FOOTBALL.

King Country Chronicle, Volume I, Issue 36, 28 June 1907, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

Oparure (7) v. TcKuiii £0)

The third round of fixtures under the auspices of the Mnniapoto Rugby Union commenced en Saturday last, when theTe Kuiti team journeyed to Oparure and played the local club. Considerable interest was taken in the game from the fact that the result of the match virtually decided the premiership for the season. The weather was all that could be desired, and spectators relied up in force to witness the contest. Mr N. B. Lusk officiated as referee, and controlled the game in his usual efficient manner.

Te Kuiti won the toss and played with the sun at their backs in the first spell. Oparure kicked off and play settled in neutral ground, the forwards having most-'work to do. Shortly after the start the home team opened out the game and essayed some passing bouts, but .the black and white backs did good defensive work and by judicious line kicking kept the home team at bay. After ten minute's play the marocn forwards broke through with a good rush and kicked hard over the line, when J. Hetet forced for Te Kuiti. Shortly afterwards, from a scrum, Cleaver passed out to Wilkinson on the visitors 25 line, and the Oparure captain making a good opening got in front of the posts and potted-a -neat goal. Give and take.play ensued until thehome forwards again broke away and rushed the ball over the line, Hihaka forcing. An exchange of kicks followed, and a good rush by the Te Kuiti forwards removed play to their opponents' territory. However, the respite was shortlived as Mason made a fine run down the touch line into the visitors 25. From the throw in loose play followed and the home forwards carried the leather over the Te Ktiiti line, and Wilkinson, following up fast, scored a try. The attempt at the goal proved fruitless. Oparure 7, Te Kuiti 0. The remainder of the spell was fought out in midneld without further advantage to either side. The second spell saw the Oparure forwards starting" with ample vim, and they invaded the visitors' territory for a time. However, the black and whites lined up and drove them to the centre. From open play J. Hetet nipped in and intercepted a pass to Wilkinson, but, for a knock on, was brought back when he appeared dangerous. A short dash by Boles started a rush which carried play to the home 25. A counter rush cleared the home lines, and was only stopped by Rata, at fullback. Shortly afterwards F. Kerr made a good dash, but was sent into touch at half way. J. Hetet next broke away and, with a good cut in, made a lot of ground. The maroon forwards then took a hand, and following" up a kick well, smothered the return, and took the ball to the corner flag. All efforts to score proved unavailing, and, after strenuous give and take play, the game resulted : Oparure 7, Te Kuiti 0.

Notes oa the Play. Credit must be given to Oparure for a sterling game and they deserved to win. Throughout'they infused more dash into the game than their opponents, and (lasted better. The full-back had little to do but got in a few powerful kicks. The three-quar-ters performed well, Wilkinson at centre playing a " heady " game. His goal was a pretty one and his try the result of good following up. Harris at five-eights had a day off and has been seen to greater advantage in handling the ball. The half-back got the ball away well, and of the wings Cleaver showed prominently. Hira pia3 r ed a useful game, but is inclined to take risks by being off side. The forwards all worked hard, Munro, Coe, Rehi, and O'Neill being most noticeable.

For Te Kuiti, Rata, at full-back, gave a good exhibition, and should make a very useful man in that department. The three-quarters had a deal of defending to do and performed creditably, J. Hetet and F. Kerr showing to advantage at times. Boles at five-eights was new to the position, and does better closer up. H. Vause played a sound game at half-back and is showing good form at present. The forwards all worked hard, but lacked dash in following up. Want of condition may have had something to do with it, but they suffered in this respect compared with their opponents. Keeley, Guilford, and Searancke were prominent at times.

The result of last Saturday's match has placed the Oparure team in a winning position for the caps, and it has been deemed advisable, in view of the approaching inter-union matches, to postpone the Te Kuiti-Piopio fixture, and arrange a game between A and B teams tor Saturday, July 6th, at Te Kuiti.

The following teams have been chosen by the Union Selector (Mr J. Steel) for the A and B .match : " A " Team.—Full-back, Rou Rata; three - quarters, Hetet, Wilkinson, Mason ; five-eights, Moir; half-back, Elliott; wings, Cleaver, Elliott;. forwards, Munro, Searancke, Old, Rehe, Keeley, Cleaver, Wharihi. " B " Team. —Full-back, Connell; three-quarters, F. Kerr, Harris, Netana ; five-eights, D. Hetet; half-back, Vause ; wings, Hira, " O'Neil; forwards, Boles, Rako, Rora, Guilford, Coe, Hikaka, Pavitt. Emergencies, Coburn, Tete, Waho, H. Turner, Taylor, Tu.heka.