FOOTBALL

Hokitika Guardian, 31 July 1922, Page 1

FOOTBALL

SUB-TJNION GAMES,

KIWI V. KOKATAHI,

This senior game was played on Cass Square on Saturday afternoon before a large gathering under perfect conditions and resulted in one of the fastest games of the season, the play being up and down the field, Kiwis proving successful by 8 points, (two tries by Jones, one being converted by Stevens), to 3 pointg (a try by Ncilson), Koktitahi scored an [the eitrly stage s of the game, the score at half-time being 3 points each. During tbe play Neilson (Kokatahi) was ordered off tbe field. The game was a very’ even one and a draw would have about represented the merits of the play. Mr Cutbush was referee. In the junior match Kiwis beat Kokatithi by 12 points to nil. A special feature was the potting of two goals by S, Breeze the Kiwi half, Mr Meharry was referee, Hari Ifari jburneyed to Kumara (after notifying they were unable to travel on Thursday), and played a draw. The Hari Hari juniors forfeited to Arahura.

WEST COAST V, DULLER. This gaille was played at Greymouth on Saturday and resulted in a win for Coast by 14 points to 12, after a fast exposition. Tlie Coast had the better of the first half, running up 11 points to 3, the backs showing to advantage. The Bailor forwards showing 'great form throughout, gradually wore down the opposition and at the finish were having all the best of the game. Coast score consisted of three tries, ono converted, and a penalty goal. Buffer's score was a goal from a mark and three tries.

[nr TEr.EOBArn —rER press association]

SEDDON SHIELD,

NELSON BEATS MARLBOROUGH

BLENHEIM, July 20.

A match for the Sedilon Shield was played to-day between Nelson and Marlborough in cold, but fine weather, before a very large crowd, The visiting forwards proved too good for the local men, and kept the Marlborough back* on the defensive throughout. In the first spell, Marlborough set up a passing rush in Nelson’s territory, which was blocked by the visiting forwards, who, passing to one another, then set up the field at a great rate, I’eart getting over near tlie posts. Byrne converted the try. In the same spell, after it scrum, R. O’Brien sent tlie ball across to Barr, who dived across, registering Marlborough's only score. In the second spell Byrne landed a penalty goal. Reed scored a try, Byrne converting it. Byrne then scored an unconverted try. The match thus ended in a win for Nelson by 10 points to three. The Shield is now going to Nelson for the first time in the history of tlie competition.

ALL BLACKS WIN

STEEL AND WOO AN PROMINENT

SYDNEY, July 29. Teii thousand people witnessed the Now Zealand versus New South Wales test match, played in fine but cloudy weather. Fitzgerald replaced Svcnsun in the New Zealand team, who was taken to hospital, probably suffering from measles. Blackwood played in lieu of Fowler for New South Wales, who was injured during the week.

The lirst half resulted in 1C to 12 in favour of the Blues, this score fairly reflecting the respective displays. The ground was somewhat heavy, but not sufficiently as to make the ball greasy. The Blue backs participated in a number of lire bursts, but frequently there were swamped by the Black forwards, with ball at their too. l-'or the Blues, Sheehan and W ogan scored a try each. Stanley kicked two penalties and one field goal. For New Zealand, 11. Nicholls, Beilis, Dickinson, and Richardson scored a try each. The Blacks treated the spectators to some sparkling three-quarter play after the interval. Ford, racing down tlio wing dangerously to tho full back, passed in to Richardson, who scored. Nicholls converted. The Blues then Hung themselves at tho visitor s in tho hope of gaining the lead. Walker started the back line going in bis own territory. The ball was handled by the whole of the backs terminating in Raymond crossing. Stanley failed with the kick. The All Blacks now resumed their attack, however, their forwards and backs delving in vigorously, and carrying play to the New South A\ ales quarter. Smith here got offside, and gave Nicholls an opportunity for a penalty goal, which ho accepted. N.Z. 20, N.S.AV. 19. Fast following on by Whyte wa s rewarded by a bounce beating Nolhling over the blue line, and Whyte scored. Nicholls failed to convert. Tho play continued fast, and open, with a tackling on both sides of a most determined character. The game several times was held up in consequence of injuries To Beilis and Baddelev. The latter who had replaced Dickinson, temporarily loft the field. . The play for a period scintillated with bright passing movements. New South Wales twice wero but narrowly deprived of a score by the deadly tackling of the Black three-quarters. Sxeel then ImHocked his way through tho ruck, and punted down the wing. Then, beating Nothling for tho ball, ho kicked it over tho line and scored. Nichols failed with tho kick. From now on the play was entirely devoid of any beg pardons. Walker, Sheehan, and Wogan repeatedly assailed the New Zealand half of the field with perfect, machine-like, combined movements, hut Steel, Fitzgerald, Nicholls and 'Ford repulsed each attempt in a magnificent manner. The plav was very fast and exciting, with .Beilis twice ' breaking through, and lending Ids colleagues down the field. Tho, whole fifteen of the All Blacks shared the honours of victory, though Steel at times was entitled to special mention. Tho final score was New Zealand 2b, Now South AVales 19. > .Though winning with A comfortable margin, the succeeding tests belong to cither side.,

METROPOLITAN TEAM. SYDNEY, July 31. Tlie Metropolitan team to meat the New Zealanders Oil Wednesday is: —G. Walker, J. Black, J. Dawson, E. Newman, W. Jacobs, W. Prentice, L. Minr.ay E. Grey, C. Lindsay, H. Brown, G. McKay, W. Merriott, G: Thorn, R. Elliott, A. Artilstfdiig.