FOOTBALL.

Hokitika Guardian, 3 October 1924, Page 4

FOOTBALL.

KUGMY LEAGUE. KXHIHITION GAME ON SATURDAY In response to many requests from residents of Hokitika the West Coast Rugby League Centre have acceded to their wishes for an exhibition game to he played in the Southern town. The match set down and arranged for next Saturday is between Hlackhall Juniors, winners of the Junior Competition, ami Marists who won the knock-out Cup. The former have an exceptionally fine record having only snll'ered defeat on one occasion during the past two seasons and that was at Greymouth when thev met Mnrists in the knock-out final which proved one of the most exciting games of the season, lilnckhall have great combination among their players, and it is doubtful whether better has been shown oil the West Coast. Much of their success is brought about by consistent team practice, which is indulged in on every possible occasion. Their coach, Mr Kirk, lakes a great pride in his team, and he has put them in very hard training in expectations of regaining their lost laurels to the Marist l-ani. During their recent tour ol Canterbury. Hlackhall met and easily defeated \\ aiii)lli club, winners of the Christchurch Junior ('-.imiiotiliun hv lti to 8. ’I hoy also met and defeated Marist Juniors, winimrs of the Knock-out Cup and winners of the Canterbury Union Competition the previous season. The home team was strengthened hv the inclusion of Fitzgerald and Gilroy, two N.Z. reps and Mtuidv. a Canterbury rep. The scare lor this game W'as Hhikball 20. Marists I-L Among their most conspicuous players will he noticed Heine. McCabe and Whil (hacks), and Clark and ('roll (forwards). Spectators will no doubt he surprised In notice that all the Hlackhall team’s work is done hv a code that at times is very interesting.

The Marists are new to the league name, having only bo°n nflilbited this season. Prior to secedim' I rum the Rugby Union they were Junior Chainpious for many seasons. On entering the faster game they soon recognised to play it ellieientlv. they were required to do niaiiv weeks of solid training. Their many defeats in the first- lompotiti oi i did not cause them li_ lose heart. Quite the reverse. Their two sui cesses in the (-losing stages acted as a. stimulant Inwards. proving the victors in the Knock-out Cun. ami with this end in view tlu-y put in three weeks of hard training nrinr to meeting Hlackhall team. Ihe benefits thev derived from this enabled them to prove the victors. After having only mitered the > ide this season thev most he congratulated upon their success. Among their leant are same wellknown athletes and once they get goad combination thev will prove champions. It was Sliced that wm I tie game against Ithn-kball and the Hokitika md lie will readily recognise this valuable asset wlicn’thev are seen in action- The team is also cimnrisetl of verv young lilavers. the most not ice.able being l.lnimi. Ilaistie. Keioiedv and lake (hacks) and King and Morrissey (forwards). Tlin.se who witness this game no <!"ii'it will lie astounded at the cleverness of |in 111 teams and will he amply rewarded In- th-ir shilling. It is verv gratifying to nut ice also that the nrneceds f rom the game will he devoted 1" the Westland Hospital. Therefore the game is worldly of the most liberal patronage.