FOOTBALL.

Taihape Daily Times, 8 July 1918, Page 4

FOOTBALL.

0 TAIHAPE V. RAETIHI. The match between Tahape and Raetihi, which had been looked forward to with considerable interest by local sports, was played on the Recreation Grounds on Saturday afternoon. But whatever chance there was of a good expositicn of Rugby football was completely spoilt by the execrable weather, a cold, drizzling rain falling throughout the game, the ground consequently being in a sloppy, slippery condition. Notwithstanding the adverse weather there was a good sprinkling of spectators. Raetihi won the .toss, and elected to defend the northern end, having the advantage of a slight wind, which dropped as the game progressed. Both teams for the first twenty minutes played one man short. From the kick-off play went down to Taihape's 25, and. stayed there practically the whole of the first spell, the local team having a busy time keeping their line clear, relieved by an occasional Hash into neutral territory. It was soon evident that the vistors had the best pack, breaking through the scrum time after time. Wilson being particularly prominent, ably seconded by Bain, wing forward. The Taihape forwards "were beaten in the scrums, and rarely got tho ball. A scrum was formed in Taihape's 25, and the visiting forwards broke through, taking the ball with them; Ness and Bain being quickly on the leather, and what looked like an almost certain score was averted by Taihape forcing. At this stage Munro had to retire, having ricked his knee, and J. McAuliffe came to wing-three-quarter. On resuming, Taihape were again pinned in their 25, with Raetihi making big efforts to break through, and Taihape's full-back had a busy time relieving, Eaton playing a fine, cool game, being very sure in hi 3 handling of the ball, and by his judicious line-kicking relieving his side again arid again: But Raetihi kept up the attack, and from a scrum in front of Taihape's goal the visitors again, got away with the ball, Taihape having a bit of luck in saving by forcing down. If was evident from the play so far that Taihape's forwarus were outclassed, though Kelly was playing a hard, consistent game. The first speel ended with no score on either side, Raetihi having decidedly the best of the play; on only three occasions was their territory invaded, and then for a very brief period. Taihape now realised they were up against a stiff proposition, and on starting the second spell rushed the ball to Raetihi's quarters, but the same want of cohesion was noticeable among tnc local forwards, and this disinclination to follow up an advantage was evident. Some uninteresting scrum and line work took place, relieved by some long-distance kicking between Julian" and McAuliffe, the battel al'way's kicking high and by fast following up putting his men on side; but his efforts were nullified by the slowness of'the Taihape men. About "hallway through the spell a very pretty piece of passing was initiated by the Taihape men. Froni a scrum in Raetihi's 25 the ball came-out to Sinclair, who, taking it neatly, passed to Smith, who after a short run trnasferred to Connolly, who in turn passed to Pinl, the last-named shooting the ball onto Chase, but Chase, who was standing too far out failed to take the pass. Ness, who was playing a fine game, came up with his forwards behind him, and relieved the pressure, the ball going out at the 25 flag. On being | thrown in the ball was quickly rushed | up-field, and some give and take play ' resulted in the ball being forced up towards Taihape's line, and from a lJL.se forward rush after a slippery elusive ball the Raetihi men rushed tne ball over Taihape's line. Ness, who was always on the ball, succeeded in touching down, scoring first blood for Raetihi. The major score was not registered. On resuming Taihape made great efforts to equaling the score, and forced the ball down to Raetihi's 25, where Taihape secured a mark, and though at a difficult angle, TakaTangi made a fine though unsucjfrrxs cesssful shot at goal. Two other attempts by Takarangi met with a like result. Some very uninteresting line play took place, scrums resulting so often from Taihape's faulty throwing in as to be tiresome. Taihape were now making frantic efforts to score, but the defence of the visitors was too good. Julian and Williams being prominent for their fine defensive play, and th-j whistle went with the play in mid-field and no further scoie. Raetihi 3, Taihape nil. There is no doußt that, the better team won, but it would have been a"very interesting game had the ground and the weather been favourable. Nevertheless, some passengers from the local team will have to be eliminated if they expect to win a hardly-contested game.

Mr Kelsall field the whistle and gave every satisfaction.