FOOTBALL.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVI, Issue 86, 15 August 1913, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

BIG LEAGUE FOOTBALL. TARANAKI 9 v. CANTERBURY 10. The game between these two teams on the Recreation Grounds, New Plymouth, yesterday afternoon, provided a first-class exposition of League, and should do much to advertise and popularise the New Rugby. The ground, however, was in no condition conducive to fast play, being very soft and in places sloppy with water. The consequence was that very often at the psychological moment a player quite unintentionally side-stepped his opponent or the ball or even his other leg, much to.his disgust and that of the ardent supporter on the touch-line, but it supplied an exasperating fund of amusement to the spectators generally and satisfaction to the prominent member of the opposing advanceguard. There must have been about 1000 persons present on the terraces. There was a lot of very fine give-and-take play during the first half, a score not being registered until well on towards the end. The leather travelled up and down the ground at a great rate, and play was exciting enough for most people. Moirs try was a pretty bit of work. He received the ball from a scrum at the 25 in Canterbury's territory and beating his opponents, 'passed to Hooker, who ran well up and returned the ball to Moir, who was about five yards from the line, and he just managed to get over. The kick at goal by Hooker was a good one, but failed. Taranaki 3, Canterbury 0. A free kick gave Smith (Canterbury) a shot, and he notched a good goal. Taranaki 3, Canterbury 2. The spell ended with the score unaltered.

In the second spell the yellow and blacks opened lire immediately. Moir and Hooker dashed out with the ball on a fast sprint, which ended in a score by Hooker, who failed to convert. Taranaki 6, Canterbury 2.

Some brilliant passing play ensued, and Taranaki handling well, Hooker was enabled to get over. The kick failed. iff!'' '

Taranaki 9, Canterbury 2. Both teams were beginning to feel the effects of a hard game on a heavy ground. Smith secured and transferred to Kostella, who scored after a fine bit of passing. .Shanks failed with the kick, and the score read: "Taranaki" 9,' Canterbury 5. Shanks, for the visitors, secured,: and passed; to Brunsden, who relieved, and'Shanks'scored. Smith'added the majorupoints.

Canterbury 10, Taranaki 9. Exciting play followed, but there was no further score.

THIRD GRADE CHAMPIONSHIP

OKAIAWA 14, SCHOOL 11

Qkaiawa sird grade and the New %mouth High School's senior team, winners of "-the southern and northern divisions ; respectively, played the final for the championship on the Stratford showground yesterday. The ground .was in good order and the game interesting. The first score was in the first five minutes, Bruce scoring from, a nice piece of work, and Sinclair converting. Swing's score was the result of a fine dribbling rush.

School 8, Okaiawa nil. Okaiawa then broke down the defence. A scramble behind the line gave them a try, which was not converted. B—3.

In the second spell, from a tight corner the Blue, backs scored another try, which was not converted. Morehu scored for Okaiawa ,and Heke added another try, as the result of fast following up. Okaiawa forced twice. Then Okaiawa gained the advantage, notching the winnig try.—Okaiawa 14, School 11.

Mr J. H. Thompson was the referee

SOLDIERS AT PLAY

The annual match Mounted Rifles v. H. Coy. Xlth Regiment for the cup presented by the officers of the mounted rifles last year will be played on Thursday! The cup is at present held by the infantry.