FOOTBALL

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8156, 13 July 1906, Page 3

FOOTBALL

STRATFORD I. v. CLIFTON I. Interest yesterday centered prion, pill}- in the meeting of the above teams, an 1 notwithstanding that the climatic conditions were anjthing bill promis ; n'>, a large number ot enthusiasts fro n north aitd south journeyed to Stratford, and the "gale," which was a benefit on» to Mr Thomas, an injured player, must hive totalled a respectable figure. The game was a hard, determined one, exciting, but not brilliant. Considering that the ground was somewhat heavy and the ball greasy, the exposition of football, from two such evenly matched toams, was very creditable and up to senior pitch. Though mainly a forward game, the ball nevertheless travelled about considerably, and the backs on both sides put in a lot of work. Clifton kicked off, and Stratford immediately roshed play to the visitor's territory, where some very tight scrums were witnessed. Clifton cleared with a free-kick, but the Stratford vanguard immediately returned to the attack, Isaac's saving with a clever force. Stratford were soon at it again and C. Potier was called upon to get hit men out of trouble. After some give and take play, Stratford opened out, and Stohr nearly got over from a passing rush, C. Potier returning to half-way. Stratford gradually wore the Waitara men down, until Abbott cleared with a kick, and Potier, following up with a great dash, for the first time carried play into Stratford's territory. Abbott was then . responsible for carrying play close to the home line, btit a combined forward rush removed the danger. From a free kick near half-way, Potier made a splendid attempt at goal, but the return rush saw Clifton's line threatened, the full-back failing to field the ball, a force saving. The dose was repeated immediately afterwards. Play now settled at Clifton's end, h«t scrumming being the most prominent feature of the play. From one of these Bullott whipped out to Cameron, to Tocker, to Stohr, the latter streaking for the line and drawing first blood for Stratford at the corner. The kick was resultless. Stratford 8, Clifton 0. With the exception of Potior, the Clifton backs were kicking very poorly at this stage, this defect being primarily responsible for the score against them. A change now cam* over the scene, however, Abbott, Samson and Potier kicking the ball about with some judgment and play was soon transferred to the other < nd. Follow, ing up last the Clifton forwards smothered Toe Iter's return, and Stratford were penalised. Potier kicked a splendid goal. Stratford 3, Clifton 3.

Play continued in mid-field for some time, but the Stratford scrummagers gradually worked the ball back and breaking up fast pressed the visitors hard, Abbott speculating to save. The Stratford baeks now commenced to throw the ball about, but Potior'* and Abbott's pace neutralised these efforts. Kivell and Stohr were pro. minent in a Stratford attack, Samson, Abbott and Isaacs replying by transferritin play to a dangerous quarter. Principally through the agency of Dellar, Stratford cleared their lines. A dash by Potier, and a counter-run by Stohr, after good play by Cameron, nearly ended in a Stratford score. Some dashing forward play was now witnessed in which Davidson for Clifton was prominent, but the odds were even, aad half time sounded with the play in mid-field Shortly after the kick off, Potier cut off a dangerous look'ng rush, anil got off with almost a clear field, but wa3 overtaken and grassed. Stratford now changed their tactics, keeping the ball on the ground. The forwards kept the Clifton backs hard pressed to save their line, but infringements were frequent, enabling Clifton to .stave off whal looked like inevitable ■■cores. Stohr had an abortive kick at goal, Potier returning with a good ran to halt way. In the tighter anil uiore difficult play, Foreman, the Clifton full-back seemed to improve Gelding and kicking admirably con;-' pared witll his exhibition earlier in the ?ame. Abbott, Simpson, Potier. and [saacs presented a very solid defence :o th? determined onslaughts of the Stratford vanguard, prominent ainonu whom at tlin juncture was Young" Stratford now tried back play. Bullott behind the ecrum feeding his rearguard in very business like fa&hion, but every attempt at combined movement was somehow

thrown out of order before the psychological moment arrived. Abbott and Samson, and K-iveil and Stohr exchanged a few long kinks and play centred in" midfield, Bullot retiring injured. On resuming, Stratford opened out to some purpose, the backs | kicking high and following up, tactics I that in the failing light seemed certain to bring their reward. The catching of the Clifton rearguard was very reliable howeTer, so Stratford had another go at passing, but that likewise •ailed. After a series of willing forward encounters close to the Clifton lme, Abbott transferred the scene of operations by a big kick. Stohr had two shots at goal, and Potier got his side out of a tight corner after running round behind his goal line. Stratford Icebt ud the attack amidst great excitement, but the kicking of the Clifton backs was sure. I'otier intercepted and made some headway, but was collared, and not being mpported, nothing came from his dash. It was now almost too dark for play, but the pace never slackened for a moment. Strilford had another ineffective sliol at goal, and the forwards again took charge. The Clifton backs settled lown to play for safety, marking and line kicking to good purpose. The *hutle sonnded with play in neutral

