FOOTBALL.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVII, Issue 5032, 27 September 1926, Page 2

FOOTBALL.

HAWES BAY V. THAMES VALLEY

A WIN FOR THE VISITORS.

Perfect weather prevailed on Saturday afternoon, when the Hawke’s Bay Rugby touring team defeated the Thames Valley team by 13 points to 6.

Considerable interest was taken in the match, which was played at the Paeroa Domain, and there was a large attendance of people from all parts of the district. The teams were fairly evenly matched, and undoubtedly bite better team won on the day. The. combination of the’ visitors was. too much for the Valley team. Considering the small change in the personnel of the home team from that which was recently on tour, the.exhibition given was not up to expectations. Several Valley players were far too ready to hold on to the ball, and the loca.l forwards especially, were wanting in their methods of tackling. On the whole the game was interesting, and was one of the best seen at Paeroa for some time. The teams were as follows :— Hawkes, Bay.—Neal, Tait, Beuth, Lawton, Te Ngaio, Oliver, Edwards, Batchelor (captain), Wynn, Bridgeman, Hassett, Munro, Cohrad, Tankard, King. Thames Valley—S. Goldsbury, G. Towers; H. Stoupe, McPherson, Arkle (captain), Gilpin. Bidois, Fox, F. Patterson, W. Young, McLaren, W. Taylor, Hutchinson, Robinson, Cleave. THE GAME. Hawke’s Bay kicked off to Taylor, who initiated a forward rush which was. pulled up near half-Way. The visitors, received from a scrum and carried up to the twenty-five and there gained a free kick. Edwards,’ kick fell short, into! Cleave’s hands, who cleared to midfield. A forward rush by Thames Valley was stemmed by Neal, who relieved to half-way. From a scrum in mid Held Conrad took the ball at toe and carried up to within a few yards of the Va,lley line, badly beating Goldsbury. Tight play ensued, and faulty handling by Te Ngaio allowed Stoupe to break away only to be pulletTup for a knock-on. A nice passing bout was indulged in by the visiting backs; but strenuous opposition was met with and Gilpin broke up the movement. A few seconds later Tait made a good run up the line but was solidly tack J ed by McPherson, who was knocked-out temporarily. A penalty to Thames Valley under the posts relieved pressure. In loose play Hawke’s, Bay worked' back, to Valley’s twentyfive, but 1 a passing bout by Bidois, Stoupe and McPherson returned play to the other twenty-five. In further loose play the home team gained ground, and with a good opportunity to sco're infringed near the line. Tight play ensu'e.d for some time round about the visitors’ twenty five line, until the defending backs gained possession and quickly transferred play into the Valley’s territory. A scrum on the line followed, the home team forcing. From the kick-out Thames, Valley reached the visitors’ twenty-five flag. Offside play gave Taylor a penalty kick at goal from nearly half-wSy, and he compiled the first score for the home team. Thames Valley 3, Hawke’s Bay 0.

Play hung rotund Thames Vallejy’s twenty-five line until Conrad was penalised for offside play,' and Taylor with a long kick sent out ai,t the other twenty-five. After hard play in midfield the Hawke’s. Bay backs by a passing bout e.ntered Thames Valley’s territory, a tight position being relieved by Gilpin. A penalty kick by Taylor put the visitors on the defensive. Munro, supported by King, broke away to half-way, but the game swung back again into the visitors’ territory. A short punt by Arkle opened up a movement by the Thames Valley backs; and in some hard play near the line Neal was injured, bejng replaced by Glenn. The visitors kicked through to Goldsbury, and he came up and opened a passing bout with Sto'upe and McPherson, the final handler of the; ball going out near the twenty-five flag. From the line-out the; Hawke’s Bay forwards rushed to the other end of the field, and after a number of scrums on the liine Thames Valley forced. Fast and open-play followed in neutral territory until hat-time. THE SECOND HALF.

