FOOTBALL.

King Country Chronicle, Volume I, Issue 45, 30 August 1907, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

Te Kvuix (3) v. Mang?.]icslii (S)

The game arranged between theTe Kuiti and Mangapeehi Clubs took place at Te Kuiti on Saturday last, and after a very stubborn contest resulted in a win for the visitors by six points to three. Owing to various causes the local club not muster its strongest fifteen, but notwithstanding this drawback they managed to put up a very creditable performance, and with a little luck on their side the lesult of the game might have been reversed. However, the visitors must be given credit for playing a hard game, and fully deserved their victory. Upon the arrival of the train the visiting team was met by the Te ICuiti Club officials and entertained to luncheon at Mr Sims' Temperance Hotel, and were afterwards driven to the convincing ground at Mr Somerville's. The field was in fair order, but recent rains had rendered it soft in places. The conditions prevailing made a fast open game difficult, as the ball became greasy and hard to handle. However, there were flashes of good combined play, and in this department the visitors showed to advantage. The visitors kicked off against the sun and for a time the game centred. However, a sweeping forward rush saw the local line in danger, and a score was narrowly averted by a force down. The visitors continued to make the game fast and open, and some neat passing was indulged in. Harrison, the local fiveeights, however, proved a thorn in the side of the opposing backs, and nipped in the bud many a promising opening. Towards the end of the soell the Te Kuiti forwards appeared to find their feet, and gradually asserted their superiority. They were getting the ball on the line, and their weight also told in the pack. From a line out Cleaver broke away with a dribble, and beating the visiting backs, picked up and dashed oyer the line, scoring first blood. Ellison a good but ineffectual attempt to increase the points. Forward play followed the kick-off for the remainder of the spell, which concluded without further score.

Upon resuming the Te Kuiti forwards continued to attack and several sweeping rushes almost ended in a score. The visitors were hotly pressed for the first portion of the spell, but defended well, and kept their opponents from crossing the line. They then began to open the game out, and give their backs a chance. Several good runs were made by Donkin, McKenzie, Hayson and White, and the local line was often in danger. The Te Kuiti forwards came away with a rush, but for an infringement, were penalised, and White taking the kick, potted a fine goal, making the scores 3 points all. Te Kuiti played hard from the kick-off, and endeavoured to confine play to the vanguard. The Mangapeehi backs, however, were not to be denied, and a high kick being badly missed by Pavitt, Hayson dashed up and securing the leather, ran in and scored for the visitors. The kick at goal proved fruitless, making the scores: Mangapeehi 6, Te Kuiti 3. Time was called shortly afterwards, the game finishing as above.