FOOTBALL.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXV, Issue 4704, 28 May 1924, Page 2

FOOTBALL.

SATURDAY'S MATCHES. UNFAVOURABLE CONDITIONS. The weather on Saturday last was wretched, rain falling almost continuously during the afternoon. Despite the unpleasant conditions, however, a fair crowd of enthusiasts assembled at the Domain before the senior match, West versus Netherton, commenced. A fair exhibition was given, considering the sloppy nature of the ground and the slippery ball. The teams were evenly balanced as regards weight, and as has been the case in several matches this season one team’s forwards played well together, while the opposing team’s backs were the stronger. In this game the West forwards played well and gained the advantage in most of the scrums, while the Netherton backs were a solid lot. and throughout played with judgment and dash. Netherton kicked off, and from a scramble West carried into the opposing twenty-five. While attacking str mgly Wannicott was penalised for ho’ding the ball, and the kick brought relief to Netherton. Play was promptly returned to Netherton’s territory, and, following a scramble, Williscroft picked up and dived over the line, but in doing so struck the corner flag. Play was carried Into neutral ter' itory. Netherton instituted a forward rush, headed by J. Maloney, who looked like scoring, but a penalty for oifcide play relieved the situation. The kick was followed up smartly, and in the loose rush West sent over the line, Netherton forcing. Play was again confined to Netherton’s quarter, the West forwards working together we’l. A penalty kick by Piercie was unsuccessful. After a short period A play in neutral territory the ball went back into Netherton’s quarter, from where a passing rush was instituted by C. Poland to I. Poland, to L. Benney, the latter witli a nippy run beating his opponents and diving over the line. L. Shaw converted. West 5, Netherton 0.

In the second quarter the play was ragged and wild, both sides being frequently penalised for offside play. Netherton had the better of the game throughout this spell, and the work done by the backs was deserving of a be’ter fate. Following a scramble in West’s territory Pullar succeeded with a penalty kick at goal. West 5, Netherton 3.

Resuming after half-time few advantages were gained by either side, and the blinding rain and wind made things difficult. Although the ball travelled rapidly up and down th® field, there was nothing outstanding. West pressed hard at times, and Netherton had a busy time defenfling. In the last quarter Netherton followed the opening kick and sent over the line, but L. Shaw’ forced. For the greatei part of the spell play was restricted. to West’s twenty-five. Two ini’iutcs before the call of time West rallied and carried the ball to the other end of the field, but offside play brought relief to Netherton. No further scores were added, and the game ended . West 5, Netherton 3. Mr R. B. Penlington was referee. THE JUNIORS. EAST V. SUBURBS. This game was considerably late in starting owing to there being no referee available. ■ At about 3.30 Mr “Snowy” Martin volunteered to control the match, and the game commenced. Owing to the players constantly disputing his ruling, and the uncomplimentary remarks made by the spectators, Mr Martin left the field. Finally the services of Mr AKe’ghley were requisitioned and the game proceeded without further incident. In the first quarter an East player named McAncny sustained an injury to hts ankle and had to retire. The East team had no difficulty i.. disposing of the opposition. Two trie-; were scored by Moore, one of which he converted. For Suburbs Hay scored a try. the game ending, East 8, Suburbs 3. It is understood that Suburbs will protest on the grounds that a competent referee was not”available. THIRD-GRADE. EAST V. WEST. Both teams took the field several players short. The gaine was played on the No. 2 ground, which was very wet and before the game had been in progress any time portion of the field .were reduced to. a condition of the consistency of pea soup. The shortage of players was offset by keenness, and despite the adverse conditions the game at times was interesting. The East team was a little the heavier, but the nippy play of the West forwards more than compensated. The game resulted, West 8, East 6. Mr F W. Pitts was referee. INTER-UNION COMPETITION. PAERUA REPRESENTATIVE TEAM. The following players have been selected to play in the representative match against Waihi at the Paeroa Domain on Saturday next, May 31, by the selectors, Messrs T. Wilkinson and H Brash :— Fullback: 1. Poland (West). Three-quarters ■: H. Mills (Suburbs), W. Sm’th (East), J. Malonev (Netherton). Five-eighths : D. Smith (East), R. Samson (Suburbs). Halfback: L. Rice (NeLherton). Rover: S. Graham (East). Forwards : Front row, F. Patterson (Bast) and F. Fitch (East) ; lock, H. Shaw (West) ; second row. A. Morrison (Suburbs) and J. Benner (East) : hack row. G. Fisher (Netherton) and R Samson (Suburbs). Emergencies: Back, :'L Royal

(East), J. Williscroft (West), J. Rolleston (East) ; forwards, W. laylor (West). R. Morrison (Netherton), A. Hamilton (West).

THE THIRD-GRADE TEAM. The following have been selected to represent Paeroa against Thames in the third-grade match at the local Domain on Tuesday, June 3 : — Full-back, Couper ; three-quarters, Wells, Rackham, Moore; five-eighths, H. Moore, Hudson ; half-back, Swann ; rover, Martin ; forwards, Neil, Thorburn, Vincent, Hargreaves, H. Spinks, Nield, Robson. Emergencies: W. Spinks and P. Williams (forwards), and Keaney and Conolly (backs).