FOOTBALL.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 June 1931, Page 2

FOOTBALL.

EXCELSIORS. V. RIVALS. This senior game took place on Cass Square on Saturday afternoon under perfect playing conditions. The game ended in a win for Excelsiors by 3 points (a. penalty goal by Davidson) to nil. The game was one of lost opportunities. Had Rivals taken full charge of their chances they would have heaped up quite a substantial score. As it was the chances came and when the opposition was beaten, the wing threequarter failed badly, when lie had only to take the ball to score. This happened first on one wing and then very soon after on the other wing, and two great chances were lost. The absence of a goal kicker was also in evidence, quite a number of penalties on one occasion hitting the goal post, to go outside.

The game opened with Excelsiors attacking for several minutes. Then Rival forwards found their feet nnd in scrums and loose plmy bad their opponents beaten for most of the spell. The ball was coming out freely, but the passing did not carry far. Over eagerness by the forwards caused a number of penalties against Rivals and they had reached double figures before Rivals got the whistle in theii favour, then came a finely executed passing run in which Webster, P.ahlert, Houston and Stopforth took part, the latter handing out a. good pass to Larcombe when a score seemed assured but the latter knocked on badly and tli® chance had gone, Almost immediately the play went in front of the Excelsiors posts and from a serum the ba)U flame out and through the hands of several of the hacks the defence being beaten but Woolliouso failed to take an easy chance and a scrum ensued. Then from a penalty within range, Pfahlert had a shot at goal but the ball hit the upright and went on the wrong side. Then Excelsiors took a turn and their first passing run of the clay took place but it did not go far, Rival forwards being particularly smart in following up and tackling soundly. Halt time came without any score.

The second spell opened with the Excelsiors attacking, and a passing run started by Hughes saw King nearly over, but the ball went out near the corner. Across the field the ball came and well inside the Rivals 2d, a back handled the’ ball on the ground after being tackled and the penalty awarded gave Davidson the opportunity to kick a goal, which proved to he the only score of the afternoon Rivals then rushed the play to the other end where Webster had a fairly easy shot but missed badly. . Back came a red rush, and then followed a loose scramble in which fault after fault was made, bojh sides mi siting great opportunities and the ball remaining about midfield. Then ’ft passing run ’in wfiT'cb IT fig lies, Davidson, and King were prominent, saw the latter first thrown out, but Carter who throughout handled and kicked very soundly relieved the pressure with a fine kick fo the centre. A red rush saw Schroder taken In possession and he failed to let the ball go And Webster had another shot, but his attempt was a poor one. Time was now getting on and the closing episode was an Excelsior rush that took the bail over the line, Rivals just forcing in time as the bell went for full time. As stated earlier, on the play the Excelsiors were extremely lucky to win. while the Rivals have only themselves to blame as they were unable to take advantage of the excellent chances they had of scoring on several occasions. Mr D. Breeze was referee. COBDEN V. UNITED. Cobden defeated United by 11 points (tries by Birchfied (2), and Taafe, one being converted by Sexton) to 3 points (a try by Baldwin), The game was even till the last quarter when Cobden ran up 8 points.

STARS V. BLAKETOWN. . Stars turned the tables on Blaketown defeating them by 6 points (two penalty goals) to 5 points (a goal from a try). The game was an even one and well fought out, Lemin scorea for Blaketown, Pascoe converting, i while Deere kicked the two penalties for Stars. AT OTHER. PLACES. CHRISTCHURCH, June 20. The Rugby football matches here wero played to-day in cold weather on dry grounds.- The leaders in the championship ladder, Meriva-le, were beaten by Albion by 7 points to 8. Christchurch 14, beat Old Boys 0; Varsity 8, beat Sydenham 3; Linwood 28, beat Athletic 12. DUNEDIN, June 20. Rugby results to-day were : —University A. 6, beat Zingari 3; Kaikorai 18, beat Taieri 3; Southern 18, beat Union 0; Alhambra 6, beat Pirates 3. AUCKLAND, June 20. Rugby results to day were: —Petone 22, beat Hutt 11; Athletic 17, Dear University 11; Poneke 21, beat Oriental 8; Old Boys 26, beat Behampore 6; Wellington SG, beat Miramar 8; Eastbourne 16, beat Mar’st G. HASTINGS, June 20. Rugby (second round) results Hastings 12. beat Hastings Old Boys 9; Pirates 7, beat Celtic 0. NAPIER, June 20. Rugbv results were:—Marist Brothers’ Old Boys 12, b at Tamntea 3; Technical College Old Boys 9, beat High School Old Bov= 6. WANGANUI, June 20. Rugby results were:—Kniernu 18, beat Old Boyis 0; Pirates 22. beat Marist 0; Technical Old Boys 9, Rutana 6. PALMERSTON N., June 20. Rugby Trial: —Feikling and Te Kawau and Orua Combined 35; Palmerston North 21,