FOOTBALL.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 July 1926, Page 1

FOOTBALL.

HOKITIKA V. UNITED.

Hokitika senior team travelled ‘to Greymouth on Saturday and played a drawn game against United, 9 points each. The ground was heavy, but both sides handled well. In the first spell after 10 minutes play Pfahlert scored for Hokitika, and later Stopforth scored under the posts, hut both kicks failed. Half time came with the score 0 to 0. In tie second half Jamieson scored for United and a little later Tainui scored for Hokitika, making the score 9 to 3. Play continued up and down the field and from a penalty, Walton put the ball between the posts. Then Rodgers marked within range and converted, the score being 9 all. There was even play till time was called, a draw resulting. Mr Fass was referee.

Australia & N.Z. Cable Association.j

ALL BLACKS V. VICTORIA. MELBOURNE. July 25. The Rugby match, New Zealand ' . Victoria, was played at Carlton Oval on Saturday. Climatic conditions wore unfavourable. The ground was very heavy as a result of sharp showers overnight and in the morning. A fresh breeze blew diagonally across tho ground. Svcuson replaced Brown in the New Zealand team. The attendance was 12,000. Victoria won the toss and took advantage of the wind and sun. Porter kicked off, and after a. period of ragged play in the centre of the field Victoria became prominent in the initial attack, Elvey, Cooke and Blake relieving with lino kicks. A fine, passing movement followed, the ball going through several hands till Blake sent it to Elvey, who got over. Svcuson failed to improve tho score. Play had been in progress seven minutes when Victoria returned immediately to the attack. Svcuson taking a kick to clear, the ball was charged down, and Smith fell on it and scored For Victoria. Abbott’s attempt at goal was without result.

The New Zealanders knocked back on the line out and all the backs handled the ball in succession t ill Elvy crossed at the corner. The angle was too much for Svcuson to goal.

Various short exchanges between the forwards followed. Then a fine movement ended in Hnzlctt crossing, Svenson adding the goal. The home forwards set np a rush which enabled Smith to score again for Victoria aftotwenty minutes play. No goal resulted and tho score stood : New Zealand 11— Victoria 6.

Porter, as a result of a collision with a Victorian player, retired hurt, with a strained knee and Finlavsnn replaced him. A great clash by Elvy ended in his passing to Mill, who scored between fho posts, and Svcuson piloted the ball over flic bar.

McCavislaiid headed an ugly Victorian rush compelling the All Blacks U force down. The visitors then took another turn at attacking, a Cooke and Blake effort ending in the latter touching down for Svenson to convert. Elvy scored his third try as a result of brilliant interchange of passing Svenson again goaling. Almost immediately Elvy ran brilliantly through all opposition twice, Svenson goaling both times.

Close on half time Robilliard scored, but Svenson failed with the kick. Now Zealand 39—Victoria 6.

On the resumption of play. Blake passed to Robilliard enabling him to get over at 'the corner. Sven son’s kick was abortive. Svenson almost ran through the Victorians, who forced the home forwards and then made a fine rush, McNeillage and Lane coming into tho movements but tho latter failed to score, although given an easy chance Sheen intercepting. Victoria returned to the attack, but Sheen saved, with a lino kick. Cooke also effected a fine save. Alley got off-side and Peek kicked a penalty goal for Victoria. Stewart was the next All Black to get across hut Svenson failed with the kick.

After twenty minutes play Victoria livened up again and Lane scored, but

Peek’s kick was valueless. All Blacks 45—Victoria 12.

At this stage the Victorians showed to better advantage, persistently attacking in the All Blacks’ territory. A passing rush by Finlayson and Brownlie landed the hall in Cooke’s hands, and ho got over, Stewart convert i ng.

A great effort by Sheen ended in his dodging across, but his kick at goal failed. Cooke next got across, and added a goal himself. Just on time Peek scored another try for Victoria, which was not converted. Tho final scores were: New Zealand 58—Victoria 15.

Tho All Blacks gave a wonderful

yrotechnic display, spectacular Rughv

at its best. Gathering the hall in every conceivable place and position, they were smart in interchange, passing with a splendid certitude which bewildered the opposition, and roused the crowds to demonstrations of delight. Elvy’s meteoric runs were dazzling in their effect.

The Victorians lacked combination, though individually they were brilliant on occasions and they displayed pluck and determination throughout the game which was fast, despite the heavy going. The referee gave a liberal interpretation of the rules. A good standard of play was maintained throughout. Fivo of the Victorian team are Maorilanders, as is also the referee. Tho visitors’ combination methods, physique and game generally, created a favourable impression on the public. The vistnrs averaged a stone heavier per unit. All the visitors showed up equally well, but Elvy was outstanding for his running and Svenson was consistent fine in kicking. The best for Victoria were Lane, McNeillage, Rae, Peek.

Smith, MeCaulsland, Abbott and Manson. • The New Zealand Commissioner, interviewed, stated that the visit and match was a wonderful advertisement for tho Dominion. He hoped for a continuance of such visits. NELSON V. GOLDEN BAY. NELSON, July 24. In the Rugby match to-day, Nelson defeated Golden Bay-Motueka Union by 13 to 9, after a hard and fast game. BUSH V. WAIRARAPA. CARTERTON, July 24. Wairarapa and Bush Districts Union reps, met at Carterton to-day in boisterous weather. A heavy westerly gale was blowing, which prevented accurate kicking and handling, the game developing entirely into a forward one. a draw resulting, three points each.