Football.

Putaruru Press, Volume VI, Issue 255, 20 September 1928, Page 1

Football.

Putaruru 14 v. Pacific 6. The final for the Jensen Cup between the above teams resulted in a win for Putaruru by 14 points to 6. ‘ The game was not a very inspiring ! exhibition, as neither team was up to strength, one side having only thirteen men until half-time, when another substitute appeared. Putaruru’s score included eight lucky points. F. Brown scored and Patterson conveited after Brown had knocked on badly, but it was impossible for the referee to see the breach. This was at a critical period and probably had a disheartening effect upon Pacific. Wharetini gave Putaruru another try by taking matters too easy. From a shot at goal "by Putaruru the ball rolled well out to the dead ball line on the side away from play. Wharetini ambled after the ball. Meanwhile L. Martin had come up unobserved on the wing and before Wharetini woke up to the fact, Martin had beaten him to the ball. It will no doubt provide a lesson for all players; first, as to the value of following up, and, secondly, as to the danger of “ loafing on the job.” Pacific did not produce as good football as was expected. The forwards were really beaten, and the backs wasted opportunities by running across field, thus putting the wings offside. Many free kicks were awarded against them for this breach. | Penalty after penalty against a team | is disheartening, but the fault lies j with the team itself when it will per- ! sist in breaking the same rule over i and over again.

Wharetini and Bullot were the pick of the backs again, and Hodge in the forwards. For Putaruru, W. Dunlop and G. Brown played well in the forwards, while Morton and Patterson gave their usual useful displays. Putaruru’s half-back is a much improved player, his defensive work being very good at times. L. Martin came on at half-time and showed he still has some dash. Generally, the game was a disappointing exhibition for a final and Putaruru was lucky. The Pacific Forests team deserves

every credit for the true sporting way in which it lias fulfilled its engagements every Saturday in spite of difficulties of transport and other handicaps. It has been absolutely reliable, as have its members chosen for representative games. Such persistency deserves reward, and fferhaps next season will see it came Pacific’s way. The victory on Saturday gave Putaruru the cup for the first time. WAIKATO V. THAMES VALLEY. The following team has been selected to represent Waikato against Thames Valley at Hamilton on Saturday : Full-back, Quin (Waipa); threequarters, Anderson (Morrinsville), Kemp (Hamilton), Story (Matamata); five-eighths, Fitzgerald (Hamilton), Tuck (Hamilton); half-back, Buckingham (Hamilton); rover, Kay (Waipa); back row, W. Bourke (Cambridge), Stubbs (Hamilton); middle row, D. Bourke (Cambridge), Courtney (Hamilton), A. Cameron (Morrinsville) ; front row, C. Christie (Hamilton), Holmes (Waipa). Reserves : Backs, P. Clarkin (Hamilton); forward, H. Johnston (Hamilton).

The selector has stuck to the “ old guard ” in his selection for the last match of the season. This is regrettable in some respects. Under the conditions he might have taken a risk and tried out a few of the younger players such as McDonald (Putaruru), Ensor (Putaruru) and Devey (Matamata). The suggestion is particularly applicable taking into consideration the fact that it will probably be early in next season again when Waikato will have to meet Auckland. The must rely to a large extent on this season’s form in his picking for that match, so that it does not seem that he will get an improved team. He has not built up.

SATURDAY’S RESULTS. ThS Third Test. J.* New South Wales 11, New Zealand 8. Interprovincial Results. Auckland 56, Thames Valley 8. Hawke’s Bay, 21, Auckland 8. Wairarapa 31, Manawhenua 10. Wellington 22, Otago 9. Wellington 19, Nelson 14. WAIKATO v. TARANAKI. Taranaki Win Again. - : By 8 Points to 6. J||| Earlier in the season Waikatoi lost to Taranaki at Stratford, but after a clear cut victory against Wanganui a fortnight ago hopes ran high that Waikato ' would win "the return fixture on Saturday. On paper these hopes seemed as though they might be soundly based, for several familiar names were missing from the visitors’ ranks. On the other hand Story and Christie, who were indisposed, failed to turn out for Waikato. In a game in which the best work was done by the forwards of each side’, Taranaki won by a penalty goal and converted try to two tries by Waikato. This was about all the difference .there was between the teams. The Taranaki forwards at times showed superiority to the Waikato pack, but the real weakness of the home team, particularly in the second half, was in the inside backs. Guy as rover outplayed Kay. In the last quarter it seemed that only a snap score by Waikato could win them the game and they failed to secure it.

A most notable part of the meeting of the teams was the number of replacements by Taranaki during the game. The visitors exhausted the supply of emergencies and then called upon men who had originally gone off. The teams were:—

Waikato (red, yellow and black).— S- Thomas, P. Quin, W. Allen, M. Anderson, Fitzgerald; Tuck, A. Buckingham, L. Kay, C. Cameron, Stubbs, A. Cameron, P. Courtney, D. Bourke, E. Holmes, Hewitt. Taranaki (amber and black). —Collins, Carter, Brown, Crawford, Johnston, Court, Riley, A. Guy, Wills, R. Guy, Walters, Ike, Espin, Robinson, Murphy. Mr. B. Chapman was referee.

