FOOTBALL.

King Country Chronicle, Volume V, Issue 377, 12 July 1911, Page 5

FOOTBALL.

TE KUITI v.. TANEHOPUWAI. Fifteens representing the above named clubs met for the second time this season on the Domain ground. Tanehopuwai had a slightly altered personnel, but unfortunately for them had not secured any additional weight for their scrums. The day and ground were most favourable for fast play, and there were some strenuous encounters. Te Kuiti proved the superior combination, and in the scrums particularly used their weight to advantage, and eventually won with a margin of 1.2 points to nil. A feature of the scoring was that a try was registered in each of the four quarters played. Te Kuiti forwards played a fast game in the open, and without exception secured the ball from the scrums. They were nevertheless sturdily opposed, and were driven back from their opponents' territory time and again. Te Kuiti backs played with considerable dash, but generally found the defence very solid. Tapsall and Kirk were the most prominent, and the former proved a disappointing proposition for Tanehopuwai; his try early in the match was a splendid example of making immediate use of an opening. Tanehopuwai forwards showed a want of experience, but with careful coaching could be greatly improved. Hira, on the wing, was a busy man, and did yeoman service for his side. Their backs had a great task throughout. They were never once favoured with the ball coming to them from the scrum, and were defending most of the time, and generally they proved decidedly safe. Dement played a sound game, especially considering he received a nasty kick on the knee early in the game; whilst Tommy Anderson gave perhaps the brightest exhibition of defensive play witnessed here this season. Mr Cochrane was the referee.

MANGAEPEHI v. OPARURE. Our correspondent at Managpeehi writes :-*-The Oparure team did not j.ut in an appearance here on Saturday, so we presume that we have won the match by default, although we would much rather have had the game played. This leaves us with 8 points in the championship competition—level with Otorohanga. If we beat Otorohanga and Te Kuiti, we shall tie with Otorohanga at 12 points, so that we still have a slight chance for those caps. REPRESENTATIVE MATCH. It is highly probable that tha Goldfields reepresentative Rugby football team will play the King Country team at Te Kuiti on Saturday. The Goldfields are said to be in good form this season, and they defeated the Thames representatives last Saturday. It is anticipated that should the match eventuate a splendid game will be witnessed, and the local men will have to play their best 'game to stave off defeat. Further public announcements will be made to-morrow by poster.