FOOTBALL.

Taihape Daily Times, 24 June 1918, Page 4

FOOTBALL.

On Saturday the Pakeha and Maori football teams met to try conclusions on the local football ground. The following played for the Pakeha's team: Fullback Eaton; £, Bray, McGowan, McDonell; |, McAuliffe, Munro; i, Sinclair; forwards, Hay, Fran, Wildman, Donovan, Laurenson, Bennett, and Smith. The Maori team as far as we couid learn consisted; of H. King, Tali,.Chase, Whai, Hipi, Pini, C. Raukura, Morgan, Salmon, Shamrock, Tairua Rawhiti Tawake. Owing to the Pakehas not having a full team the start was delayed till 3.30, when both teams went on ito the field in full strength!, Thei Maoris won the toss and after kicking off the play was in midfield when the Pakehas went down the field with a forward rush, and Bray showing good pace scored with- : in. five minutes of starting; McAuliffe converted. On resuming the Pakehas again got the ball into the opponents' 25's, and McAuliffe tried to kick a goal from a mark, but failed. Play Was kept in midfield until Munro put in a good kick, which was smartly followed up by Tr Smith, who scored; McAiiliffe failed to;,convert — < .Pakehas"" S, Maoris 6. On resuming after half time

the Maoris evidently intent on evening up the score, took the play into their opponents' 25,. and from a throw in Raukawa secured and potted a neat goal. The .Pakehas then put in some good play, and kept the Maoris busy_ defending for quite a time, when from

a forward Tush Donovan got over the line with the ball, and Munro convert, ed. This put the Maoris on their mettle, and after working the hall down to their opponents ' 25 tried hard to notch a score, .but the defence was too solid, and time was called with the Pakehas defending. Pakehas 13; Maoris 4. The game throughout was uninteresting from a spectator's point of view owing to the slippery ground and greasy ball; however both teams put in some good play at times. In

the Pakehas' team Eaton as fullback

played a solid game, showing grea* improvement on last match. Bray, who is a new player to Taihape, is certainly worth a place in any team, showing both pace and certainty in taking the ball; Munro seemed to strike form, showing a good deal or his old dash, and was largely instrumental in opening up the game and allowing his side to score. McGowan as centre threequarter, is a safe man; McAuliffe as five-eighth, played in his usual brilliant style; Sinclair at half, was largely responsible for open, ing up the game, and had the ball been dry no doubt his efforts would have had better results. The forwards played with better combination than one would have expected, and stood up well against their opponents, who were by far the heavier team, T. Smith being the most prominent amongst them, playing with his usual dash. The Maori team seemed to lack ginger, and their dashes were very rare, Chase not playing up to his usual standard, although he made one or two fine dashes, and at one time got within a few feet of the line. C. Raukawa played a good solid game, and J. Pini showed some of his old form, but the Maoris generally lacked condition. Mr Wilson gave every satisfaction as referee.

An endeavour is (being made to arrange a match with Raetihi, to take place on the local ground next Saturday afternoon.