FOOTBALL.

Taihape Daily Times, 10 September 1918, Page 4

FOOTBALL.

On Saturday afternon the MatafbJS and Pirate Juniors .met to try copclu- - sions for the second time Both sides took the field with a full team, each confident of emerging victorious. Mataroa won the toss, and defended; the northern end, with the sun behind them. Plajy had been going a short time when Taihape were awarded a free kick in Mataroa’s 25, which Leahy converted. Taihape 3, Mataroa 4, For five minutes play tlas up and down the field, both sides putting in some good work. Taihapef’s backs initiated a passing rush, the ball going from S. Boyd to Leahy, C. Boyd, and finally to McClure, who crossed the line. Leahy failed to enhance the score. Taihape 6, Mataroa 0. Mataroa from the kick off made strenuous efforts to even up the score, and at times were dangerous, hut Tathape saved by forcing. Taihape now opened up the game, and carried play into Ma\aroa’s 25, when Keating go* over, but the try was not converted. Taihape 9, Mataroa 0. Half-time was called with no further score and the ball in neutral territory. With the beginning of the second spell Mataroa livened up, and kept Taihape backs busy for a time. From a scrum near midfield S. Boyd secured, and ball .out, and a very pretty hit of passing took place, the leather going from S. Boyd to Leahy, who neatly handed it on to James, who after a short run transferred to C. Boyd, and finally on to McDonell, who got over, hut failed to add the major points. Taihape 12, Mataroa 0. Taihape again attacked! strongly, and McDonell, securing ther ball in his own territory, sprinted up the field, and passing his opponents, set sail for the line, with Dockery after him, but condition told, and a try was scored between the posts, the major points being registered. Taihape 17, Mataroa 0. With ten minutes to go Mataroa rallied and made very determine efforts to'score, and theifhhacks got moving, Waters securing passed to Anderson, who sent on to Dockery, and then to Sinclair, and Dockery who was handy got the ball and after a good run was collared almost on the line by McClure, the ball going ouf. From the line out Taihape gradually got the play Back into safe territory, when McDonell secured, and after a good run from Kalf-way, scored. No goal resulted. Shortly after the whistle, went, the scores being Taihape 20, Mataroa 0. Mr. Kclsall held the whistle in his usual efficient manner.

NOTES BY “ONLOOKER.- '"j The best exhibition of football in Taihape this year was the verdict of those who witnessed the junior on Saturday. The Pirates had their backs strengthened by S. and C. Boyd, McDonell, and James, who arehome on holiday, and it is hoped the exhibition given by those boys will betaken to heart by the boys of both teams. Some 61 the passing by theselads, with Leahy and McClure, werepretty exhibitions ’of football as it should be played. A few remarks bn the individual players may be beneficial. Darvill, as full, is too small, yet he is safe enough if he is not bustled. McDonell, C. Boyd, McClure, James, Leahy and S. Boyd need no comment beyond what has already appeared. Shields is not a good hooker and would play better in the loose pack. McSweeney was prominent throughout the game, as were Darvill, Hunt, Keating, Kilkolly, and Green. ( Henson played well as a wing forward, and should retain that position. For Mataroa Powell at full-back was safe, and played fairly well. Garmonsway (2) played well defensively, but did not throw the ball about quick enough. Sinclair is a good centre, and would be hard to heat. A. Dockery was always on the ball, and shone out , both in attack and defence, and would shine in a fast team. P, Anderson used to be more prominent in the forwards. N. Bennett and A. McDonald play well together, nearly alawysf getting the ball in the scrum and bn theline out. Brooky !s a' good solid hoy, and plays well as lock. The halanceof the forwards, Mickelson, Armadib, T. Bennett and McCorfhy were always on the Uhll, hut lacked combination. McDonald as wing forwardl234 tion. Undoubtedly the Pirates' win by such a large number of points was due to the College boys, and it is hoped' both teams will take a lesson from’ their play, and when the teams meet on Saturday next another good display of football will eventuate.