FOOTBALL.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 22, 18 May 1914, Page 2

FOOTBALL.

OKATO (9) V. STAR (8). The match Okato v. Star was played at Okato on a dry ground in dull but windy weather. Okato were superior in the forward division and Star in the backs, but Okato's forward play enabled them to win a match which was in doubt right up, till the last moment. Okato set up strong rushes from the kick-off, and Star were forced twice in quick succession. From a scrum in Star's twenty-five Okato secured the ball and as a result of a nice passing rush Aylward scored, Xarbey failing with the kick.—Okato 3, Star 0. Not long afterwards Eustace headed an Okato rush which ended in 0. Julian forcing his way over the line. Eustace failed 'to convert.—Okato 6, Star 0. The score was not altered when half time was called, though Eustace had two shots at goal from penalties, one going just under the bar. When ends were changed. Star, who now had the advantage of the wind, attacked strongly and Okato were forced twice at short intervals. From a scrum Stanley scored for Star under the .posts, .McKay converting.— Star 5, Okato 6. , Very soon Stanley made a great opening, and from a pass from Tito to Skipper, the latter scored. The kick failed.—Star 8, 6. Star now kept play up at Okato's end, hut the defence was sound. The wind dropping a little the Okato forwards dribbled the ball to the. other end, and Aylward securing, forced his way over. Eustace failed to goal.— Okato 9, Star S. Okato continued to press, but later play was taken to half-way. Stanley (Star), with a fine dash, nearly over, but Julian forced just in time The game closed without further score. Mr Snell carried the whistle. CLIFTON (3) V. TUKAPA (3). Tukapa and Clifton met on Western Park, New Plymouth. Considering the weather, the game was a goorl one, being closely contested and Availing. Clifton were superior in the forwards, but Tukapa's defence was solid, and individual clashes kept the game lively. There were numerous stop, pages on account of disablement of players. The most serious injury was a twisted knee suffered by Brown (Tukapa), Avhose work at half was naturally affected thereby. Neither side crossed the line, both scores beiiiy. from penalty goals. In the first spell Btohr scored for Tukapa, sending the ball over the bar from half-way. In the second spell Abbott kicked a goal for Clifton. .Mr W. lloch controlled the game. THE SENSOR COMPETITION. STRATFORD (14) v. INGLEWOOD (0). Stratford and Inglewood met at Inglewootl on Saturday. The ground was sodden and rain fell persistently throughout the game. Stratford very soon manifested their superiority, though the greasy hall was against them showing at their best. Inglewood started the game with a vigorous assault, but a mark stopped them and Stratford set up a passing rush. Soon afterwards Cameron came out of a bunch, boat the homo rearguard, and scored a try, which Young converted.—Stratford 5, Inglewood 0. The. home team sol off with a dribbling rush, lint the ball went out, and their next attack was stopped by a good punt by Whittington. Stratford made several- atetacks, but were frequently penalised. The ball was sent to Brown by one of the home players, and he promptly scored. The kick failed.—Stratford 8, Tnglewood n. The spell then ended. A very short spell was taken, and on resumption Strafford ras on the aggressive. From a tbiow-iti Young

scored, but Reid failed to convert. — Stratford 11, Inglewood 0. Not long afterwards the visitors got the ball from a scrum and Young registered another try. He took the kick himself, but failed to add the major points.—Stratford 14, Inglewood 0. For the rest of the game Inglewood were kept on the defensive, but the' score was not altered, i Mr P. Spurdle acted as referee. [ „.. STRATFORD PRIMARIES v. WAITARA. The primary team from Stratford 'School journeyed to Waitara on Saturday and were victorious to the tune 'of 20 points to nil. They knew far too much for the home boys, but it was not until the second spell that the 'points were run up. When the teams crossed over, Stratford had registered only three points, but the latter hair saw Waitara hopelessly outclassed. Tries were scored by J, Nolan (2). B. Neil '2). E. M'Clough and P. Hancock, while Nolan also converted one of the tries. The game was played in two 30'e, and Mr Cossier refereed.