The second half opened .with a snappy passing rush by Hawke’s Bay, but sound tackling negatived any advantage. The backs in both teams! indulged in several, pas.sing bouts, but the tackling all-round was excellent. McPherson broke away in tight play and passed td Patterson, who made a dash down the field, but was. unsupported. The home forwards again broke away with Robinson in charge of the ball, but owing to his holding on too long a try was lost and Glenn kicked out in touch. Another awkward position was again saved by Glenn marking. From his kick the ‘Hawke’s Bay forwards rushed to the other end of the field, where they were awa.rded a penalty, but Edwards’ kick went to Gilpin, who found the, line. From the throw-in the visiting backs got moving. However, Arkle intercepted a pass from Te Ngaio and made a solo run down the field, being stopped by Glenn. Play swung back into Valley’s twenty-five, and after some close work the ball shot out to Lawton, who made a dash for the line, registering a good try. Edwards failed with the kick. Thames Vallqy 3, Hawke’s Bay 3.

The visitors immediately resumed the attack, but poor passing spoiled the opportunity and the Thames Valley forwards cleared to neutral territory. Sbme sparkling play then followed, a free-kick to the visitors lulling the excitement. At this stage Oliver retired and was replaced by Anstis. in tight play Lawton broke through, but Valley gained a penalty in the ensuing scrummage. Glen received the ball at half-way and with a nicely placqd kick had the home team in difficulties, Stoupe finally kicking behind. From the scrum the Hawke’s Bay forwai ds received the ball, Lawton being collared by Stoupe at the corner. At this stage Taylor retired and was replaced by W. Crimmins. Gilpin broke through from tight play

near the line, and with Robinson carried to half-way. Gilpin immediately received from the melee. and attempted to set his backs going, but Beuth intercepted a,nd with a clear run scored between the posts. Edwards converted. Hawke’s Bay 8. Thames Valley 3. After open play in midfield a long kick by Hawke’s Bay had Thames Vai-, ley in difficulties, but McPherson and Stoupe cleared against odds. Stoupe broke away and sent to Glenn, whoi returned to Towers. Glen followed up s.maytly and collared Towers in possession, the ball going out at the twenty-five line. In a loose rush initiated by Patterson play was carried up the field by Young, Arkle, and Cleave, the latter terminating an exciting bout with a good try. Stoupe failed with the kick. Hawke’s Bay 8, Thames Valley 6. An inter-change of kicks between Goldsbury and Gle,nn terminated in tight play close to the Hawke’s Bay line, and after a hard tussle .the visiting forwards broke away and carried do.wn to the other end, Tankard being prominent. A scrum on the line ensued and Edwards received and worked through the pa,ck for a good try, which he converted. Hawke’s Bay 13, Thames Valley 6. The match terminated shortly afterwards with play in midfield. Mr A. W. Dunstan, Waihi, controlled

the game. Of the Hawke’s Bay players Lawton was the bes.t of the ba.cks. Edwards and Oilver also played well, and were very sure. Of the forward division Conrad was prominent, while King and Munro did a lot of hard work. In the Thames Valley team Gilpin was very sound, while Stoupe and Arkle initiated many attacks. Among tlie forwards Robinson played a sterling game throughout, as also did Patterson, while McLaren carried out his share with credit. THE CURTAIN-RAISER. As a curtain-raiser to the big match the Thames High. School B team playa Paeroa third-grade team, defeating the local lads by'l7 points, to 6. Milne and Dovell each' scored a try for Thames and Connors kicked three penalty goals and converted one of the tries. P. Poland and Tressider registered a try each for the home team. Mr R. B. Penlington was referee. THE TEAMS ENTERffIAiINED OFFICIAL DINNER TENDERED. On Saturday night the 'members of the, Hawke’s Bay Rugby touring team and the Thames Valley team were tendered an official dinner by the Thames Valley Rugby Union at the Paeroa Hotej. In the unavoidable absence through iUness pf the president of the union (Mr J. W. Silcock), Mr W. Pennell (chairman of the Paeroa Union) presided. An apology for absence was received from Dr. W. R. Lawrence (chairman of the Piako Union) and several other S|Ub-union officials. After full justice had been done to the delicious dinner a short to*ast-list was enthusiastically honoured. In proposing the toast of the Hawke’s Bay te.am Mr Pennell took the opportunity of formally welcoming the team to Paeroa. When congratulating the visitors on their victory he expressed the. opinion that the, better team had won, and he hoped success would follbw them through the remainder of the tour. The local unions had been handicapped by lack of funds; but an endeavour would be made to send a touring team further abroad next season.. In conclusiion the speaker said that he trusted the visitors’ tour would be a memorable one, and that the members w'ould take away with them happy and pleasant recollections of their visit to Paeroa. Mr R. N. Hewitt, otne of the managers of the Hawke’s Bay tea.m, acknowledged the hearty welcome and congratulations. He said that naturally he was pleased the, team had won. The game bad been an even break, and he would have been quite satisfied if the result had been a draw. Mr Hewitt said that he could not find words to' express adequately his thanks for the splendid treatment and generous hospitality accorded the te.am. The trip through the goldfields., had been full of interest and was greatly enjoyed. Although victorious his team was humble, and the few days spent in Paeroa, populated with such thorough sports and gentlemen, would long be remembered with pleasure and gratitude. In proposing the Thames Valley Union Mr H. E. Seed, second manager of the visiting team, said he co'uld not speak too highly o f the arrangements made for the comfort and pleasure of the team. Such arrangements showed capable control and co-opera-tion, and football should prosper in a district where such enthusiastic members were prepared to give their time and services dn the interests; of the godd old game. He also desired to thank publicly all who had loaned cars for the trip to the goldfields; Special tribute and thanks were also due to Mr J. M. Crosby, secretary of the union, who had worked day a.nd night to ensure the comfort and convenience of the team. Mr Crosby had waited on the visitors almost hand and foot, and nothing had been a trouble for him to arrrange or carry out.

