FOOTBALL.

Hokitika Guardian, 2 August 1926, Page 4

FOOTBALL.

KANIERI G V. EXCELSIORS 3. There was a good attendance of spectators on Cass Square on Saturday afternoon to witness the junior match between the above teams. The game was very fast and at times exciting. The passing of the winners in the first half was very fine and only the good collaring of the losers’ backs prevented a larger score. Bannister, who was injured during thc first spell retired and his absence was severely felt by the Ivanieri forwards, especially iu the second spell. During the game there were numerous offside exhibitions of play by the Knnieri backs and from one of these a score was obtained which decided the result of the game.

In the first spell Excelsiors started off and rushed play to Kanieri’s 25 and in a. passing rush Pfahlcrt intercepted put in a fine run until collared by Nightingale in front of the goal. A penalty to Excelsiors relieved the pressure but Ivanieri returned again and Thomas had a slioL at goal from a penalty, but he failed with the attempt. From a scrum near the line flownt broke through and scored. for Knnieri, but it was not converted—3 to nil. Excelsiors got tlie ball from the serum and it wont from Rutland to TToy to King and Then Staines put in a splendid run to near thc line when collared by Thomas. Dale then received the ball and fell n yard short and a splendid effort was lost, tip and down play was continued till half time without any alteration to the score. Play was resumed by fast work by both sides and Ivanieri, when in Excelsior’s 25 got the hall from tho scrum and it went to Taiiiui who was yards offside and was allowed to go on and passed to Pfahlcrt wlio dashed over at the corner. Thomas made a good attempt to add the points.—• Knnieri 6, Excelsiors 0. The Reds were getting the hall from the serum in this half and put in a lot of pass ing hut tlie defence was solid. From a scrum over Kanieri’s line, Rutland got the hall and worked the blind side and passed to Dale who dashed over to score at the corner. King failed with the kick—o to 3. Ivanieri put in another nice passing rush, but the collaring was good and only a force down was the result. A Red forward rush saw Thomas miss the hall and fell near the goal and a score seemed to have been obtained but the referee ordered a scrum five yards out. The Reds made determined efforts to score hut fine kicks relieved the pressure and Ivanieri shifted play to half way. Play continued hard and fast until the final whistle sounded. Mr E. Hecnan was referee. By this win the Knnieri Club are assured of the junior cup and are to he congratulated as they have played consistently and well all through the season. KIWIS V. EXCELSIORS. This third grade game was played at 1.39 p.m. and there seemed to lie little interest in the game as neither side had the full number of players. The Kiwis played with 13 and the Excelsiors could muster only JO. The game was won by lviwi.s by 15 to 5 and the winners recorded their first win for a couple of seasons-. For the winners Nestor scored three tries from good long runs- and Reid and White also scored; all the attempts at goal failed. For the losers Simpson scored after a nice dash and Hughes converted. Mr Sumner was referee. MAORIS WIN. TEN TRIES TO NIL. 'Australia & N.Z. Cable Association.] ■MELBOURNE, Aug. 1. Yesterday the Afaori tonring team played 'Victoria here. The weather was showery. The attendance was five thousand. The game resulted in a win for the Maori team by 30 points to nil.

The Maoris’ team was as follows; Potaka, Phillips, Barclay, Fa 1 vras.se r. Love, Beera, Shortland, Bell, Olsen. Stewart, Matene, Rika, Wilson. Gemmel and Haupapa. Victoria, won the toss. The Maoris at. once -attacked, hut they were penalised for a forward pass. Phillips then scored a try, but Matene failed to convert. .Victoria then went forward. blit the hall went into touch. The Maoris advanced from a. breakaway, Phillips again scoring a try, in which Matene was unsuccessful! in endeavouring, to convert. Maoris C;. Victoria nil.

A penalty against Victoria followed off side piny at the end of an attack* ing movement, which took place after repeated attacks by the Maoris. Tlie home side .seldom took play into the opposing team’s territory. Matene and Wilson were instrumental in initiating several forward movements. A Victorian pass was intercepted by Fnlwasser, Who sent Phillips away to register another try, without any further -addition. Falwasser again was prominent in a great run, leading to an unconverted try. After a spell of midfield play Barclay scored another 3 points. The Maori defence was seldom troubled in tho first half, and at half time the Maoris led Victoria by 18 to" nil.

On the resumption, the Victorians assumed the offensive, Potaka was forced to retire injured, Bell assisting in the defence. Victoria continued attacking, but were unable to pierce the Maori defence. A sharp attack by the visitors gave Phillips a chance to score his fourth try. Stewart was prominent in some mid-field play, when Victoria made a great effort to open its account, through the agency of Wackett and Smith. Falwasser then gained possession, passing to Matone, aiiul the latter obtaining a try. The Maoris showed fine systematical passing. The visitors attacked strongly, but several attempts to increase their score were nullified by the Victorians’ solid defence. Rae, the home side’s full luck retired injured, so that each side was one man short. Lane made excellent progress for Victoria, but be ran the ball into touch. Lockwood, who later replaced Potaka, score a try. Love s resultant kick grazing the post. The visitors advanced ‘again hut Evan saved the situation with a timely kick. The final scores were:—Maoris 3d points, (ten tries) ; Victoria nil. The best players for the Maoris were Potaka'.' Phillips, Shetland, Falwaser, Wilson. Stewart and Love. For Victoria the best were Abbot, McCausland. Smith. Lane and Ewan.