FOOTBALL.

King Country Chronicle, Volume I, Issue 35, 21 June 1907, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

The concluding game of the second round of fixtures, under the auspices of the Maniapoto Rugb} r Union, was played at Oparure last Saturday, when the home team met Piopio. The weather was ideal, and the game attracted a fair number of spectators. It was generally held that the Oparure team would prove superior on its own ground, but the Piopio supporters were numerous, and the improved form shown by the wearers of the black jerseys On the previous Saturday, when they defeated Te Kurd by 9 points to 3, certainly lent colour to their claims. However, the Piopio team failed to exhibit the combination among the backs which enabled them to defeat Te Kuiti, and although the forwards held their own well, the Oparure backs, playing well together, quite outclassed the opposing rear division, and victory eventually rested with the maroons by 12 points to nil. Piopio won the toss, and played with the sun at their backs. From the kick off play settled in neutral territory, and was for a time confined to the forwards. After a good deal of scrum work, the leather went out to the Oparure backs, and Harris made a good dash, but lost the ball. Shortly afterwards concerted play by Harris and Wilkinson sent the leather into the black's territory, and Oparure were awarded a free kick, but the attempt at goal was charged down. A short rush by Piopio brought relief, but the opposing backs by good kicking, again drove the blacks to defence. From a scrum on the 25 line the home backs obtained possession, and Harris and Wilkinson initiated a good passing run, but the latter's transfer to Mason was thrown on, and a certain try was lost. The visitors again cleared their line, but a return rush by Oparure threatened danger, until stopped by an infringement. Another passing run by Wilkinson and Mason saw the latter with a clean run in, and Oparure's first try was scored. The kick at goal proved fruitless. The blacks now livened up and with a sweeping forward rush, invaded the home quarters. Hard forward play ensued until half time was called, the game standing Oparure 3 points, Piopio nil. The second spell had not been long started when it became evident that the home team held the upper hand. Opening out the play in much better style than in the first half, the backs got to work, and some really good passing was displayed. Netana, Harris, and Wilkinson were conspicuous for some fine openings, and the Oparure captain scored two excellent tries, neither of which were converted. The Piopio forwards struggled gamely and otten brought the leather into the home 25, but they were not well supported by their rear division, and the Oparure backs, by means of good handling and kicking, frustrated all the efforts of their opponents. Towards the end of the spell the maroon backs were putting in some excellent work, and Netana scored a try, making the total points : Oparure 12, Piopio nil. Time was called shortly afterwards, leaving Oparure with a substantial and well-earned win.

Notes on the Play

The winning backs were responsible for some excellent work and seem to have developed combination to a really creditable extent. Tete, at full-back, had very little to do, but is apparently a smart and safe player. Of the three-quarters, Mason and Wilkinson played well. The former showed good pace and took his passes well, but was inclined to over-eager-ness, and got in front of his fellow three-quarter to take his pass. Harris played a cool, safe game, and made some fine openings. At times he should have got rid of the leather a little sooner. Netana also handled the ball well, and scored a meritorious try. The Piopio backs were, with one or two exceptions, disappointing. The full-back tackled well on several occasions,, and behind a better threequarter line would have done better. The only backs on the side to play up to form were Moir and Elliott, and they did their best under rather trying conditions. Coburn went in for kicking instead of running with the ball, and with a judicious use of the touch line would have been of great service to his side. The backs of both teams did not make sufficient use of the touch line. They should bear in mind that kicking up and down the centre of the field inevitably tires out their forwards, and always gives their opponents an advantage. Both vanguards played hard, willing games, and lasted out well. Rehi, on the line for Oparure, was specially noticeable, and with a little more coaching will make a fine forward. The Piopio forwards showed most cleverness in hooking the ball, but did not know what to do with it when they got possession. A little practice in screwing the scrum would assist them materially, as they hook very well, and have some excellent men on a rush. Old was, as usual, noticeable for consistent play. Elliott and Cleaver, the opposing wings, were well matched.

At the conlusion of the match the members of the Piopio team were entertained at dinner at Mrs Joseph's boardinghouse. The repast was served in the lavish and pleasing manner for which the Oparure hostess is noted, and a highly enjoyable time was spent.

The second round of the Maniapoto Rugby Union fixtures concluded on Saturday last,.and leaves the Oparure team with a lead of one win ahead of Te Kuiti for the premiership. The following are the positions of the competing teams: —

As soon as possible after the conclusion of the Club competitions in the Maniapoto Rugby Union it is intended to hold a series of inter-union matches, and secretaries of the various Clubs are requested to forward to the selector (Mr J. Steel) the names of eligible players who are able to travel. The first representative match will probably be played against the King Country Union representatives at Taumarunui on July 20th.

Played Won Lost Oparure • ■■4 3 1 Te Kuiti ...4 22 Piopio ...4 13