The game opened in perfect weather. When the teams lined out it was apparent that Waikato had the advantage in weight, especially in the hack division. Taranaki kicked off but Quin made to the Taranaki 25 with a kick with the wind. Robinson broke through the line out to near halfway. Buckingham opened up' to Fitzgerald to Anderson, who punted infield and D. Bourke was penalised for offside. Anderson missed a chance of passing out again to Fitzgerald, who had got into position. A halt was called for a hurt to Walters, the Taranaki captain, who was replaced by Smith. On the resumption Collins made ground for the visitors and A. Guy continued on but Fitzgerald stopped them. Play was of a somewhat scrambling nature at this stage. Collins next put in a good kick to halfway to stop Fitzgerald. Waikato got into a good attacking position from a movement started by Holmes, but Fitzgerald knocked on when favourably placed. Waikato again got right on to the visitors’ line through a follow up by the fullback, Thomas, but Brown broke through and indecision on the part of three Waikato backs saw Taranaki into Waiktoa’s 25. Enthusiasm was aroused by a fine run by Stubbs and Allen. The latter got over, but was recalled for offside. Immediately, on the other wing, Tuck opened up and passed to Fitzgerald, who dropped the pass. Tuck came round again and picked up and gave to Anderson close in, and the Morrinsville winger got over. Kay failed with the kick.

Waikato 3 Taranaki 0 Taranaki worked down and Allen had to mark when the yellows were well on the attack. Kay broke through and sent Courtney away, but the Waikato lock sent in again to Kay with Anderson running along outside him. It was a good opportunity missed. Taranaki again made ground through the forwards, and Ike narrowly missed a goal fhom a free. Quin then intercepted and cut out two men, but was grassed at halfway. Waikato were

combining better and were the more dangerous, but the passing was erratic and at times blind. A combined movement in which both Waikato backs and forwards took part put Waikato back to Taranaki territory as the quarter time bell sounded. Court, the Taranaki fiveeighths, went off and Watson (the New Plymouth High School boy) came into play. Walters, by arrangement, had come back again. Waikato attacked early in the second spell. Near the Taranaki line Buckingham passed well out to Courtney, who appeared to get over, but a five yards scrum was ordered, from which Robinson cleared. The visiting forwards got right down in some loose work from which Quin cleared to his 25. From the line out C. Cameron broke through to halfway. The prettiest movement of the game to this stage then eventuated. Carter cut in beautifully to send to Brown, who made a lot of ground, but the All Black was well collared by Thomas. A. Cameron was prominent in a Waikato rush and had bad luck in missing the bounce when clear for a try. Walters again went off. Waikato continued on the offensive, but Robinson marked cleverly, and play went to halfway. Waikato were still having the better of matters until Johnston put Taranaki on the offensive. Guy opened up from the scrum and it went through several sets of hands to Crawford, who looked likely to get over, but Thomas got to him in time with a solid tackle. The visiting forwards were now playing a much' harder game, and monopolised the play for a while until penalised for illegal scrum work. The visitors spoilt another chance on the Waikato line by infringing. The Taranaki forwards were now hard at it, and were overrunning the Waikato pack, and Watson really got over to be recalled for a forward pass. Quin broke away in the ensuing play, and Stubbs apntinued on to give Waikato respite at half time, which was called with the scores: ' —~v Waikato 3

Taranaki %. 0 The second half opened ally. Prom Taranaki’s kick Kay, instead of punting, sent to Buckingham to Allen to Quin. The winger made a lot of ground and sent in to Fitzgerald, who passed to Courtney to score under the posts. Thomas’ kick failed. It was a surprise movement inasmuch that by all the rules Kay should have kicked for the line. It was the unorthodox play . which caught Taranaki off their balance. Waikato 6 Taranaki 0

Within a minute Crawford cut through the centre field. Watson following fast gathered in his stride and ran In unopposed. Brown converted. , Taranaki 5 Waikato 6

Waikato made tracks on the resumption and Anderson was only stopped on the line with a pass from C. Cameron. Whalen was now playing fullback for the visitors, vice Collins, who had retired. Quin was playing centre for the home team, Allen having gone on to the wing. Quin had a kick from just over halfway, but dropped short. Play was in Taranaki ‘ territory until Riley set his backs going. It passed through a number of hands, Carter handling twice. The ball came infield, however, where Fitzgerald .infringed, to give Ike a chance which he made r.o mistake with. Taranaki 8 Waikato 6

