FOOTBALL.

King Country Chronicle, Volume II, Issue 90, 10 July 1908, Page 5

FOOTBALL.

Nchinehtrivii v. Te Kuiti

The above match was playocl on the Domain on Saturday last, when a iaru'e number of spectators turned out to witness the contest. The Nehinehinui's had, undoubtedly, the superior team, especially in the back division, while Te Kuiti had practically to rely on their forwards. On account of the wetness of the ground the game was not fast, and most of the play was confined to the forward division. From the kick-off the ball was sent well up the field, and Te Kuiti returned, gaining a little ground,- the ball going out in the. . Nehinehinui 25. From the throw in Harris got possession of the ball and made a strong run. A good deal of line play then took place, F. Kerr getting Te Kuiti out of- danger, while J. Hetet certainly saved the Nehinehinuis twice in quick succession by his good line kicking. The Nehinehinui's then worked their way down to the Te Kuiti 25, and a loose scrum,, lasting several minutes, took place in the water. Through one of the Nehenehenui's kicking too hard the ball went behind the line and Te Kuiti forced. As soon as. the ball was brought into'play J. Hetet marked in front of the goal, but the kick was unsuccessful. The Nehinehinui's indulged in a little passing and brought play into the centre, where Te Kuiti were awarded a free kick, which resulted in the Nehi's-forcing. Shortly afterwards Gemming made a smart run and got well up to Te Kuiti's line and tliey were compelled to force. The first spell ended without scoring. Shortly after the kick-off the Nehi's lost one man from their pack, which considerably lessened their strength, but, however, they were the means of Te Kuiti soon after play began. Throughout the spell both teams worked hard in their endeavours to score, and no sooner would one side seem to have an advantage than a breach would occur and the position would be relieved. Towards the end of the game Thorburn, a Te Kuiti player, had the misfortune to meet with an accident, and had to retire. It was not until within a few seconds of the end that any score was made, and that, was the result of a free kick. The ball came out from a throw_ in, and after a couple of* kicks the Nehi's gained some ground, and through Te Kuiti full not being in his place, the ball went nearly to the goal. Anderson, in picking up, fell and hung to the leather, and the Nehi,s were awarded a free kick, which resulted in a goal.. Shortly after time was called, the scores' being : Nehinehinui 3 points, Te Kuiti nil.

Notes.. The Nehinehinui team was undoubtedly the best, but on account of the wet ground were unable to show up prominently, and it was only occasionally that the backs secured the leather. The most prominent players were Tuheka, D. and J. Hetet, Rata and Gemming.

Te Kuiti put in a very stubborn fight, and considering they had practically to rely on their forward division, they p_yt up a creditable enough performance. Amongst theTeKuiti's best were Keeley, F. and E. Kerr, Anderson and Silcock.

As a result of Saturday's match a Special Meeting of the Maniapoto. Rugby Union-is called for Saturday evening, when it is expected some interesting developments will be the outcome.

The following is the result of the draw for the third round of matches in connection with the Maniapoto Rugby Union fixtures: July 18—Te Kuiti v. Piopio at Te Kuiti. (Mr Lusk). Oparure v. .Nehinehinui at Oparure (Mr Reid). July 25 —Piopio v. Oparure at Piopio (Mr Elliott), Nehinehinui v. Te Kuiti at Te Kuiti (Mr Lusk). August I —Oparure v. Te Kuiti at Te Kuiti (Mr Reid). Piopio v. Nehihehinui at Piopio (Mr Lusk)i

The match which should have been played between Te Kuiti and Oparure will be played at the latter place on Saturday next, July nth, when Mr Reid will have charge of the whistle.

On Saturday last the British team easily defeated the Poverty Bay Union, the scores being : Britain 26 points, Poverty Bay nil.

At Hamilton on Saturday the local rep. team played.the Lower Waikato. In the first spell Hamilton had muchthe best of the game ; in the second spell Lower Waikato greatly improved, and kept the Hamilton on the defensive. The game ended in a draw, each side scoring two tries, none of which were converted.

The Auckland-Thames inter-union match, played on Saturday, resulted in a win for Auckland by 13 points to six. Thames had the best of the play in the first spell, Dufty kicking a fine goal from a mark, and Clarke scoring a try. Auckland in the second spell had matters all their own way, and tries were scored bj' Caiiaw and Herring. Kiernan converted both and kicked a penalty goal.

!n Australia on Saturday last Queensland defeated the Maori team by 6 points to 5, after a very fast and exciting game, and Sydney University beat New Zealand University touring team by 30 points to 9 points.

The British footballers registered a win over Manawntu on Wednesday by 12 points to 3. The visitors scored three tries and a penalty goal, and the home team scored a try.