FOOTBALL.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIII, Issue 11, 10 May 1912, Page 5

FOOTBALL.

SENIORS.

TUKAPA (3) v. STRATFORD (3)

i There was not -a large attendance at > Western Park, New Plymouth, yesterj day, when Stratford and Tukapa seniors met for the first time, and those who were present did not witness a - very brilliant game of Rugby. Kicking and forward rusnes were the predowi- [ nating feature. What tnere were in . the way of passing rushes were all in- - bulged in by the visitors, who, however, did not gain much ground by them, as they generally wound up on the other side of the field parallel with die starting.point. Cameron (2), Dive, Boon, Osbcrae, and G. Fearon were unable to play for Stratford, the.r places being filled by, juniors. Tukapa won the toss and played in the first spell with a strong wind behind, bull against the (sun. The first spell was all in Tukapa’s favour, but though they forced Stratford on numerous occasions the only score they could Detain was a nice goal kicked by Stour from, a mark. Loveridge on one occasion apparently got over the I nc, but no try was awarded. In tne second spell Stratford had the better of the game, and scored a try. Young kicked off, and J. Stohr’s return was mulled by Stewart and Whittaker, who was following up fast, almost got through. A scrum ensued under tne posts, but an infringement gave Stratford relief. A nice kick by MeGiven brought the blues back again. A mis-kick then enabled Stratford to force. The blues still pressed, but Iv;vell was safe. Whittaker Bros, and G. Loveridge were responsible for a movement which saw the latter get over the line, but no try was allowed. Several forces followed in rapid succession. Stratford now livened up, and a rush headed by Fearon and Young was checked by McOiven marking on the own goal line. A high kick by Stohr and a run by Brown ended,.in a scrum on the Stratford line. Whittaker picked the ball out of the scrum, and a free kick gave relief. The first score came from a free kick by Stohr, after L. Whittaker had marked. Tukapa still were the aggressors, and Stohr warvery noticeable. Fearon, Young, and Brown, aided by a long kick from Anderson, reached Tukapa’s twenty-five. The ball was soon returned, W. Whittaker being the principal factor. A long kick by Bon nor removed the danger, and Wilson, following) up, saw White called on to defend. Stewart next spoilt a good Stratford attack by trying to pot and Tukapa were forced for the first time. Returning to the attack, Stohr marked and made a good but unsuccessful attempt at goal. On play being resumed after half- j time, Stratford took advantage of the ■wind and set up an attack, Tukapa being forced twice in succession. St rat- ' ford gradually worked the ball down, ; and'a scrum on the blues’ line followed. Brown cleverly saved, and a long , kick by Stohr found the line at half- ; way. 'Stratford backs set up their ; first passing rush, D. Cameron being thrown out well in the Tukapa twenty- . five. Offside play 'by Loveridge gave , Kivell a shot, which, however, vyas spoilt. From the throw-in Anderson marked and kicked, he'ng well followed up, Loveridge was just in time to ■ force. Ward put in some good play on resuming, but was checked by Cam- ■ cron. A passing rush between Anderson, Stewart, Jones, and Crawshaw ■ saw the latter over the line, where he ■ lost the ball, a force resulting. Stratford backs opened out the game, and j kept Tukapa busy. From a line-but ] Connor scored and equalised the j points. Kivell’s kick at goal failed. Mr. G. Hopkins held the whistle.