FOOTBALL.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3523, 9 July 1920, Page 6

FOOTBALL.

V\’ELLiN(+TON DEFEATS

TARANAKI.

HAWERA, July 7.

The football match Wellington v. Taranaki, was won by the former by 20 points to Wellington‘ secured four tries (one converted), and two goals from the field. Taranaki secured one fry (convoxted) and a potted goal. N()T‘l;':>' ON THE GAME. A

It was a good move to arrange.—for ' a tussle for the Ranfurly Shield at Ha,wera during the course of the Winter Show. '1 he big crowd which assembled at the Agricultural Grounds yesterday afternoon was good to see, and proves that Rugby as a. popular sport has as great a hold upon the public as ever it had. The big gate must‘ have pleased the oflicials of the Taranaki Rugby Union, whose finances have been at a low ebb for some time past. The day, too, was beautifully fine, and the sun was showing gloriously in a clouddless sky when play started at 2.30 pm. The afternoon was ideal for Rugby, scarcely a breath of wind stirring to militate against kicking or passing. The Taranki fifteen, who were a sturdy band, early roused the big crowd to la :l:igh pitch of enthusiasm by rushing the ball from the kick-off _right to the Wellington line. Over-eagerness lost ‘what should have been a certain score. Taranaki at once came back on the attack, and their hustling forwards were nearly over again. A Wellington back kicked high in attempting to «clear, and Sykes failed to take the ?ball. He recovered possession‘, hesi‘tated for a moment, and then‘ quietly aropped a beautiful goal from the field. It was a fine kick from between the half-Way -and twe'rTiy-five yard marks and sent the leather sailing high over ‘the very centre of the crossbar. This early success sent the crowd wild with enthusiasm. This was renewed when shortly afterwards Taranaki scored from a combined rush, and the major points being -added,_ Taran'aki were leading by the substantial margin of 9 to nil twenty minutes from the start of play. Wellington then pulled themselves together, and gave a taste of that fine concerted work which has enabled them to maintain thei'r‘".pl.ace as the masters of New Zealand Rugby for the past twoyscasons. The‘y scored twice before half-time, and the score was 6——S when thesidcs crossed over. It was at this stage apparent that Wellington would win, as their combination was vastly superior to that of the home team, while their forwards were getting possession of the ball from every serum. In the second spell, combination told its tale, and Wellington had no difficulty in-putting on an additional 12 points, thus winning comfortably by 20 to 9. The Taranaki men played hard throughout, but. their passing was too slow, and their backs 'lacked initiative. They sadly wanted a player of the type of Hunter yes‘terday, who would have rounded oif many of? the advantages made by the sturdy forwards. Mr F. C. Atkinson, of Wanganui, controlled the game ably, keeping up with the play t'hrou‘ghout-, and giving his decisions with comrmendable promptness