FOOTBALL.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9148, 18 May 1908, Page 5

FOOTBALL.

/ OLD BOYS V. UTIKU. ZSZ (Taihape Correspondent.)' The first cap match of the season on the Taihape oval took place on Saturday between the above and proved an interesting and exciting game, the Old Boys winning by 6 points to nil. At the start play was very interesting, but in the middle of the half the Old Boys were awarded a free kick, from which, at a difficult angle. Tod managed to pot a beautiful goal. Just before the end of the first speli the ball ,got past Utiku backs and Bertram for the Old Boys scored.' No goal resulted. In the second spell it seemed as if Utiku must.score, but they had no luck and no further score resulted. Of the two teams there was ;little difference, though the Old Boys certainly showed more combination. Wrightson, Bertram, Williams, and Haggar shone out more conspicuously. Bertram, I think, played the best game of his life. With regard to the Utiku team Blaikie and K. Sutherland were always prominent. The first-named, in my opinion, stood out by himself above both teams. He was always on the ball and played with his head, making no mistakes. R. Sutherland also played prominently. He is a hard grafter and always on the ball, and but for bad luck should,have scored several times. The game was a very enjoyable one from the onlookers’ point of view, several passing rushes by both teams being greatly appreciated. Mr Thompson had the whistle and gave very impartial decisions, and did so promptly, which in itself inspires confidence always. TAIHAPE Y. MATAROA. Tlie above match was played [at Mataroa on Saturday and resulted in a win for Taihape by 21 points to 7.' The game throughout was confined to the backs. Tries were got by Hasted 1, Carmody 2, and Woods. For the Mataroa team Worsop and Murphy scored. The Mangaweka v. Wiuiata match was played at Mangaweka and resulted in a win for the home fteam. Mangaweka is to be congratulated on their win, and it is hoped that now they have managed to put a good team in the field, they will ha able to maintain a prominent position in the battle for the trophy. At the formation of the Taihape Old Boys’ Club on Friday night last, a great amount of enthusiasm was evinced. There was a full meeting and the officers elected were: — Patron, Mi Morrison ; president, F. H. Gibbons; vice-president, O. McDonnell, E. A. Wakemau, and R. W. Smith ; captain, T. Barry; vicecaptain, G. Wrightson: secretary and Treasurer, A. W. Todd ; general committee, W. McLennan, Bertram, Evans, O. Hagger, Coffey and Williams ; selection committee, Messrs Haggar, Barry and Wrightson; Union delegates, Messrs Thompson and Murray; selector, J. Thurston. The new club in their match against Utiki looked real well in their new jerseys (black and white); We will look for them to make a name for themselves in the present season. KIA TOA Y. FEILDING. At Feilding on Saturday Kia Toa’s defeated Feilding by 13 points to 10, after a great game. The first spell Feilding had scored 10 points to nil, but in the second half Kia Toa’s crossed the line three times and McMiun converted twice. FEILDING 111. V. KIA TOA 111. With the wind behind them, Kia Toa attacked most of the first spell, hut were unable to score. On changing ends, Feilding, who were decidedly heavier than their opponents, made the play, and put on some fourteen points. RATA 11. W- BULLS 11.

This match was playedjat Rata’and after a close game resulted in a win for Rata by three points to nil, a try secured by J. Wilson from a good opening made by Green. The visitors had an easy chance from a penalty kick which was not accepted. i Rangitikei Reps play Wanganui at Wanganui on June 3rd (Prince of Wales’ Birthday. Horowhenua Reps visit Marion on Wednesday, 10th June, to play a return match against Rangitikei. On Wednesday Bulls Seniors meet Marton at Bulls. Hunterville 11. play Excelsiors 11. on Mr Pawson’s new ground and Marton 11. meet Rata 11. on the Marton Park.

Tlie following team will represent Bulls Seniors against Marton Seniors on Wednesday next: —A. George, J. Oapstick, F. Saywell, T. Richardson, J. H. Gray, W. Browne, G. Hinkley, S. Hurst, H. Green, J. Richardson, W, Garter, J. Thompson, A. Hartley, J. Swede, S. Garter. Emergencies: J. Rowlings, A. Carter, and J. Jackson.

Our Hunterville correspondent writes: —On Saturday night at an extraordinary meeting of the Football Club, Mr A. H, Warner’s resignation as secretary was received and accepted with regret, Mr O. Stratford agreeing to act as secretary pro tom. Bert Warner, who has taken an active part in all sports during his stay in Hunterville, and whose loss will undoubtedly be felt by the many friends ho has made, leaves to-day for Taranaki, and on his return takes up a position in Wanganui. May ho have good-luck wherever he goes.