FOOTBALL.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 June 1924, Page 4

FOOTBALL.

(SENIORS. Kokatahi 7, Kiwis (3. JUNIORS. Kiwis 11’, Kokatahi 0. A raliura 9, Himu 3. Excelsior 20. Jliirihari 8. Kuatapu forfeited to Ross. THIRD GRADE. Excelsiors 27, Kiwis 0. SENIORS. ’ KIWIS v. KOKATAHI. Tlie first game of the first round of the second competition was commenced by the Kiwi and Kokntahi teams on Cass Square on Saturday alternooii at 3 o’clock. The day was p.crfcct and No 1 playing field was in better order than it has been for some time. At the commencement, it was seen that Kokatahi wiis going to make it a forward game and this proceeded at a fast hat for some time. The Kiwi hacks did not get many opportunities to get going, and nearly every time they did had handling spoiled, the Kokatalii forwards’ deadly tackling being also a contributing factor, the blacks nearly always getting their man by going low. The Kokatahi backs did not attempt to handle the hall much, hut relied mostly on keeping it in the tight. About half-way through the spell when tile Kiwis "ere In the Blacks' 23 the ball was sent out by Oliver to the Blue hacks, they handling nicely, and finally going to Steel lie made a run for it and was floured near the line, but recovered in time to fling himself over. ’1 In* kick failed. l’la\ remained in neutral territory for a while but tlie Kiwis were eventually forced into their 23, and when near the danger zone Bail'd secured from the ruck and registered a try lor Kokatahi. Ton minutes after, irom a scrum. Wallace let the ball out, but the backs handled very erratically, until il was secured by O’Uonnor who made a. short run and then dropped a nice goal Irom a good position, for the remainder of the spell both packs worked hard and fast, gaining one minute and losing all advantage the next. Kokalallj i. Kiwis 3. The second spell ouiiimeneed at a fast hat. and :t good forward tussle ensued up and down the field. The Kiwi hacks were now getting more of the ball, Oliver hardly ever failing <o let it nut when it came his way. but faulty handling and nas-iug lost the Kiwis opportunities time alter time, the -Kokatahi tackling appearing to have the effect of rattling .-nine of the blue backs. Kokatahi backs did not attempt to handle much, hut what little they did do was very poor, ,1-if-tce:i minutes before time the Kiwis were pressing hard in Kokatahi's 2>, but i mild not get through until A. Stevens, who was playing a consistently good game, secured and dodged Ins way through and scored a well deserved try. Shot at goal missed. For the lenniimk-r o! the spell holier- were c-.eo. Kokatahi kicking mil from will:, in the Kiwis 23. tile points being Kokutalii 7. Kiwi- (j. Mr S. Moure was the iclcree.

i r viOPg. The junior match llaiilmri v. Excelsior took place til 1.39 o'clock and resulted in .'in easy victory for Excelsiors the .-cures being Excelsiors 2(1. Ilarihari 8. Mr Shaw "a> referee. AUSTRALIAN <ARSITY TEAM. AUCKLAND. June 11. The concluding match of the Austialiau Universities League touring team, against Auckland, "its played at Carlaw Park to-day in line weather. The ground was heavy. The game resulted in a draw. 11 points all. RUGBY LEAGUE. GRIS BAX E, June 13. There was fine weather for the Rugby League game, in which Queensland defeated England by 23 points to JO, after a wretchc-.l exhibition of football. The game was marked by many mistakes on belli hides, and altogether it lacked hiilliancc. At hall time, the scores were: - Queensland 8, England 3. In the second half Queensland played a greatly improved game, and finished with the match well in hand. CANADA WINS TEST .MATCH. SYDNEY. June 13. Jii the second Soccer test match here Canada defeated Australia by I goal io 0, after a hard and fast hut unattractive game. The visitors changed iueir tatties, relying on robust, rather than scientific play. There were many breaches of the rules on both sides, hut tlie Canadians were the principal offenders. Tlie Australians gave a masterful display of the open game, but they were defeated at the critical test by the visitor’s strength in defence. PALMERSTON X.. June 13. Poverty T’ay defeated Manawatu by 20 to 9 ’