The toast was responded to by Messrs J. J. Callaghan (Waihi Union), T. P. Vugla,r (Paeroa. Union), W. Thompson (Hauraki Rains Union), and L. Allen (Piako Union). ■ The toast of the Secretary (Mr J. M. Crosby) was ably proposed by Mr Callaghan, who said that the Thames Valley Union realised how fortunate it was to -have a ma ; n of Mr Crosby’s capabilities, tact, and judgment, and had reason to be grateful to him for the, splendid services he had performed. Tn acknowledging the eulogistic references to himself Mr Crosby ~said that it had been a pleasure to do his bit to help Rugby matters along in the district. The Hawke.’s. Bay visitors, ha',d conducted themselves- as gentlemen, and he could not speak too

highly of the assistance and co-opera-tion he had received from Messrs Hewitt and Seed. The game that afternoon had been a clean one, and he was satisfied the best team had won.

The toast to the referee wds entrusted to Mr N. B. Batchelor, captain of the visjting team. He said that Mr Dunstan had proved himself a capable referee, and had given every satisfaction that afternoon. The team had thoroughly enjoyed the game, and considered itself lucky to ha,ve defeated Thames Valley. In conclusion Mr Batchelor said that his team had enjoye,d every moment of the visit to Paeroa, and had been overwhelmed with hospitality and kindness. Mr A. W. Dunstan thanked the team for the compliment paid him, and also for the respect shown his rulings during the ga.me." The visitors had proved themselves thorough sports, and if the same gentlemanly behaviour permeated all matches the standard of football in the Dominion would be set very high. The speaker said that he always aimed at giving a fajr spin and a just decision.

The toast of Mr and Mrs E. W. G. Smith and staff of the Paeroa Hotej was ably proposed by Mr Vuglar. He said they had proved themselves good sports, hospitable, and equal to any demand made upon Mr J. Arkle, captain of the Thames Valley team, congratulated the visitors on their win. He said that the game had been played in the spirit Rugby should be played. In his opinion the Valley tea,m had been disorganised by the combination of the Hawke’s Bay forwards, whose short hand-td-haiid passing tactics had been mainly responsible for the victory. He hoped it would be a lesson to the local team, and that the team would profit by the experience of the match. Continuing, the speaker said that the Hawke’s Bay captain and the fullback had been old club-mates of his„ and it was good, to see. that the Napier Old Boys wereyffiolding their end up in high-class, fobtball. During the exchange of further eulogistic references, Mr J. Munro rendered a couple of enjoyable songs. The proceedings cohcluded with the, singing of “Auld Lang Syne” and the National Anthem, followed by rounds of cheers and counter-cheers.