FOOTBALL.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 26 June 1912, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

Helensville v. Fishermen,

The match between the above teams caused some interest during the sveek, and it was anticipated that a good game would eventuate, as the losers had to pay for a dinner in the evening. Thursday, the day fixed for "the trial of strength between them came, and with it heavy showers of rain which left the ground like a lake. But dinner being prepared, both'teams decided on playing, and they did, %c game resembling water polo more than Rugby football. After some splendid div^ ing and swimming feats, together, with splashing contests, the plyers of the net were defeated by the towns** men by 9 points to nil. Tries were scored by Y. McLeod (2), and T. Hafford, but needless to say, no goals W6re chronicled owing to the state of the ball, 'Mr Constable did the duties

of referee in gum "boots. " WeU, it .jtifcwas worth it,'; was the remark from m£inore than one of the players on Friday morning, •■' the dinner was out on its own, and everyone scored goals without a try." About 40 persons sat down to the tables prepared in such a manner as to make the hearts of the most waterlogged players forget that football had ever -* been attempted that day. There is no gainsaying that this spread was one of the best ever put before football players, and the proprietor of the Helensville Hotel and staff showed they excelled in the catering line, while the decorating of the table in the team's colours, laden with jellies and sweets, was a picture to behold, From the steaming ox-tail soup to the noside whistle whichwas blown by the Chairman, Mr Tui McEwin, was a leal sample of tip-top fine play, there being no off-side or scrums in the whole game. When every member had been fully equipped, a lengthy toast list was enthusiastically carried out, including ': The King," '-Kindred Sports," "The Fishermen." 11 Beferee and Line Umpires.' 1 " Helensville Club," " Barrackers," "The Ladies," and the Host and Hostess, Mr and Mrs E. H. Cucksey, being honoured by three times three.

Helexsvillb v. Otakakini. This Cup match liad to be played in Mr Stewart's paddock, the Show ground being found too wet.. In the first round Otakanini had defeated Helensville, and the latter had put their strongest team in the field on this occasion, to wipe out previous defeat, -while the Otakanini boys had not been able to improve their side to any greit extent, and it was anticipated that the game would be a good one. The game, however, proved a fairly easy one for the Helensville team by 9 points to nil, Mr W. Rinnner acted as referee.

PaKAKAL V. WOODHILL,

These teams met at Wharepapa, the former winning by 24 points to nil. Although Wocdhill were beaten by a number of points, their play showed improvement since the first match against the Parakai boys. Mr J. Kelly acted as referee.

Tho meeting of the Helensville and Parakai teams ,on Saturday week, should prove a great tussle. Helensville has to win to get on even footing ■w-itb. the Parakai boys, which would then mean a play-off, but if Parakai wins orjnakes a draw of the game they win the Caps, presented by Mr E. H. Cucksej . A win for Helensville would evince considerable interest in the final match. So far tiis football season has been a successful one, and credit is due to the officials oE the newly formed Union. We hopo when the Cup matches are decided, outside matches will be arranged, and there is no doubt that a team representing the Union will te able to do the district justice should they decide to visit the City and try conclusions with some of the first grade teams there.