FOOTBALL.

Hokitika Guardian, 5 June 1924, Page 4

FOOTBALL.

GAAIES FOR. SATURDAY,

- SENIORS. Kiwis v. Harihari, Hokitika, 3 p.m. —Air B. Dowell! Excelsiors v. Kokatahi, at Kokatahi, 3 p.iii.—ATr AY. A. AVilson. JUNIORS. Kiwi v. Ilimu. at Rimu. 3 p.m.—Air .1. Conning. Excelsiors v. Arahura. at Hokitika, 1.30 p.m.—Air Sumner. Kokatahi v. Ruatapu, at Ruatajui, at 3 p.m—Air L. Hughes. Ross v. Harihari at Ross 3 p.m.—Air A. Alason.

NEI’IA’S BRILLIANT WORK. AA'E'LLTN GTON. June 3. The conditions for the final All Black trial to-day wore altogether disappointing. not only to the public, hut also to the selectors, for it was almost impossible to judge hack play under r.ucli conditions as existed. The hall became s.o slippery that accurate passing was out of the question. Once again Nepia. the ATaori fullhack. was tho hero of the afternoon. To begin with, lie kicked a thrilling goal from the first try, the kick being against a strong cross wind, from a difficult angle at the 2-> yards flag. Soon afterwards lie stopped a danger-ous-looking rush, and improved the position liv limning and dodging through the opposing backs and most of the forwards. Often lie followed up bis own punting, and put all bis men on side: and once, w hen the ball went well over the enemy line be went for a try. but did not get there in time. On another occasion lie saved a try. taking a high-kicked ball, then dodged a tackier, side-stepped two or three olfiers. and carried the ball well up the field, alter which be was able to pass to olio of bis own men. r l bis brilliant bit of work drew enthusiastic cheers from all parts of the field. Nepia is already a great favourite with the crowd, and there is no doubt that lie will he a popular player in England. Faewai, the other Hawke's Bay Maori, who was given another chance in to-day’s match, was playing very well when, just before half-time, he had the misfortune to dislocate a shoulder. Tie was evidently in considerable pain, and a doctor and two liisl-nul nurses left the stand to attend to his injury.