FOOTBALL.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIII, Issue 4405, 24 April 1922, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

TE AROHA ROVERS V. WEST. WIN FOR TE AROHA. The first game oB the season in Paeroa took place in the Domain oh Saturday, when a practice match between the Te Aroha Rovers and the local West teams was played, the Rovers winning by six poirits to nil, There was nothing startling in the play, as was only to be expected, this being the first tryout this year. However, both teams played a hard game for “green” men, and now that the ball has been set rolling they should settle down to practice in real earnest,’ for they badly need it.

The game was slow fr,om the commencement, the forwards taking change of the ball and playing close. Play worked into West’s territory? and .after several minutes’ play Te Aroha converted a penalty kick. For the remainder of the quarter the leather wandered up and down the field but neither side had the advantage, and the referee had a good practice at whistle-blowing. The second quarter started off better, Te Aroha gaining ground by line play. Poland relieved with a mark. Then followed an exchange of kicks, Which ended in favour of! Te Aroha, but the. visitors were -penalised and West found the line. From thb throw-in Te Aroha forwards sent over, but Poland forced. After some more line play the ball was worked infield and loose forward play terminated with Te Aroha again sendiag over West’s line, Shaw forcing." Te Aroha kept on the attack, and just on h,alf-time the ball was sent put In touch.

The second half opened with loose forward play, West gaining the advantage and sending over the line, but too much toe was used and Millar forced. Another period pfi forward play ended with a penalty being awarded to Te Aroha, but the shot at goal missed. Tight play then ensued in West’s twenty-five, Fox relieving a dangerous position by getting away with the ball at toe, and shifting operations to midfield. An exchange of kicks ended the third quarter.

-Play settled in West’s twenty-five in the last- round), with Te z Aroha feeding their backs. The iheme team’s line : was. again crossed, but a force resulted. Another term of loose play, and .the ball was kicked but to Campney, Te Aroha’s wing threefluarter at half-way. Getting possession, Campney made h dash down the Hne and scored a good try. The kick was not converted. Ardern, immediately after the kick-out, headed a loose forward rush to the vsiitors’ line, Cpburrf being unlucky in not scoring. Te Aroha forced. No further danger either side, and the game ended: Te Aroha 6, West 0. Mr R. B. Penlington was referee.