Football.

Te Aroha News, Volume XXVII, Issue 43114, 16 July 1907, Page 2

Football.

TE AROHA v. WAIHOU. [by dkop-kick.] The third meeting of the above teams this season took place on Saturday last at Waihou, and proved to be the fastest and most interesting game witnessed this season. The round notwithstanding the rain of the previous night, was in first- class condition. There was a fair number of spectators present, including a number of the fair sex. Mr Mays of Hamilton had charge of the game and gave every satisfaction to both teams. Messrs St. George and Thomas acted as line umpires.

Te Aroha wen the toss and defended the northern goal and had th« advantage of the sun at their backs. Mikklesen set the oval in motion and P. Hogan re turned to J. Timmins who found the line near half way. From the throw in Waihou worked their way into Te Aroha 25, from a scrum Shine whipped the ball out to E. Timmins who passed to A. Jobnstone, a wild pass by the latter was missed by O’Grady and Lipsey coming through removed play to half way, from a scrum Te Aroha got on a rush which was neatly stopped by O’Grady who boosted out at half way, Waihou again attacked and R. Johnstone securing made a dash for the line but was thrown out, a forward rush by Waihou was checked by P. Hogan who found the line with a timely kick. From the throw in Waihou came away again and A. Johnstene made a dashing run to near Te Arjha’s line, and was grassed by Shaw. A free kick to Te Aroha cleared their lines and Lipsey following up made a strong run, but held on a little too long aud was grassed by J. Timmins, Te Aroha now took a hand in attacking and the forwards headed by Everitt, Cribb and Jennings made an onslaughter on the Waihou line, here Brennan secured and made a dash for the line beating several backs but had the misfortune to loose the ball and a score to Te Aroha was lost. From a scrum Te Aroha made vigourous attempts to score but the defence of Johnßtone brothers and O’Grady was sound. Eventually J. Timmins relieved by a kick up the field, P. Hogan returning the oval with a good kick to nei.r the corner peg. From the throw in Te Aroha rushed the ball over the line and J. Jennings falliog on it registered a try for Te Aroha. D. Shaw made a good attempt to add the major points but failed, the whistle shortly after sounding half time. SECOND SPELL.

Lipsey set the ball in motion and from the jump play was fast and furious and of an even nature, chiefly confined to the forwards. A number of free kicks were given against Waihou and a lot of line play took place in which Commerford shone out in and in company with Rooney brothers and Mikklesen got on several forward rushes which were nearly always stopped by P. Hogan who got down to them in good style. Waihou was doing most of the attacking and the Te Aroha backs were kept busy defending D. Shaw, P. Hogan and Aitken getting in a lot of useful play. Te Aroha got away with a forward rush and worked their way to Waihou 25, Shaw further improved the position with a mark, the kick going out near Waihou’s line, play hung round here for awhile aud at length Mikklesen broke through assisted by Commerford and made a splendid dribble down the field, but was smartly brought up by P. Hogan. Waihou again got inio the blue and whites 25, R. Johusto e making several attempts to get over. 5 Te Aroha were forced twice in quick succession, and Waihou were going all out to score. P. Hogan kicked across the field when pressed and O’Grady taking the ball beautifully on the full, darted for the corner and scored a try for Waihou. The kick at goal was charged down by McKee. The ball was no sooner in play again before the maroon and golds were Httacking and the forwards sweeping the leather across the line A. Mikklesen added another try for Waihou, J. Timmins failed with the shot at goal. The last few minutes were lively each side going all they knew, nothing of note however, occurred and ihe whistle sounded time, with Waihou the winner by 6 points to 3. By this win the Waihou team are the winners of the Piako Rugby Union’s cup and champions for six years in succession. NOTES.

The game was fought out in a friendly manner and every man done his best for his side. For Te Aroha, P. Hogan at full back gave a finished exhibition, his kicking, tackling, and notably stopping was all that could be desired Brenan and Aitken got in a lot of work, J. Hogan was handicapped with an injured leg, D. Shaw behind the pack done a lot of useful work and saved his side times ou‘ of number, Lipsey played with plenty of dash, but fell away towards the end Of the fbrwards none worked harder than Everitt, McKee. and Cribb and Heathcote on the wing also played well.

For Waihou, J. Timmins at full back played well, but made the mistake of waiting for the ball to bounce instead of getting it on the full. A. and R. Johnstone were sound and meant business O’Grady played a grand game, took the ball well and showed that he is a dangerous man near the line, D. Shine was a little off, but nfeveitheless played pluckily, E. Timmins had a day off, nothing much coming his way. In the forwards Commerford plajed ti e game of his life, his line work w as good and was always in the thick of it, A. Mikkelsen, Rooney Bros., and McCabe also shone out, while Collins on the wing played his usual hard game.

JUNIORS,

TEAROHA II v, MORRINSVILLE 11. This match was played at To Aroba and resulted in a draw, after a hard fought game, neither side scoring.