Football.

Kawhia Settler and Raglan Advertiser, Volume IV, Issue 225, 8 September 1905, Page 2

Football.

BUSHFELLERS v. OPARAU AND KAWHIA COMBINED. Although the day was fine on Saturday last for the above match, played at Oparau, the ground was not in very good order, many pools of water beiug in evidence ready to catch tbe players and, needless to add, there were many victims, tbe spills and “ baths ” being greatly eojoyed—not by the players, but by tbe onlookers, who assembled in large nambers. The " rangers,” aa they termed themselves, entered the field, headed by Captain Joe Brough, singing an original song slating the fact that they " Could no* be beaten,” bat unfortunately (for them) they were defeated in a most decisive manner by 11 points to nil. The song was to be printed and sold, that is if the Bashfellers had won, but the reverse being tbe case it was torn up. What a shame that such a brilliant effort should meet with such an ig« nominoas fate Ted Falwasser led the victors, and had ander his charge a good lot of footballers, who played a great game, with the exception or two of the three-quarters, who gave a sad exhibition. The game needs littls description, as it proved too one-sided. For the winners, Arthur Brown (half) shone oat above the rm*, and undoubtedly was the bast mac on the ground, his heady and tricky play. Bareness in getting the ball and accurate line kicking being of the highest order. Next to him iu point of merit was George Hodgson (forward), who played a hard and fast game throughoat ; ander efficiaut training more should be heard of this player. Crotty (wing) played the game of his life (even if he was off-side a lot), and his two tries were meritorious efforts. Prentice, Edwards (3), R. M’Caidle and Coe (2) were a rattling lot of forwards and put iu excellent work. Tries were secured by Crotty (2), and H. Coe (converted by Prentice). The “ Rangers ” best man was Joe Brough (half), who surprised tbe spectators, his opponents (and perhaps hiipself) with the sterling game he played, his tackling being deadly, whilst he was also good iu attack. Charlie Armstrong (‘hree-quarter and forward) also did more tbau his share of toil, but bis splendid efforts wr not backed up by other memKms Rima, Glentworth, Hewett, Duncan (until hurt) and Haki (whom everyone was pleased to«ee playing again, after having been laid aside for some mouths with a broken leg) worked hard and well to avoid defeat. Mr A. Symons gave satisfaction as r. feree, and Messrs Dimoud and Ward a« line umpire.

Besides the miship to Duncsu (referred to elsewhere) the accidents were—Hodgson, broken nose ; J. Falwasser, two black eyes ! Both these popular forwards avow that their toolball career has now been brought to a qloao.