FOOTBALL.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVIII, Issue 6, 6 September 1915, Page 2

FOOTBALL.

SUB-EASTERN DISTRICTS’ FINAL. ' / A WIN FOR TOKO The position prior to the final for the championship, which was played at Toko on Saturday, was that Toko was in the lead by one point, and that, therefore, unless Whanga could secure a straight-out winj the honored position would be Toko’s, as a draw would 'still leave the latter one point to the good. As play transpired, however, Toko were returned the winners, and will hold the coveted Masters Shield for the year if the rumored protest as the result of an unfortunate incident at the close of the game falls to the ground.

By no stretch of imagination could the play be termed a good exposition of .Rugby, on the other hand, it must bei stated, the game was of a very mediocre description, consisting of innumerable scrums, line-outs, penalty kicks for infringements, and without relief by any thing in the semblance to combination, and altogether was such that', towards the close, the sound of the whistle grated upon the ear. Mr A. G. Stewart, of Kiore, refereed, and though his duties were onerous (as is always the case when two teams of the nature of those engaged are concerned) this scribe was not alone in the opinion that a more liberal interpretation in the use of the whistle would have been in the interests of players and spectators alike. This is not unfriendly criticism, which statement will be better understood when it is added that there are other referees in Taranaki who might with advantage give the suggestion their earnest consideration in the future. Tokoj had previously in the season beaten Wixanga, hut though the latter were without the services of three of their best forwards, Ned Shewry, Harry Corbett, and B. Henry, their supporters were still confident that ths championship was within their grasp. It was nearly four o’clock when the teams lined out as follow's:—

Wlxanga (Blacks).—*J. Roos, B. Hume, M, Priest (captain), J. Wilson, B. Martis, P. Corbett, C, Little, W. Cleaver, M. Collins, J. Matson, J. Walsh, A. Shewry, L. Deem, J. Rogers, H. Beckliam. • Toko (Yellows). —G. Mather, Cheer, Burgham, French, Beloe, Bonner (captain), C. Mather, Evans, Ritchie, J. Kilpatrick, Smith, Fincham, Carter, Ferguson, James. Priest won the toss and secured the advantage of a fairly stiff breeze blowing from railway end. Play had not settled down when Whanga had the bad luck to lose Martis, who was compelled to retire owing to an injury to his knee. His place was filled later by Fred Black who, blessed with more rotundity than in the days when he represented Manawatu, pluckily put in the boot to the end. The first spell ended without any score, the Yellows being successful in keeping their opponents at bay, though the Blacks missed several chances of goals from penalties. The Yellows were within an ace of scoring on two or three occasions, but only force-downs resulted. On changing round, the wind had dropped, but the Blacks were with the disadvantage of having a strong sun in their eyes. The Yellows pressed hard from the kicis off, and had their opponents defending for all they were worth, but the spell had progressed nearly half avlim from a scum on ibe Black line they, scrambled across the line, and Kilpatrick was given the honor of the try, which- was scored about ten yards from the touch line. The kick at goal was a very good attempt, being a poster. Give and take play followed until the call of time, when a most unusual incident eventuated. A free kick had been awarded Whanga, and the ball hit the crossbar and bounced back into the field, and as the Yellow backs proceeded to play it, Mr Skoglund, who was acting as timekeeper, blew his whistle. Thereupon the referee* blew for “time” (though the ball was not dead) and the players ceased, and, amid general shouts of disapproval, cheers were called for by the Toko captain. However, believing in the rights of the protest, Cleaver, for 'Whanga, picked up the ball and registered a try, and then formally put the ball over the bar.

The point was strongly, though good-naturedly discussed by several supporters of the teams, but it is not expected that the matter will be pushed forward. At the same time, it is an interesting point, and should be cleared up now that the question has arisen.

Of the winners., G. Mather, at fullback, was very safe, and played a great game. Burgham, French and Bonner did the bulk of the battling in the back division, while Captain Mather, Smith (the one andl only), Kilpatrick, and Ferguson showed up most prominently in the forward work. In the Blacks, the honors rested Avith Charlie Little, who was the main stay of the team, and got his side out of many a nasty corner. He was ably ! supported by Priest, Hume, Cleaver and Corbett among the backs. The forwards were a very even lot, but Shewry and Rogers (who, by the way, is minus one hand) were keen in following up. Opportunity is taken to thank Mr G. Morrison for his generosity in coming out to Stratford for a party, and after the match conveying them home in his motor car. Toko is fortunate in having one so full of enthusiasm for the Rugby game.