territory, and » drawn game. On the whole Stratford d.d considerably the greater part of the altar king, but the defence of the Clifton three|uarter line exceeded expectations, an* 1 the defence was several lipics verted into attack. The Clifton passing, evidently through weakness at the back of the scrum, compared unfavorably with that of the home team. Stohr md Kivell played good games, Stolir ■ jeing particularly dangerous near the \ line. Bullott, at half, played very steadily until unfortunately hurt The forwards on either side were lashing, and there was not a passenger in the lot. Abbott played much above recent form, in his fielding and kicking •specially. Potier was the best allround player on the ground. Mr Spurdle made an efficient referee.

STAII I v INGLHWOOD I. This match was played a | Ingle>Toud in almost a steady downpour ol rain, so that :i rood exhibition of foolball was out of the question. Inglewood played the lirst spell two men short. Stars kicked olf and after about a (uarter of an hour's uninteresting play Cook secured from a serum, and making i good opening transferred 10 Courtenev who scored. Pike converted, Te-j minutes latter, Cook again whipped the ball out to Pike, who beat the fullback, getting orer at ihe corner. The Sick failed. Inglewood now wofcc up ind got on some good rushes, bul I'earec at full, lielded the wet ball m iood style and cleared. The a pel! ■jaded Star- 8. Inglewood <•. The second s|>eli was uninteresting, .lie ball being dillicult to handle, Law--on ai.uie fielding it with confidence, -tar did not now take the game so ■criously, and threw (lie hall about •onsulerably. The only -core was a ,ry secured by Cook from a loose rush. I'ike's kick weut outride the post, ("lie game shortiv afterward- (emulated by mutual consent. in a win for ■Har by 11 to n.

Though short-handed, Inglewood ,1111 up a game light and had bad luck n not sc'-ring .in more than one leeasion. Star Dlayed raggedly, but ilways had the upper hand. Law son laved the best back game on Ihe ground. The game was very friendly and wni well controlled by >lr .Froctcr.

TI'KAPA 11. v. INGLE WOOD 11. (TAUIKI).

Considerable interest was evinced in this game, played at Tariki, on Thursday afternoon, it being the deriding match as to which would be the win. nmg team f.>r First Junior honors iu the Northern end of the province, liain fell during the game, making the Held of play sloppy and the leather hard to handle.

The first spell was very ovenly contested, and was characterised b) brilliant individual play ou the part of Stohr, H irker, and Hooker for Tukapa. and Kerr and Thrush for Tariki. The s.iell ended without a score.

In the second half Tukapa had the advantage of a strong wind, and had much tho belter of the game, The play was confined to the forwards until just on the call of time, when Matheson secured the oyal from a scrum and darted over the line. Douglas added the major points with a fine kict Tukapa thus winning the match by 5 points to nil. For the winners, Matheson and Glynes (wing forwards) played with good judgment, whilst iu the backs Stohr, Hooker, and Barker were the pick. Jones, Joll, and George showed- out promiently in the forwards.

For luglcwood, Kerr at five-eights and Thrush at three-quarters displayed good form. Aldcridge, Crallis, and ltundle were the best of an even lot of forwards. Mr Kivell refereed.

INGLEWOOD 111. v. STRATF01U) 111.

The above teams met at Stratford [ yesterday, the game resulting in a win for. Stratford by 15 to 0. Stratford have now wen the third grade contest in the Northern division, and play-ofE with Elthain for the premiership. NOKTH v. SOUTH. The following team has been chosen to represent the Northera division in the North-South match on Thursday (probably at Stratford) Full-back: ! Pike (Star). Three-quarters:

Abbott (Clifton), Hardjraycs (Tukapa), Potier (Clifton), Five-eighths : Cameron (Stratford), Mynott (Tukapa).

Frewm (Tukapa), Wing: Courtney (StarV

Forwards; Osborne,Deller, Young (2) (Stratford), Ryan (Star), Loveridge

. (Clifton), and another. Emergencies: Baek, Lawson (Clifton). Forward, Kothery (Star).

The play-ofE for the Premiership of the Northern division between Star And Stratford seniors will probably not take place for some time as the representative team Icayes on its Southern tour on Tuesday week.