FOOTBALL NOTES.

Shannon News, 25 May 1923, Page 3

FOOTBALL NOTES.

11 Geo.' Wilkinson, who played in second hall lor Shannon juniors on Saturday last, could he induced to don the jersey ior the coming season lie would he a valuable acquisition .to the hack division, as he is safe, can take a hall well, and is fast. Frank Wilson, we understand, has agreed to coach Shannon Thirds this season.

In the Shannon Juniors’ team the unusual sight .is to he .seen of father and son playing, viz.. J. Gray and this son W. Gray.

Shannon Juniors, in their match against Mangahao at Shannonßarber, G. Wilkinson, Cliutie, C. Johnson, Napier, Taylor, Terry, Heaven, F. Johnson, Andrews, Fitzgerald, Moore, W. Gray, J. Gray, and Murray. Emergencies, Brooks, Onsey and Pettersen.

Shannon Thirds against Foxton, at Foxton.—T. Holden, F. Jamieson, W. McEwan, McDonald, B. Holden, Easton, Dnlzell, H. McEtven, Cole, Lankshear, A. Jamieson, Kilminster, Bowler, Robinson and Stokes.

TOKOMARU 9. KOPUTAROA 5

From the kick-off the fast Tokomaru forwards forced the play and only the fine defensive Work of Stickles kept them from scoring. In the tight the heavy Koputaroa forwards held their opponents, but in the open with the ball at toe, Tokomaru men took a power of stopping and generally with Dalziell, M.’Parr and S. Liggins at their head, they made repeated attacks on the Koputaroa line, but over-eagerness on their part often spoilt a good scoring chance. Tokonraru kept hammering away and at last their efforts were rewarded, their first score being ihe result of a fine effort by K. Whyte, who secured ihe ball from a long throw in, and dashing straight up field, heat three opponents, and transferred to his brother Norman, whose pace enabled him to cap off a fine piece of work. From the knock-out Koputaroa attacked with great dash and an opening made by Stickles saw Broughton cross the line. McDonald converted. Koputaroa 5, Tokomaru 3. From this on Tokomaru hacks began to throw the ball about, and a fine passing rush ended in N. Whyte dashing over at the corner. Rowlands kicked and missed. From 1 the kick-out Tokomaru backs again got going, but Stickles was the stumbling ’block, and repeatedly turned 1 defence into attack. The condition of the Toko team no!w began -uriei i and they gradually wore their opponents down, until with a great dash they carried the ball over the fine. Fry securing thie try. The kick ■(gain failed, and Me game ended. For Tokomaru, N. Whyte. A. Rowland and Umbers were the pick of the backs, and Dalziell and Parr of the forwards, while lor Koputaroa Stickles played a great game and McDonald was the best of the forwards. Mr Reran capable controlled a difficult game, his cpiick decisions meeting with general approval.

The match Tokomaru v. Koputaroa last Saturday was a clean hard-fought game from „uu-t' to finish. The Koputaroa team have a solid pack of forwards but. are not in very good form. They will be a hard team towards the end of tire season. Stickles was a tower of strength to them and turned defence into .attack time after time.

Tokomaru possess a good pack of forwards but they will have to improve their serum. M. Parr and S. Liggins played solid games while H. Fry played well.

I.imberg plays well at half back, although a bit on the light side. He hits a had habit of passing instead of kicking in his own twenty-five. K. Whyte is safe af five-eighths, hut is 100 1 oud of Ibe short punt. N. Whyte is a lower of strength to his side.

.Thdd at wing three-quarter is weak. He nils infield, when he should hick and speculates too much. C. Whyte on the other wing shows promise of making good. j. White, at full back, would be much better if he was to take the ball on the full. His collaring is fnirlv good.