FOOTBALL.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIII, Issue 23, 24 May 1912, Page 6

FOOTBALL.

CLIFTON (3) v. STRATFORD (0)

The Stratford seniors suffered their first reverse yesterday at the hands of the Clifton team, going down by three points (a try) to nil. Clifton, in the match they played here, did not

appear co have a very strong team, out yesterday, playing on their cwn ground, tliey made a much better showing, and goo their revenge by turning the tables on the local men. Excitement ran high right through the match, which was exceedingly fast and open. Stratford kicked off, with a high wind at their hacks, and Clifton, failing to return the kick, a series of scrums took place in their twenty-five. Stratford were penalised for handling in the scrum, but Clifton's kick failed to iind the line. Brown secured, and found touch with a good kick. The first line-out saw the Clifton vanguard get going, and they swept the ball down the" line ;n good style. Eggleston and Gocdwin made bids for a try in Cfuifk succession, the former getting hushed out on the touch line, and the latter being held up after he had put in a nice sprint. Stratford took a hand in the game scon after, and the forwards dribbled light up the field, to have their efforts nullified by D. Cameron, who punted over the line. Getting going again, George set up a forward rush, which was spoilt by offside play. Later Goodwin had a shot from a. mark, secured by Crowley, but the attempt was abortive'. Following suit, Stratford also had an unsuccessful shot, the leather going close enough to make the Clifton supporters look uneasy. Clifton livened up, and Kupe instituted a passing rush, which petered itself out, the wing being collared in possession. Give-and-take play followed, in which Clifton were getting the better of the serums, while Stratford, who were getting plenty of ehances, were not able to take advantage of them, the backs bring guilty of faulty handling and inaccurate passing. ' or.ee Goodwin mulled right in front of the goal, and Stratford marked. D. Cameron, however, failed to put the ball over, and half-time sounded with neither, side having scored. Shortly before, McDavitt left the held, incapacitated. The second spell opened with Clifton doinp; their utmost to score, and, with the wind behind their backs, they seemed to have a good chance of attaining this desired end. A good mark, however, saved Stratford for the time being. Eggleston, after nearly letting the reds' return attack get the better of him, retrieved his honours by getting in a splendid line-kick. Stratford made good efforts to score, but could not finish up their efforts by touching dow,n. Clifton then got the upper hand, but they, too, failed to make the most of their opportunities, a probable score being spoilt by a foolish attempt on the part of Fuller to pot. Both sides were putting in some good work, and the opposing halves were each successful on getting their backs going on more than one occasion, faulty play being the cause rjf neither side opening up an account. A rush started • by Cameron appeared! to have succeeded, but Goodwin effected an extremely lucky save. Subsequently from a scramble in Stratford's territory, Cain picked up and scrambled over. Fuller- failed -to convert. The reds did not give up trying, but somehow failed to equalise matters. When the whistle blew they were still pegging at it, with no success, Clinton thus winning by three points. Mr. F. Spurdle was referee. "nEST JUNIORS. INGLEWOOD v. STAR. At Inglewood the. local juniors beat Star by f7,points to nil. Star won the toss, and played with the wind, but they failed to score, B. Stimpson crossing the line for the home team just before the first spell closed. In the first spell the game was confined to the forwards, but in the second Tnglewood opened play up, and tries were scored by B. Stimpson, Karalus, Russell, and F. Nicholls, one being converted by R^-Nicholls. TUKAPA v. STRATFORD. The above teams met at New Plymouth. Tukapa had the best, of the game in the first spell, being six points (two tries) ahead at the call of time. In the second spell the v\,'nd was against the home team, but, though hard pressed on many occasions, the visitors succeeded in equalising the score with two tries. Mr. 1. Petty carried the whistle.