FOOTBALL.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 21 August 1912, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

OTAMATEA v. HELENSVILLE

The Rugby match between teams representing the Otamatea and Kaipara Hugby Unions took place on the Show Ground on Saturday last, and resulted in a win for the visitors by 9 points to 5. The visitors arrived by launch on Saturday morning and pur up at the various Hotel. On taking the field' it was noticed that neither side had their full representative team, a number of emergencies lining .up, but nevertheless an even game was anticipated, and it proved fairly interesting to the few spectators who witnessed it. From the kick off the Otamatea forwards showed their superior Aveight, but the muddy state of the ground was against them and the HelensvilLe blues lighter pack got going quicker, and were in blacks territory most of the first quarter, but F. Reed, blacks goal, ably kept his line clear. In the second quarter the blacks pack livened up and a rush brought the ball within blues 25 where it was badly mulled and the blacks had it over the line, J. Finlayson securing fiist blood for the visitors. The attempt to add the major points failed. On kicking in the home team followed up and attacked vigorously black relieving by finding touch several times, frustrating blues efforts within the scoring /.one. until Roynane reeeh'ing smartly relieved tlie pressure by a splendid kick along the lice, and following up. got in another hard kick driving the ball over blues line, and beating his opponents in the run secured second try for the visitors, amid applause. The kick at goal failed. On coming in blues made a dash, but Reid found touch at half and a forward move saw blues line in danp'er but Wilson stopped, and Garry kicked to blacks 25, but blacks were back again and Bradly although hard pushed cleared Avel], and V. McLcod found touch at centre, where play settled for a time. Blues felt their way along the line gradually V, McLeod making a game attempt the ball going out in blacks 25, when from a wide throw in L McLeod se~ cured and making a dashing run through the ruck, made the most of his first opening by scoring behind the goal posts, receiving applause for his effort. He took the kick at goal, and neatly placed the ball over the bar. The half time whistle sounded shortly afterwards Otamatea 6, Helensville 5. On resuming Helensville started out to equalise matters, but Otainateas defence was good, and they did a share of .the attacking. The individual kicking of the hacks of both sides showed out well in this spell, but although both tock advantage of a shot at goal from a freo kick no score resulted, and on starting the last quarter the visitors still had the advantage. Worker made an attempt but Bradly saved relieviug to touch ; from the throw in blues headed by L. McLeod and the pack carried the ball down to and over blacks line, when James saved by forcing, other attacks by blues were well. met, and blacks retaliated by becoming the attackers, and from a free kick from nearly halfway took the advantage of a place, Hill taking the kick placed a splendid goal. With only a few minute? to go the blues tried hard to save defeat but of no avail, J the no- side whistle sounding without • any further, score.

Mr J, Downer had charge of the whistle.

Although all members of both did their best, the most prominent wpre : Otamatea, F. Reid, Eoynayne, Wigley and Becroft; Helensville, L. McLeod, Bradly, V. McLeod and Garry.

The visitors were entertained to a dinner at the Helensville Hotel, which was served in the u«»ai first-class style of this hostilry. and after all had satisfied themselves that it was good to dine well, win or lose, the usual routine followed.

Tho Otamatea boys left for homo by launch at 10 o'clock on Sunday morning, well pleased with their visit to Heleusyille.

TEAM FOE AUCKLAND. The Helensville lepresentatives ax? booked for Auckland next Saturday to try conclusions with a Grafton team. We hope to see the following picked earn make the journey. Full back, J. Downer; ■?, W, San* din, A. McLrtid, C. Wilson ; 5-8, Y. JMcLeod, L. McLeocl; -1-, C. Downer; wing-, P. Williams , forwards, J. Hafforcl, P. Fultou, J. NicholLs, G. MeDonald, J. Toasdale, C. McLeod, J. Fulton. Emergencies : G. Nicholls, Porter, Fiiield, G. Eradly, Hart, Dicky, Playerij aie requested to atten i practice in the Parakai Hall on Wed_ nusday tvoning.