FOOTBALL.

Ohinemuri Gazette, Volume XXII, Issue 2793, 22 May 1911, Page 2

FOOTBALL.

SATURDAY'S MATCHES.

The weather was ideal for football on Saturday afternoon, and there was a good attendance at the football ground at Paeroa to witness the match between West and Netherton seniors. It was a strenuous contest, keenly fought out, and was won by West by six points to three. Four spells of twenty minutes each were played, Mr C. Mettam being referee, and he carried out his duties with marked success. In the first spell West secured a try mainly through the efforts of H. Manning, who followed up a* high kick, rushed the ball over the line and scored. The kick at goal was not successful. In the second spell West scored another try. The ball had . been rushed right up to the Netherton goal line, and amidst the scramble " Ted" Sbaw snapped up the ball, fell across.the line^ and scored. Again the kick at goal failed. The third spell passed without any score, but in the last twenty minutes Netherton made great efforts to get the scores even. For a time they were unsuccessful in scoring, although they were near to it on several occasions. About five minutes before the call of time Netherton rushed the ball down to West's goal line, arid Duncan picked up the leather smartly and jjot across the line. The attempt to convert ' was a good but unsuccessful one, and

when the time was called West had won

by six points to three.

Although there was not much to choose between the teams, West >as undoubtedly slightly the better. Possibly Netherton was a little stronger in the forward discussion, but this was more than balanced by the superiority of the West backs. The failing of most of the Netherton backs was in fielding the ball, their mistakes in this respect allowing the opposing towards time af^er time to prevent the ball being returned. Of course, this was not always the case, the backs sometimes ,(and Dunn nearly always) getting in good serviceable kicks. West backs, on the other hand, fielded the ball fairly well, and on a tew occasions got on some fair passing runs, although there was a tendency to run across the field.

Taken all round, the game was an in.r teresting one for the spectators, the players lasting out a hard game right to the end. The contest was also, more scientific than some that have preceded it this season, and it is evident that the young players are obtaining a. better knowledge of the finer points of Rugby.

The junior match between East and West juniors was played as a " curtain raiser " to the senior game, Mr A. Hill being referee. East obtained two. tries (one converted) and two penalty goals, while West secured a try, East thus

winning by 14 points to three. The scores do not by any means indicate the merits of the teams, although East were certainly a little too good for their oppiments. At times there was some even blilliant play, but the game was marred b)»an altogether unnecessary amount of talking. A strict referee would put a stop to the continued arguments of the players, and the game would thereby proceed much., more satisfactorily. Juniors as well as seniors should learn that there is no occasion for talking, while playing ; there is plenty of time after the game for discussion. '

The junior game on Saturday did not

commence until 2:35 Pm» thus also delaying the senior game. In view of the fact that the days are still shortening, it would be as well for the Rugby Union to see that matches are commenced up

to time in future,