FOOTBALL.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 8, Issue 477, 27 May 1919, Page 1

FOOTBALL.

Opening of the Season. Results at a Glance : SENIOR. Pukekohe 6 v. Waiuku 3. Bombay 6 v. Tuakau 0. JUNIOR. Pukekohe 11 v. Waiuku 3. Tuakau 8 v. Bombay 4. During the last four years football in Fraoklin had been, literally, a pastime of the past, but it is gratifying to record this National game in this district has been resurrected once again and this time, it is hoped, resurrected for good. The season opened on Saturday with matches between Pukekohe and Waiuku and Tuakau and Bombay. In all cases full teams representative of the districts named took the field and as the scores indicate the games were some* what even. Considering the players, in all cases, were somewhat green, the play was good for the opening matches, and there is every possibility of the various teams becoming considerably improved as the season advances. The one feature of Saturday's play was the absence of combination. This was only to t>e expected under the circumstances as a number of selected players had not seen a ball for years. The Pukekohe seniors were conspicuous in this respect, whereas the Waiuku seniors were better, and at times fiisbes of brilliant play were noticeable The forwards lacked combination but at times played well. The fact that the majority of players were not conversant with the amended rules was a main factor in spoiling the play but Referee £. Donovan through using a great deal of tact and firmness soon " drummed " it into the players and by the end of the game matters went somewhat smoother, than was the case in the opening stages

ITKFKom 6 V. WAU'KC 3

The teams were : Pukekohe (maroon) Mams, Aiken, Jonas, Sutton, 0. Wilson, L. Reynold*, G Lucas, J. Blake, D. Maloney, E. Lucas, Marshall, Mason, Borich, W. Reynolds and L. Wilson. Waiuku (black)—P. Bright, Col Merthens, Molloy, Robinsoa (2), Irwin (2), C. Bright, Priest, McDonald, Miller, McNamara, Cox and F. Merthens. C. Wilson won the toss from Goe and defended the eastern goal. Four twenty minute spells were played. As the teams took the field it was thought the game would result in favour of Waiuku who stripped exceedingly well. This was als» borne out soon after play started as the Waiuku forwards dribbled the oval to within scoring distance but " Beef" Adams, the local full-back, saved in the nick of time by punting well down field The Waiuku forwards again took the leather to red 25 but " Jimmy " Blake secured and made a dashing run down the Hue. By brilliant play he put Waiuku on the defensive and it seemed as if the reds would cross the line but determined efforts of the black backs relieved an ugly position and play was shifted to half-way where it hovered for some minutes. Waiuku infringed and Len Reynolds found the line in black 25, a scramble resulted and " Woody " Reynolds marked in a good position. C. Wil-1 son was entrusted with the kick and he drew first blood. Pukekohe 3 v. Waiuku 0.

Waiuku tor wards followed the kick-off but the Pukekohe full-back again relieved and by a fine kick removed the scene of operations to halfway. The black forwards did not aland up to a rush headed by Mason and for offside play a free kick was awarded the home team but C. Wilson's kick went wide and the visitors forced, Adams returned the drop-out and by fast following up he tackled his man five yards from the Waiuku lino. A scrum resulted and the position looked awkward for W hiuku jhe blacks secured the oval from tli-i scrum and good heady forward piny was the result of putting Pukek. .he on the defensive. Waiuku on several occasions were within an kco of scoring but luck was against them and they were soon after busily ('ef-nding and G. Lucas was nearly over. Over-eagerness spoilt a great chanco to add to the score. The first spell ended with Waiuku on ihe defensive.

The sectnd apeil opened with Waiuku on the offensive and they had the red* hard defending until Jim Blake by clever footwork and brilliant individual play shifted play to Waiuku 25 The little fellow was seen to advantage a little later and nearly got over. From a scrum ntjur tljn Waiuku goal lino the black half back obtained possession and a uictf passing iush among tho backs put the reds on the defensive but Adams kicked high and relieved, but Waiuku marked in a good position. The kick, an easy one, missed by inches Waiuku were attacking tfhen half time sounded with the fcore l'ukekohe Waiuku 0.

SKCONI) HAI.F. Tlx r'ds vigorously attacked from tho kick i ft' and Waiuku wore comliblied to furco several times in rapid mccession. From a forward scramble Mason allot out, kicked high and it looked as if the Waiuku full-back

would fumble but he cleared cleverly and found the line in his own 25. From the line-out Waiuku took a hand in matters and play became terrifically fast. The Waiuku halfback set his backs in motion and they swept up the field and a certain try was lost through losing the ball on the line. Pukekohe forced several times. Play hovered around half-way for some time until the blacks set up a vigorous attack which resulted in P. Bright getting over. He took the kick himself and failed to add the major points. Score, three all. Waiuku returned the kick-out and the reds retreated and it looked as if they would again get over. The reds went to pieces, and were defending for some time, until G Lucas loomed up, and by a clever piece of individual play, shifted the scene to Waiuku's 25 Waiuku returned again, and Aiken saved the situation by forcing. 0. Lucas again dashed out, and took the ball to Waiuku's 25, where the red forwards carried the play oh to the line, where C. Wilson secured, and touched down. W. Adams took the kick, but failed Waiuku, 3. The third spell ended shortly after. The final spsll was very fast and even and some fine play was the result. Both sides were eager to score and both nearly scored on several occasions. Time sounded with play near half way. Mr E. Donovan of Auckland proved an efficient and impartial referee and controlled the game to the satisfaction of all concerned. During the match McNamara a Waiuku player received an injury to his ankle and retired. He was replaced by Myrtheus.

Bombay 6 v. Tuakau 0

The Bowbay-Tuakau match eventuated at Bombay in the presence of a fair attendance. The game was fairly even bus the home team predominated by sis points to nil. Mr E. Pollock jaye entire satisfaction as referee JUNIORS PuKEKOHE 11 V. WAIUKV 3 The Pukekohe juniors journeyed to Waiuku and met the home team after an excellent exhibition of Rugby, the visitors left the field yictors by 11 points to 1. Tries by V. Fulton Jim Adams and Jim Maloney. Adams converted 1 —1»» 3—a penalty goal Constable Chris tiansen referred in a capable and efficient manner. Tuakau 8 v. Bomhay 1 These teams met at Tuakau and a good game resulted. Tuakau prevailing by 8 poiuts to 4 Mr J. O'Malley gave entire satisfaction as referee.