FOOTBALL.

King Country Chronicle, Volume V, Issue 399, 27 September 1911, Page 5

FOOTBALL.

BACHELORS v. TE KUITI CLUB

A match, the proceeds of which were devoted to the funds of the Maniapoto Rugby Union, was played on the Domain ground on Saturday la a c. The bachelors put a strong team in the. field, some were possihly "has beens," still one heard that they were confident of victory and the Te Kuiti tea.ii felt that they would have to make strenuous efforts to win. Te Kuiti skipper won the toss and chose to play with a strong wind in his favour. The "merry and bright" appearance of the bachelors was marked as they lined up to face the Te Kuitians. N. Cole returned the kick-off to the Bachelors' 25, where Simmonds'saved. Williams, with ball at toe, raced for the Bachelor line. P. Turner, with a line kick, relieved the situation. Te Kuiti forwards took possession and compelled the bach's to force. The club again attacked, but the advantage was Shortlived, they being penalised for offside play, and the bachelors broke away with Bannister in the lead, and carried play to Te Kuiti line. The first spell ended without score. Early in the second spell play was being waged in the club's quarter. Dement cleared well. Mora most cleverly stopped a strong Te Kuiti rush. The bach, forwards were holding their own against the Kuiti pack, and had to thank their hookers for obtaining the ball so frequently. Dement started a passing rush the ball travelling to Williams to Rothery, the latter having lost his dash, failed to score. Mora now showed some of his "one time" form and gained fully fifteen yards with a strong run. Gould, who repeatedly got the ball from the line out, gained ground with a good dribble. Howarth, who showed occasional dashes of brilliancy, was responsible for a dashing run and was well grassed by Williams, Six-and-eightpence, who was showing some "bright" form, scored what one imagined was a try, but the referee thought otherwise, and the "third" wa3 disappointed. The Hibernian with the Orangeman's colours then marked and Clark had a shot at goal but failed. The second spell closed without score. Things were more merry in the third spell. "Filthy Lucre," who was playing a "golden " game charged the kick, Short was handy and dashed over. Clark attempted the kick but was unsuccessful. Williams, when looking dangerous, was well tackled by Shannon. From a passing rush a try was registered by Hikaka. Cole made a good attempt at goal but failed. Williams got possession at half way and with a brilliant run registered ar.other try for thts club. The "Old Grey Horse," showing the utmost coolness and skill, piloted the bail between the posts over the bar, and looked pleased with himself (and everybody else, for that matter!) Score—Club 8, Bachelors 3. Shortly after this the third spell ended. The Bachelors were beginning to realise the fact that they were paying too great a Price for playing without more form, but evidently had had a consultation in the interval, and began to press the club men right from the jump. Each man in the team seemed to have a chance of scoring but lacked staying power and were too Short-winded to get over the line. Te Kuiti then did some attacking and charged like Apaches on the war path, but the impenetrable defence put up by the "Counties Amendment Act" was of great service. Then Howarth, like a white-headed torpedo charged the line and carried play to Te Kuiti 25, where the "Kirk where we were wed" came to light once more and ran through the now tired bachelors as easily as a child slides down the Bannister, and scored between the posts. The kick at goal failed Te Kuiti 11, Bachelors 3. At this stage of the "service." Rothery was observed to become a bachelor, and, like in his old days, did some dashing work among his forwards. Just before the close of the game, the "white headed torpedo" dashed over the line, Clarke adding the major points, and the whistle blew for time, and "the peg was in" with the score- - Te Kuiti 11, Bachelors 8. The losers did not appear to be quite so "merry and bright" after the game as before, but for a "green" lot they put up a very good fight indeed. It is, perhaps, unnecessary to individualise players in a game of this description, but for the vanquished Gould, Short, Simmonds and Howarth played sterling games, and it is hoped they will be seen donning th° iersey next season. The referee (Mr N. B. Lusk)--"refereed."

MANIAPOTO RUGBY UNION. A meeting of the above union was held in the Chronicle office last evening. Mr Worthington in the chair. A letter was received from the Otorohanga Club's secretary, forwarding the total gate money taken at the last Otorohanga -Te Kuiti match. This amount was acknowledged with thanks. The takings at the gate in Te Kuiti v. Batchelors' match was handed to the secretary and those who took part in this match were., by resolution, thanked by the union. The secretary of Te Kuiti Club forwarded from his club the sum of &i 4s to assist the funds of the union. This donation was received with thanks and laudatory remarks were expressed at the good feeling which had prompted the donation. An executive committee to carry out any business that may crop up between now and next season, was appointed as follows:—Messrs Worthington, Pitcon, liusk, McColl, Matthew,and the president and secretary ex-officio. The referee's report on the Otoro-hanga-Te Kuiti match vvas received. The amount of £5 5s for caps for i the winning team was passed for pay-

merit, also the cost of inscribing the name of the winning team of the banner. As the last match of the season has now been played and the rep. jerseys have nut been returned, players who still hold them are requested to torward them to the secretary without delay.