FOOTBALL.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 471, 5 June 1912, Page 5

FOOTBALL.

TE KUITI 17 v. TANEHOPUWAI 0

The competitions under the auspices of the Maniapoto Rugby Union were continued on Saturday when Te Kuiti met Tanehopuwai at Te Kuiti. Heavy rain fell throughout the morning, and the ground was dotted here and there with miniature lakes. However, a fairly fast game was witnessed, although for the most part it was of the scrambling order. The local players gave flashes of combined work and proved too much for their opponents whose chief aim appeared to be tu kick the ball and chase it. In the first spell Te Kuiti scored 14 points--four tries, one of which was converted In the second half Tanehopuwai put up a much better defence and though they were rarely dangerous succeeded in stemming the attacks of the locals on all but one occasion The game resulted in a win for Te Kuiti by 17 points to nil.

Mr J. Steel was referee. NOTES ON THE PLAY',

The game calls for little comment. The only department in which the visitors held their own was in the loose scrambles. They will require to practice taking the ball, and getting in their return Kicks quickly. Had they been certain in their fielding and kicking on Saturday they would have appeared to much greater advantage. The local players were at some disadvantage in having a wet ball to handle. The backs were not greatly troubled in defence, and the few passing bouts they indulged in resulted in scores. The forwards held their own in scrum work, but did not show any finished work in getting the ball out to the backs. They should practice pack formation on every available opportunity, as upon their success in this department depends the opportunities of the game. Openings are not readily obtained from scrambling work and with a set of backs such as Te Kuiti possesses, the ball should be sent out to them on every possible occasion. SOCCER. The Te Kuiti North Football Club has arranged a match between their club and the Hamilton A.P.C. : to be played at Te Kuiti on June 22nd. All interested ar6 invited to attend a meeting to-morrow evening at 7.15 o'clock in the Arcadia dining rooms. NORTHERN UNION. The following palyers have been selected to play a match against a Hamilton team, at Hamilton, on Saturday, next: —Brown, F. and I. Kerr. J. Taylor, T. Hetet, A. Molloy, J. Hetet, F. EUia. B. Graham, D. Poutawera, T. Nikora, S. Warren. W. Bonner; emergencies, Ken. Kerr, L. Quirk, C. Scott, D. Pratt. All players are requested to assemble at the secretary's office near Kerr's corner, to have their jerseys handed over, and make final arrangements. The team will leave Te Kuiti by the 11 train and return the same day at 9 p.m., the return fare being 3s 7d. As many supporters as can travel will be welcome.