Opening of Football Season.

Te Aroha News, Volume XXVII, Issue 43324, 12 May 1908, Page 2

Opening of Football Season.

j GOOD GAMES AT WAIHOU AND MORRINSVILLE.

Real football weather prevailed on Saturday afternoon last, when the opening matches, under the auspices • of the Piako Rugby Union, took place at Waihou and Morrinsville. The interest evinced in local football was clearly demonstrated by the very fair attendance of spectators present at each of the matches. Amongst those present we observed a good sprinkling of ladies, who appeared to follow the game out from start to finish, and while they applauded any conspicuous individual play that called for special attention, they refrained from “ barracking.” The match at Waihou, where the “ lions ” of Rugby, as far as the Piako Union is concerned, was very keenly con tested, and the excitement at times was intense. The juvenile barrackers were in good voice, and at times a perfect din ensued. The Matamata supporters on the lines, although few in number, could be plainly heard urging their men to victory. The local lads frequently remarked that “ butter fat ” was bound to come out on top, while the Matamata boys retaliated with the cry that “ beef and mutton ” would take a lot of beating—and so the game went on. At Morrinsville the “ barracking ” was of a milder nature, but, nevertheless, it could be seen that the pent-up feelings of many of the spectators were intense. Both matches were fought out in a friendly spirit, although the referees had occasion to warn individual players of rough and nnseemily behaviour. Doubtless, the contemplated Referees Association for the Piako Union will do much to improve the tone of Rugby Football throughout the district. We trust the Association will soon be an accomplished fact, and that the gentlemen who have taken the matter in hand will see it through. MATAMATA V. WAIHOU. This match was played in Mr Makgill’s paddock, Waihou The ground was in good order, and being well-grassed, somewhat minimised the number of bruises received by the players. The visitors arrived by brake, while a few rode down, and others took advantage of the railway. Shortly after 3 o’clock the contestants began to make their appearance, and at 3.30 the referee (Mr Mays) blew the whistle for the teams to line out. Messrs Driver and Flynn looked after the lines. The teams took the field as under Waihou (maroon and gold.) J. Timmins

Bartles Joe Timmins J. O’Grady Alf. Lennard M. Timmins Forwards. —A. Percy and D. Borrie (wings). Arthur Lennard, J. Comerford, J. Miller, P. Johnson, R. Phillips, F. Shine, R. Allen. Matamata (maroon) N. Sinclair J. Fisher W. Joughan R. Garland McPike W. Price Lang Forwards—E. Dodd and Lang (wings j, A. and J. Mitchell, Cameron, Francis, Mason, W. Sinclair, Taylor. As far as weight goes both teams averaged about the same, and it looked as if a good game was about to take place—and such it proved to be. Waihou lost the toss anc Matamata played with both the wine and sun at their backs—a decidec advantage as a good breeze was blowing, and carried the ball freely. The oval was set in motion by Waihou kicking well down the field, Matamata promptly returning, anc. the ball went out close to the quarter way peg. From the throw in a good deal of give and take play ensued and the ball was taken to half-way, where several scrummages followed in quick succession. The forwards were equally matched, and fought hard to force their way through. The man behind the pack for the visitors was not to be denied anc. hooked the ball quick and lively, passing out to his backs with great precision. From a scrum the maroons got the ball and drove it down the field, quickly following up. The maroon and gold back (Bartles) mulled the ball and McPike snapping up the leather scored amidst great excitement. The kick at gaol was entrusted to Garland, who failed to put enough force behind the ball, and it fell short. Matamata 3 Waihou ..•. ... 0

After the kick oi! play centered, and for oi! side play Matamata was awarded a free kick. The oval was driven well down the field, and Timmins catching the ball neatly sent it out at quarter way post. From the throw in Waihou secured and sent ball up the field Matamata marking, and kicking too hard Waihou forced. Shortly after the ball was set in motion again Percy was “ winded " and play ceased for a few minutes. Resuming Waihou marked and the ball rolled out at quarter way. From the thrown in the visitors got a loose rush on, and carried the ball along at a great pace, and a touch-in-goal resulted. Waihou set the ball going and got on several dashing runs. For playing the ball on the ground Waihou was awarded a free kick and the ball going out the whistle sounded halftime. After'a few minutes rest play was resumed, Matamata now playing with the sun in their eyes and the breeze against them. The Matamata reps., however, played with dogged pertenacity, and for some!

time kept the ball in neutral territory. From a scrum Waihou secured and gained ground, but loosing the ball the maroons secured and rushed up the field, compelling Waihou to force. Give and take play occupied some time, and it looked as if the game would end without further score. However, the Waihou reps made a supreme effort, and as a result the veteran player, Alf. Lennard, secured the ball and scored a neat try between the .posts. J. Timmins took the kick, but failed to add the major points, the attempt was a poor one; doubtless the heavy ball had a lot to do with it. Matamata ... ... 3 Waihou 3 Only a few minutes now remained, and despite the strenuous efforts of both sides, no further points were added, and ihe game ended in a draw. - . u- < . The referee, Mr Mays, is to be commended for the way in which he carried out his most important duties. His decisions were not questioned, and gave general satisfaction. Doubtless the next time these two teams meet the fight will be a hard one, and the match should be worth while going miles to see.

MORRINSVILLE V. TE AROHA. The Morrinsville-Te Aroha match resulted in a win for Te Aroha by 8 points to 5. A report will appear in our next issue. AUCKLAND MATCHES. The second series of matches in the first round of the Rugby football district championships was played here to-day. ' r ' In the senior grade City, last year’s champions, were beaten in the most brilliant exhibition of club football seen here for years by Ponsonby, the scores being Ponsonby 25 points (five tries and two converted and two goals from marks) to 3 (one try). Varsity beat Newton by 10 (two converted tries) to 9 (three tries), and North Shore beat Parnell by 17 points vfive tries, one converted) to 3 (one penalty goal). There was a very large attendance at Alexandra Park, numbering over 7,000.

WAIHOU—TE AROHA MATCH. The selector (Mr Leo. Shaw) has chosen the following players to represent Te Aroha in the match against Waihou on Saturday next: — P. Hogan, Wright, McSweeney, Wallace, Buchan, Lipsey, J. Hogan, Warner, Brunton, Donovan, S. Jennings, Cribb, McKee, J. McSweeney, J. Jennings. Players are requested to meet for practice in the pound paddock on Tuesday (to-night) and Thursday evenings The Captain desires to see every man present.