Notes on the Play.

King Country Chronicle, Volume I, Issue 34, 14 June 1907, Page 3

Notes on the Play.

During the first spell, favoured with the down grade an the sun at their backs, the Piopio team did most of the attacking. The got off some nice passing runs, Elliott getting the ball well away from the scrum. Moir, King and handled the leather well and passed with judgment, Coburn, as usual, was responsible for some good runs, but instead of passing tried to beat the opposing team by himself. When this player rids himself of this failing he will be a useful man in his team, as he possesses the attributes of a good footballer. The Piopio fullback did not handle the leather well, a remark which also applies to the Te Kuiti full-back. A full-back should never wait for the ball to bounce if there is a possible chance of taking it on the full. Many a try is scored by hesitation on the part of the full-back, and a rugby ball is inclined to be erratic on the bounce. Quick and clean handling is essential in that department of the game and the first thing to learn is to catch the ! ball cleanly. The home forwards played well together, and in the first spell heeled out beautifully. _ They are improving rapidly in combination, and will do better still with experience. G. Elliott on the wing played his usual hard game and was responsible for some excellent openings. The Te Kuiti backs had a lot of defensive work to do in the first spell and got through creditably. At times their tackling was too high and they should pay more attention to the old style of tackling low ' and grassing your man. In defence Taylor was sound, but his handling of the ball has not improved and he should use more judgment in both running and kicking. J. Hetet played a good game notwithstanding a nasty wrench received at an early stage of the play. F. Kerr showed an improvement on previous displays and scored a good

try. The forwards played hard and got on some good rushes, but more combination in heeling out and holding the scrum together is necessary. However, they performed creditably and lasted the game well.

The next, match of the Maniapoto Rugby Union fixtures will be played at Oparure on Saturday, pio and Oparure teams. Considerable interest attaches to the game, as if Piopio defeats the local team, the three clubs in the competition will be equal. Should Oparure score a win, that club will have a decided lead and will require to be beaten twice in order to lose the premiership.