FOOTBALL NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXII, Issue 191, 16 August 1900, Page 3

FOOTBALL NEWS.

STAB 11. V. OKAIAWA 11, In spite of the showery weather on Wednesday afternoon, there'was a fair number of spectators at the Fitzroy Ground to witness the above match, which started shortly after 1,30, the lecal team having the kick-off. It was evident from the Btart that the visitors had the advantage in point of weight, and it was not long before it becamt apparent that the Star men were decidedly the cleverer of the two teams. In the earlier portion of the game thert were several frea kicks, but neither sidt profited by the chances. The play was, for the most part, in close proximity tc the visitors' goal, but occasionally by a spirited dash the struggle was transferred to the opposite end. At times there were some very neat and effective passes by Star, but these were by no means S3 frequent or so fruitful as they should have been, Bock, on two or three occasions, spoiling good chance:of scoring by failing to pass the ball. Sime of the scrums were very rough, and more than one player was knocSed out for awhile. .No score was recorded in the first spell. On changing sides both teams put in some very good work, the Stars gradually pressing their opponents. A bad pass by Richardson spoiled another good chance of scoring, but very shortly after he redeemed the mistake by a brilliant piece of work. Okaiawa, however, were pulling themselves together and playing a much better game, eventually scoring a try, but failing to convert.. This roused the Stars to increased efforts, which were very soon rewarded with a try, but George failed to convert. Matters were now even, and every effort was made by both sides to get the advantage, The play became very hot, and some very exciting scrums took place near the visitors' goal line. The excitement was intense when it was seen that Richardson had the ball, but owing to his not passing the last chance of Ecoring was lost, as shortly after time was called, and the game ended—Stars .. .. .. 3 Okaiawa .. •. .. 3

For the home team Eva, George, and Richardson did excellent service, especially the former. The referee, Mr. &. i Maclean, did his best to ensure fair I play on both sides.

The third trial match to take place at Stratford to-day promises to be a | farce, as the majority of the northern team selected will be unable to play. Amongst those who will be absent will be O'Dowda, Bendall, Mclntyre, Hardgreaves, Humphries, and Holdswortb, while it is doubtful if Mynott will make the trip. L. Allen, one of the selectors, will not attend the match, owing to a recent injury, and the rep. team will, therefore, be picked by the remaining selectors, Messrs. S, Adamson and R, IH. Kivell.

Great interest is being taken in the match Drapers and Grocers v. Butchers and Bakers, which will be played in the Reereation Grounds to-day. X. Garter and E. Bayley will take the place 3 of B. Cock and S. Humphries in the Grocers and Drapers team, the lastmentioned being unable to play.