FOOTBALL.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 483, 17 July 1912, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

MANIAPOTO 16 v. WAIPA 8,

STRENUOUS FORWARD GAME.

The first inter-Union match of the s«a3on was played at Te Kuiti on Saturday last between representatives of the Maniapoto and Waipa Rugby Union, and after a hard-fought game victory rested with the Maniapoto players by 16 points to 8. After a wet week the weather on Saturday came as a welcome change this sun shining brightly throughout the afternoon. The condition of the ground, nowever, left much to be desired, and the numerous small lagoons which existed on the field rendered back play out of the question. The game consequently resolved itself in to a trial of strength between two sets of willing forwards. It can best be described as a series of rushes, broken occasionally by some good line Kicking by the backs. Despite the fact that the ball was played with the boot practically the whole time, there was nothing dull about the game. Loose forward rushes swept up and down the held with great rapidity, and the backs on both sides were taxed to their utmost in defence. The game was played in four spells, the first two being fairly even, and at half time the game stood at 3 points each. In the third quarter the visitors infused great dash into their play, and kept the local nlayers defending the whole time. The battle waged hotly on the Maniapoto side of half way throughout the spell, and the visiting forwards swept towards the coveted goal with rush after rush. The defence of the local backs was equal to the occasion, and despite the fact that the goal was in danger time and again only one try was scored by the visitors. The major points were added tc the score and the game stood—Waipa 8 points, Maniapoto 3 points. Just before ends were changed for the last time Maniapoto scored a try which was goaled, and the score stood 8 all. when the last quarter commenced. It was immediately apparent that the Maniapoto players were out to retrieve their position. Their momentarily lost dash returned to them and they held the upper hand throughout the spell during which they added 8 points to their score. Some alteration was made to the Maniapoto team as originally selected, the following players taking the field:— Full-back, Killop; three-quarters, R. Clark, P. Turner Matthews (captain); five-eighths, W. Maher; half, J "Clarke; forwards, F. Healey, Charters (wings), McKay,Emery, Mexted. D. Gray, W. Ree.l, N. Turner, Hayson. ~ _. . Waipa. Full-back, Motu Ten; three-quarters, D. Kay, Arnott, Clarke; five-eighths, G. Richardson; half, Cogan; forwards, Thompson, Cunningham (wings), Henderson, Bentley, A. McConkey, Reid, F. McConkey, Teddy, Chamberlain. To describe the game in detail would be wearisome, as rush succeeded rush, all the team taking part and each member doing hia best. In the first spell the only attempts to handle the ball came from the local players. Healey, Maher and Matthews taking part in a passing bout. Maniapoto's first try was obtained by Charteria. who showed great dash. Dan Gray made a poor attempt at goal. The first score to Waipa was obtained by Clark. The ball being sent out to him in the open he showed a fine dash of pace, and got over the line in good style. Cunningham failed to atid the major points. The next score came from a sweeping rush by the visitors, which enabled Kay to score. Tal. Clark shortly afterwards evened up the try getting by snapping up the leather in the Waipa 25, and dashing over near the corner. A fine kick by Turner added the major points and the Bcores were even. The next try was obtained after good play by D. Gray who made ground and Healey snapping up the ball whipped it out to Maher. The latter made a swift dash for the line and scored. Shortly afterwards Maher was again prominent in the danger zone, but was well tackled. Another rush initiated by D. Gray was carried on by Hayson and Charteris. Turner snapped up the leather and sent it on to Maher, who cut in quickly and scored between the posts. Tal. Clark sent the ball over the bar and made the score 16—8 just before time was called.

NOTES ON THE GAME.

For the winners Killop, at full back, fully justified his inclusion by paying a sound, heady game. He fielded the ball in fine style and his kicking was bejond reproach. He also bad to face some ugly rushes and came through the ordeal well. The threequarter line got few chances in attack, but their defence was excellent. Tal. Clark made a characteristic dash when he scored, but the play seldom came his way. P. Turner did an immense amount of saving, and his kicking got the side out of danger frequently. Matthews played hiß usual sound game and defended like a stone wall At five-eighths Maher was disappointing in the early stages of the game, but he made ample amends in the last two quarters. His tries were brilliantly obtained, and he did the correct thing in going for the line himself instead of looking for somebody to pass to. J. Clark at half performed well. The wings were both good, Healey having a tough proposition to meet in Thompson and holding his own. Charteris played a fast bustling game, and waa prominent in every rush. The forwards worked like Trojans, and it would be hard to single out any particular individual player for special mention. McKay was alwayß noticeable in the thickest of the fray, but all were working hard. D. Gray was a surprise packet for the visitors. The manner in which ha lasted the game, and the dash tie displayed in the closing stages showed that he was far from being a spent light. It is a fine pack, though it ia capable of lmproveThe Waipa full-back suffered by comparison with Killop. His field-

ing was not always clean, but he put power into his kicks. Like their opponents the Waipa three-quarters got few chances in attack. They are a useful trio, however, solid in defence and possessing pace. Clarke showed a clean pair of heels when he scored his try. Richardson, as five-eighths, was Eound in defence, and stemmed many a rush. He was tackled too often with the ball, which he should have passed at times instead of endeavouring to bustle his way through his opponents. Gogan played a good game at half, and when opportunity occurred sent the leather out to his backs. Of the visiting wings, Thompson was most prominent, and played a good game. His experience stood to him well and he broke away frequently. The forwards are a willing lot and took a deal of stopping. McConkey and Hendesron were frequently prominent,, while Re'id was always a grafter. Mr Burke handled the whistle in good style. The visitors were entertained to a smoke social in the evening and left for Te Awamutu by the lo p.m. train.

JUNIOR MATCH.

The Otorohanga juniura played the Te Awamutu juniors as a curtain raiser to the rep match. In the first two spells Te Awamutu had undoubtedly the best of the game and secursd three tries, H. Kay being responsible for two, none of the tries were converted. In the third spell Otorohanga livened up and H. Henderson scored, W. Clark converting. The game ended with the score—Te Awamutu points, Otorohanga 5. Mr Cochrane acted as referee.