FOOTBALL.

King Country Chronicle, Volume I, Issue 32, 31 May 1907, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

Oparure v. Piopio.

Tne above match was played in Mr Hattaway's paddock on Saturday last during most inclement weather, the game being interspersed with bitterly cold wind and hail showers, which, however, did not prevent a fair attendance of spectators. Piopio having won the toss, elected to defend the northern goal, thus having a slight advantage of the wind. From the kick off Oparure opened a vigorous attack on the home goal, which was eventually stemmed by the stubborn defence of the local forwards, who worked the ball back to neutral territory. From a throw in Rehi started a strong rush, but Moir saved by a timely kick finding the line near half-way. Several scrums followed, the local forwards getting possession, but the Piopio half-back was smothered by the Oparure wings in his endeavours to feed his backs. Connell intercepted a wild pass from the opposing three-quarters and gallopped for the line, and cleverly evading the full-back, scored " first blood " near the corner flag. Coburn essayed a splendid kick, which fell a few feet short of the bar. Piopio 3, Oparure 0. From this on to the end of the spell, Piopio continued to press. Coburn gaining possession ran clean through, carrying several of the Maroon backs over the line with him. A scrum five yards out, set the visitors on the defence, the wet ball assisting them to remove play beyond the danger zone. A combined rush by Old, and Cleaver looked dangerous, but was stopped. Coburn, a moment later, was seen sailing for the line and Wilkinson following in hot pursuit threw himself on the former's heel's, thus preventing a sure score. Soon after the whistle sounded halftime with the scores, Piopio 3, Oparure 0.

In the second spell Wilkinson took the ball from a long kick, and being unable to break through the threequarter line, cleverly dodged to the centre, and potted an unmistakable goal. Oparure 4, Piopio 3. From the kick off the Maroon forwards, led by the wings, Hira and Cleaver, who were both playing their best, broke away in a desperate attack, resulting in W. Cleaver scoring, the skipper adding the major points. Harris returned Waho's kick, and Connell found the touch line. Cleaver broke away from the line but Moir saved. Old, who was playing like a Trogen, picked up the ball, and made for the line, and for a breach of the rules by the opposing backs, made a splendid attempt at goal. Play continued between the two 25's, and the local team breathed hard when Mason marked and Wilkinson went a little wide of the goal. Oparure continued, to press until the whistle sounded, and the game ended, Oparure 9 points, Piopio 3 points.

Notes on the Play. The game was very evenly contested and most interesting, from a spectators point of view. The ball was too greasy for clean passing, but, nevertheless, the players gave a good exhibition of football, both teams showing a marked improvement in combination, compared with previous efforts. In the forward division it would be unfair to particularize, as every man played a hard, solid game. Rehi stood out prominently for line work, while W. Cleaver and Hira were ever on the qui vive on the wings. Old, J. Cleaver and Harwood were ever in the thick

of it for Piopio. Amongst the backs Wilkinson was always in the right place at the right time, and Harris and Mason also did good work for the Maroons, as did Moir and Connel for the Blacks. The tackling on both sides was at times weak. The referee (MrN. B. Lusk) controlled the game in a most efficient manner.

Te Kuiti v. Oparure. The team chosen to play Te Kuiti on Saturday, June Ist, at Te Kuiti, is as follows: —

Backs: Tete, Harris, Wilkinson Clinch, Tauru, G. Cleaver Netana forwards: H. Cleaver, Turora, Rehe, Munro, Newell, O'Neill, Coe, Poutawera, Huiatahi. Emernencies — backs : Ketetahi, Whitekau ; forwards : Tukuhou, Kirikino.

The first round of the cup fixtures, under the auspices of the Maniapoto Rugby Union, was completed on Saturday last. The following is the position of the Clubs engaged : Played Won Lost Te Kuiti 220 Oparure 2 I I Piopio 2 0 2 A meeting of the Management Committee of the Union is called for Saturday evening next, at 8 p.m.