FOOTBALL.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 493, 21 August 1912, Page 5

FOOTBALL.

TE KUITI 6 v. OTOROHANGA 3

The deciding match of the 1912 season was played at Otorohanga on Saturday last. The day was beautifully fine and no wind. A large number uf enthusiasts acompanied the Te Kuiti team and helped to swell the large number of spectators. Tr.e ground although rough in places was in good order. Mr Miller, a member of th« Auckland Referee's Association, controlled the game, and Messrs Martin

and Moorhouse were line umpires and

to make sure of the flag being seen one not over-short linesman attached the flag to his proportionately sized umbrella. Promptly to time the teams lined up and all looked fit and well, with Te Kuiti forwards having a slight advantage in weight. Otorohanga kicked off and Rothery found the line with his return. From the throw in Otorohanga forwards got away but Matthews picked up and made a fine kick which Tal Clarke returned, and Matthews again found the line. A scrum followed the throw in. From a scrum Otorohanga attacked, and later Jim Clarke marked and Ned Turner had a long shot but failed. Otorohanga forwards got a good rush on* and Matthews saved well. Te Kuiti forwards then started a counter rush and got well down the field : but Healey kicked rather hard. Loose play followed and Otorohanga getting a mark Ned Turner had another attempt t" gnal from near half way, but failed. A series of scrums followed and the ball went out at touch in goal. Loose play followed and Te Kuiti were awarded a free kick at Otorohanga's 25. Gray's shot failed and Otorohanga forced. Te Kuiti forwards kept the play well up in Otorohanga's ground and the referee gave them a free kick right in front of the goal. Gray landed a nice goal, and gave Te Kuiti the first score —3 to nil. The whistle then went for the first quarter. On changing sides some lively play ensued. Otorohanga carried the ball well down but got thrown cut close to the goal line. A series of scrums followed and Mexted got hold of the ball and a try seemed imminent but he was bumped out. Te Kuiti got in some good defensive work and carried play back to half way. The game now got very exciting and the barracker3 got to work. For off-side play Te Kuiti were penalised and Otorohanga followed up a free kick. Maher failed to field well and Otorohanga smothered his return and with a good rush Ned Turner scored the first try. Tal. Clarke failed to convert, and the store stood three all. On resuming after half-time Otorohanga livened up for a while and Te Kuiti forced twice within the first five minutes, Matthews saving time after time. From a free kick Gray found the line well down the field, and from the throw in Hornibrooke started a rush and carried the ball well into Otorohanga's 25. Tal Clarke saved and Otorohanga recovered the lost ground and got close to the visitors' line where the defenders were relieved by a free kick. D. Turner marked and Ned had another kick at goal, but failed and Te Kuiti' forced. Matthews kicked well out and the forwards followed up smartly and carried play to Otorohanga end. Healey got in some work and Otorohanga forced, and the third quarter ended with both sides equal. During the fourth and final quarter the local team appeared disorganised, and play was mostly in their 25. Scrum tollowed throws in very fast. Hornibrooke and Rothery got the ball out and almost the only piece of passing took place, the ball going on to Matthews and then to Williams, who scored near the corner post. Gray failed to convert Te Kuiti 6, Otorohanga 3. What little remained of time was occupied by play in Otorohanga 25, mostly in scrummaging work. When the whistle went the score remained —Te Kuiti 6, Otorohanga 3, one try each and Te Kuiti kicked a penalty goal. The game was a very even one, but was mainly "of tne scrummaging order the players time after time lying on the ball and piling up. Both sides were penalised frequently for off-side play or obstruction. There was a decided lack of passing, although the ground and ball were dry. Otorohanga players appeared to have a day off, and Te Kuiti forwards played the game of the season for their side, and continually spoiled the play of the opposing pack. Te Kuiti thoroughly deserved their win, as they have indulged in more training for this match than any previously. Condition stood to Te Kuiti and Rothery's generalship was invaluable. Matthews. Coldstream and Hornibrooke showed to great advantage.

The following team has been selected to represent the Maniapoto Rugby Union against the Taranaki Maori touring team. The match will be played on the Te Kuiti Domain oh Thursday afternoon next kick off at 2.30 o'clock: —Kil'.op, Matthews, PTurner, Tal. Clarke, J. Clarke. Maher, Sturmer, Healey, Holder), G. Clarke. Hornibrooke, McKay, Emery, Delaney, Mexted; emergencies, backs, Cold, stream and Dement; forwards, D. Gray and N, Turner.