FOOTBALL.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIV, Issue 4558, 2 May 1923, Page 2

FOOTBALL.

PAEROA SEASON OPENS. WEST V. KOMATA. The Paeroa Rugby Union's competitions opened last Saturday before a large crowd of spectators. It is somewhat difficult, to give a thorough criticism on the first match of the season, but if tiie opening games can be any criterion, football in Paeroa this season should show a marked improvement. Neither team showed any inclination to develop much combination, although t,he first try scored by West was a brilliant piece of work. From the scrum in front of Kpmata’s goal the ball came away clean to Smith, who cut in and passed to Clarke on the wing. The Komata full-back hesitated too long in his tackle, and Clarke by sheer weight flung himself over the line. This try went to show that short quick passes are a team’s best attack, and if the forwards as well as the backs would adopt this method of at,tack better football would result. On the day the West team was certainly the better team. They got the lion share of the ball from t,he scrum, but wild, wide passes and off-side play nullified the results. Both teams should also remember that line kicking is merelv a means of defence, and many a good attacking position was spoilt by useless line-kicking. Off-side play in the line 'out was also very marked, and for this there is no excuse. It, is merely an old trick which has had its day, and should be dropped. After a few matches both teams should give some good exhibitions, but until the backs learn to run straight and. watch their passing they can never hope to get any good results. The following are the results of Saturday’s games :— Seniors. —West, 11, v. Komata 3. Netherton v. Suburbs not played. Juniors.—Netherton 15, v. Karangahake 0. Suburbs 16, v. Komata 0. East 11, v. West, 3. PLAINS REFEREES’ ASSOCIATION. The weekly meeting of the Hauraki Plains Referees’ Association was held on Tuesday evening. Present,; Messrs G. T. Davidson (chairman), D. A. Vincent, F. Stretton, J. Reid, R. Phelan, E. McConnell, and J. Banks (secretary). An apology was received from Mr R. Jamieson for unavoidable absence. The following refenees were appointed for next Saturday’s matches: Ngatea v. Kerepeehi, F. Stretton (seniors), C. Bedford (juniors). Patetonga v- Waitakaruru, J. Reid (sen iprs), J. Banks (juniors). The effer of Mr G. Davis, of Thames, to referee matches was accepted. The amended rules of Rugby were discussed and many fine points brought to light.