FOOTBALL.

Taihape Daily Times, 17 July 1918, Page 4

FOOTBALL.

(By Onlooker)

Saturday last certainly showed a revival in football that was encouraging. I would like, by way of prefacing my comments on the play and players, to make a few commendatory remarks on the gentlemen, Messrs Ryan, Munro, and Dunbar in organising three teams for a match in one day. It is very creditable for them to have revived such keen interest in a game that only a few weeks ago was as dead as the proverbial door-nail; especially when it is remembered that they had do without the services of Maher, Connolly, Kelly, Takarangi, 'and Chase.

From the kick-off in the match between Ohingaiti and Pirates it was evident a good game was to be witnessed, and this promise was fully borne out as the game progressed. The visitors had a very light team, and while their backs were good and put in some sterling work, their forward division was weak. That being the case it was surprising how well their backs performed. The Pirates were certainly the better team, and deserved their win. Eaton played in his usual confident style and both Sinclair and McGowan are safe and sure players. Bray was weak in defence, and requires a little more experience and practice and Spooner played a good game, and it is a pity his services are not more often available. McAuliffe, as usual, played a sterling game, and Leahy, who is but a junior player, acquitted himself creditably. It would be hard to individualise the forwards, but it was pleasing to see Dockery on the field again, as he is worth a place in any team. Speaking generally of the game, it was very even, and the score—l 3to nil—hardly indicates the difference between the two teams. The match between Pakehas and Maoris brought into the field some of the old-timers, and the pace shown occasionally was reminiscent of their palmy days.

Judging by the players who donne~d the jersey on Saturday and others who could be reckoned on, 1 am of opinion that three good teams coulu be got together, and although the season is somewhat advanced, I think j a series 6f Cup matches could be arranged with advantage "To the game. Messrs Munro and Bennett could muster a team from the railway staff, "will a couple of members from the Post Office and one or two outsiders; say, for instance ,the following: Mu'irro, Bennett, Spooner, Campbell (2), Hyland, Begg, " Bray, Johnstone, Dew, Bentley and a few others the railway promoters would know. A Maori team could be made up from the following: H. Kingi, Tau, Tuikau, Pine (2) Stoney, Wildman, Salmon, J. Paul, and Whakatihi. The Pirates' team could be composed of Eaton, Sinclair, McGowan, Dockery (2), Connolly, Maher, T. Smith, Tierney, Donovan (2), Hay, Kelly, Welsh, McAuliffe, McDonell, R. Smith. The suggestion is commended I to those interested.

It has been rumoured that the juniors are getting. together two teams, and it is hoped that the rumour is true. Should they decide to do so, "Onlooker" will give them all the assistance possible, and I am sure the organisers of the seniors will give them a helping hand. Now, here is a chance for our Taihape sports to push the game along, as from the ranks of the juniors must come our future senior players. Of course, the juniors will require a ball, and the donation of a trophy will give a fillip to the movement. Anyone wishing to help the. project can do so by forwarding a donation to "Onlooker," care f "Times",. Office, which will be duly acknwledged in this column. As the senior team will have to play several return matches outside of Taihape, junior fixt.r.es could well fill in the vacant Saturdays.

There is one matter I would like to mention before concluding these notes, and that is the necessity of keeping the lines clear during the progress of a match. If a decided stand is not taken in this connection at once it will "'seriously interfere with the games. There is plenty of room outside the picket fence, antl this should be impressed forcibly on those who prefer the other side.