. Somervel Controlled the game in an able man ner.

VISIT FROM HOME TEAM

United Press Association —Copyr-gbt

LONDON, July 2C It is practically certain the Rugby Union will send a strong team to New Zealand in 1908.

CARTERTON v. MASTERTON Press Association.

MASTERTON, last night. The Carterton seniors defeated Mastorton on Saturday by- nine points (three penalty goals) to hvi points (a converted try). This practically decides tho somor championship in Carterton’s favor.

AUCKLAND v. THAMES.

AUCKLAND, Saturday. The annual inter-Union football match, between Auckland and tho Thames was played hero this afternoon in fin® weather. The game was well-contested on the. whole, but Auckland proved superior in all departments. A number of their players showing fine form. Auckland won by 26 points to five. A combined public school team from Thames also played Auckland public schools and tho home team was also victorious by 18 points to 3-

WANGANUI v. MANAWATU.

PALMERSTON} N., Saturday. The Wanganui reps, met Mnnawatu before a large crowd of spectators. Before play had been going half a minute Meuli, Wanganui, scored. Manawatu then warmed up and kept on tho attack with vigor, and after a splendid forward rush Wingate scored for Manawatu and Downes converted, making Wanganui 3 points and Manawatu 5. Play for the next fifteen minutes was up and down the field, Wanganui beating Manawatu in the loose. Tho Wanganui forwards brought the ball from tho line-out to the goal-line .and Jones scored a try which was converted, making Wanganui 8 and Manawatu 5, just as half-time was •sounded. On resuming the ball was carried down to Wanganui’s 25 and loose play gave McNae an opening of adding 3 more to Manawatu’s' score, making tho figures 8 all. Play was then'choppy for a considerable time

and Wanganui was on the delonco, when Downes from a free kick gamed 3 moro for Mannwatu. No further scoro resulted—Manawatn 11, Wanganui 8. Both teams wero on a par as regards weight'. Manawatn was far superior on the line-out. The Wanganui backs on several occasions gave a poor exhibition of passing in first, spell, but improved towards tho end of the game. The Manawatn backs wore also defective. On the hook Wanganui paralysed Manawntu.