At the other end C. Cameron and Anderson put in good work down the wing, Anderson just failing to reach the line before being solidly tackled. Kay had a shot at goal which went a foot outside and ultimately Crawford cleared to over halfway with a kick to the line. The game was even at this stage, each side attacking in turn. Ike put in some good toe work in a loose rush by Taranaki and Thomas had to force. Taranaki were at this stage playing the brightest football of the game. Taranaki had the wind with them in the last quarter and had the better of the play. The backs were going very fast. Both teams had chances, one of the best being from a burst by A. Cameron who did not have just •enough pace. Thomas essayed a drop kick which fell short and play again went to halfway. It was like one of the old time pictures-of college matches at this stage. The collaring was deadly and men ■ were falling everywhere. Taranaki hadto force from a kick by Thomas, but Waikato continued to strive hard for the score which would put them ahead. The, homesters were penalised to relieve a solid pressure

against the Taranaki line. Espin went off, being replaced by Wolfe, who made the fifth replacement for the visitors. The game was now principally amongst the forwards in which Waikato were not quite holding their own. Thomas twice got in good line kicks which sent play to Waikato’s territory. Taranaki were having slightly the better of matters at the close, but there was no further score, the visitors getting a twopoint win. Taranaki 8 W aikato 6 Notes. Anticipations that the second meeting of the Waikato and Taranaki representatives would be productive or bright football were not realised. Saturday’s match was a very draD, ragged game, with very few pieces of brilliant or bright play. Taranaki deserved their win if only for the fact that they played the brightei football.

Waikato had chances to win, but would not take them. Two certain scores were thrown away through the player with the ball not passing out the right side. Generally, there was too much wild passing which Taranaki profited by. Another point that was perplexing was the change of kickers at goal. If one player had been stuck to right through the game there would have been a probability of evening the score, if not winning the match.

The best piece of play of the day was given by Waikato. It was a sensational start to the second half. Taranaki kicked off and Kay slung the ball in-field. The backs went away and the ball went through about seven or eight pairs of hands before it came to those of Courtney, who crossed the line. The referee could not keep up with it, which was lucky for Waikato as in the closing stages there was a pass forward. But the play was worthy of a try. Waikato were distinctly disappointing, and showed the worst form this season. The whole team lacked combination. Though the forwards had the advantage in weight over their opponents, they had none the better of the game. They played as individuals, not as a pack. There was far too much waiting for some one to bring the ball along and they aid not bother to come round. The result was that the Taranaki forwards were enabled repeatedly to change defence into attack and to nullify any advantage that had been gained in a loo;e rush. Taranaki had rather the better of the scrum work and the lineout work. Waikato forwards played spasmodically. Of the forwards, Courtney, Holmes and A. Cameron were the pick. C. Cameron showed up in the first spell a lot in the line out work, but in the second spejl was rarely seen. It appeared .as__!.■• Taranaki had told off an extra man to watch him and he was getting very much bustled. Stubbs had plenty of pace on the loose, but showed no inclination for the tight work or close play. The trouble with the Waikato backs was mainly owing to the weakness of the five-eighths, Fitzgerald being very poor. Buckingham was not an ideal half, but owing to Guy, the Taranaki wing forward, playing all over Kay he had a pretty bad time behind the scrum. At any time he was excelled by Riley, the Taranaki half, in getting the ball away. Tuck was not too sure in handling, and took too many passes standing. Fitzgerald was faulty in handling. He cut in well, but that was his downfall. The trouble was that Fitzgerald expected the rest of the team to play to him instead of realising that his mission was to make openings for his threequarters. The Taranaki backs very soon appreciated his game and when he did pass there was a Taranaki back waiting to intercept the pass. Why the five-eighths did not vary their game with the stab Vick is inexplicable. 1

With the failure of the fiveeighths the threequarter line was starved. Neither Quin nor Allen, who changed places in the second half, had a chance at centre. The wing threequarters had few openings. Allen was not impressive, and Anderson’s weakness on defence was noticeable. Quin was the best of the threequarter line, kicking and tackling well. His weakness is in passing. He does not let the ball go to the supporting back soon enough. S. Thomas was the pick of the backs. His tackling was very sound and his kicking rather better than or late. He was handicapped by interference by other backs and their not covering him.

Kay as wing forward played a hard, honest toiling game. But he would be far better in the back row of the scrum. He does not handle well and often hesitates, probably from fear of getting offside and from inability to anticipate, which should be the greatest feature of a wing forward or" rover’s play. He had a good man against him in Guy, but he

strove hard all through the game. The Taranaki backs were nippy on attack, and their handling and kicking was ahead of Waikato. One thing that was noticeable was their side stepping, in marked contrast to the Waikato attack. Collins was a cool fullback. Johnston was the pick of the five-eighths and Brown of the threequarters. A player who came on in the second half and who took a great deal of watching was Watson, a sturdy wing threequarter. In the forwards Guy, Ike, Robinson and smith were the most prominent.