FOOTBALL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 226, 17 September 1908, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

THE SUGGESTED AUCKjjAXDTARANAKf MATCH. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, Last Xight. The Auckland Kugby L'niou decided this evening that it was unable to send a representative team to play a return match against Taranaki province th'-s season.

TABAXAKI DEFEATS OTAGO. THE EXD OF~THE SEAt'ON. A MERITORIOUS WIN. The coneludbg match 0 f the season, w far as the Taranaki Rugby Union M concerned, was played at Hawera yosterday between the representatives of Otago and Taranaki The weather •ww promised to be anything but favorable, heavy rah having fallen up •till the forenoon. It cleared oil, iowever, beforu 10 o'clock, and a warm drying wind springing up, the ground Waa found to be in capital condition, the grass not being wet enough to interfere with the kindling of the ball. 'The game was probably the hardest played in Taranaki this season, and from thu spectators' ]K>int of vien lar and away the most exciting to watch. It might be described as a little royal between the splendid Otago vanguard and the Taranaki backs, each of these divisions playing hignjy finished football, of a standard not hitherto equalled this season in Taranaki. At the same time, it-would be wtong to assume that the local forwards were beaten; far from it. As a matter of fact, they stuck to the Blue forwards with a persistency that had its reward fa affording the Yellow backs plenty of elbow room. With the exception of jthe almost irresistible dribbling rushes of the Otago vanguard, our men held their own in scrums and lines-out, and indeed were superior m open forward passing rushes. The match was very strenuous, and towards the close emphatically so, as many of the members of both teams, but particularly Taranaki, bore eloquent visible testimony. iWhile the exchanges never descended to actual roughness, there were many incidents towards the close of tat game that, under a vigilant and competent referee, would have earned Otago cautions a nd penalties. As a controller of a fast game of Rugby Mr. A'Conrt, of Hawera, signally failed' Qhtring infringements of the rules, from which Otago were almost hirarilably profiting, were passed over unnoticed, and at least one of Otago's leores -was directly secured alter a iraccession of flagrant knocks-on.

| THE TEAMS. ! OTAGO (Blue). ' Full-back: S" Three-quarters: Stalker, O'Sullivan., Don. p- u^ Five-eighths: Chambers, McLeod. Half: Sutherland. ir Forwards: McKenzie, Ivimey, Johniton, Patoa, Paterson, Fitzpatrick, Casey. «r * *•" Wing: McDonald. , TAKAjSAKI (Amber and Black). • Full: Pini. Three-quarters: Beamish,. Cameron, Sheehan (later Dive). . (Five-eighths: Hunter, Mynott. Half: Thurston. Forwards: O'Sullivan, Kivell, Tamil. Pukere, Crowley, Whittingtoa, Cain. Wing: T. Sheehan. The start of the game was delayed for some little time owing to the n'<iiarrival of Dive and eventually Bea nish "was chosen to fill tie vacancy, although there was a general feeling that ihe position belonged to Buckland, who was all ready to take the field. THE PLAY. Otago won the toss and elected to attack tJhe southern goal, favored by a medium wind. Pini set the ball in motion, Doherty returning to the hall flag, A forward scramble ensued, during which Taranaki was penalised and Paton found the line in the Ambers' quarter. An exchange of kicks between Tom Sheehan and Chambers ended with honors even, but Cameron cleverly kieked past half-way. Thurston whipped the ball away to Mynott, who found the chalk-mark in Otago territory. Chambers following the return kick fast, collared Pini just as he got in a fine kick. Don took a good mark in his own territory, Paton finding the line near Taraaaki's 25 with a big kick. The Otago forwards set up a hot attack, and tihen the backs took a hand, Sutherland sending a nice pass to Don, but he was upset by Cameron. Keeping up the attack, Otago gave the local rearguard plenty to do, but eventually Hunter made an opening which enabled Tamu, Crowley, and O'Sullivan to gain some 25 yards. Cameron was haiuwd the ball ff|oni the thnbw-in, sending the ball into Otago territory, where he further improved the position from a penalty. "Jimmy" O'Sullivaa, with a fine "lone-hander," had Blue backs in trouble, and Sutherland was penalised for holding the ball. Pini made a good bat ineffectual shot at goal. An exchange ot kicks gave Whittington a mark on the other side, and Pini had another try, a fine effort just going wide of the posts, and Otago forced. Cameron returned the kick

out to tire Blues' quarter. 'farau, CSullivan, Crowley, and Kivell broke away from the line. Hunter picked up and sent a long lob to Cameron, to Sheehan, and back to Cameron, the latter being thrown out close to Otago'a line. McDonald, Paton, and Paterson rallied their force and witli a Splendid rush carried play to within striking distance of the local goal-line. Mynott wiis too clever for the attack, howevCT, and he swerved right through the charging forwards, but Crowley knocked on tihe pass. The latter immediately made amends by intercepting a pass and clearing tile local line with a good line-kick. The Otago forwards Came again, however, and Fini, miskicking, enabled them to hold the adVantage for a time. A fine kick by Paton, off a mark by Stalker, found the line right at the Taranaki corner. Hunter and Mynott temporarily relieved, but a clever hick by McDonald ■gain had the Ambers penned hard on their line. After some foard battling .CSuUivan and Cain got an opening on the line-out, and w«re not stopped till they had traversed half the length of Hie field. An exchange of kicks followed, Mynott's return being charged down, enabling tine Blue backs to get moving with a distinct advantage. Offlside play spoilt the effort, anil Cameron lined at centre, where a v-ry

evenly contested struggle between the forwards unsued. On opening out, an exchange of kicks followed, 'ending in Ota'go's favor through a well-placed kick hy Doherty. Sutherland marked from the tfnrow-in, and Paton made a splendid attempt at goal, 'inranaki forcing. Following the kick-out, Hunter, Mynott, Thurston, Cameron, and C. Sheehan gave a fine exhibition of quick passing, the latter being thrown into touch. Kivell secured on the lineCut, and sent to Whittington, to Hunter, to Beamish, the latter mis-kicking into touch-in-goal instead of centreing. Pini found the line at centre after Otago's kick-out. Otago were penalised for "handling" in the succeeding scrum, and Cameron gained some ground. Whittington was responsible for setting Mynott in motion, and he dived through and transferred to Hunter and Cameron, the latter centreing •under. Ota'go's goal, where Crowley foolisMv fielded the ball off-side. The 3ocah» stuck to the attack, and the Otago rearguard had a busy time defending, their collaring generally being very effective. After -Mynott, Hunter and Beamish made a dash, Huuter

again secured and dived tbrougli the dv-fence, transferring to Crowley almost oa the line. Opposition was beaten off, when the latter passed forward to "Jimmy" O'Sullivan on the line. A score that should not have been missed wa» tlius lost, and Otago cleared with a fine rush 1))' l'aterso:i, McDonald and Casey following the freekick. Crowley, Mynott, Hunter, Cameron', and Shee'naa replied with a passin" rush. At this stag* Whittington retired with a jMinufl injury to his«ijoulder, Divo later on taking Ins .place in the field. Pini was brought Jin to the serum, and Con. fclicclian went to full-back. M.vnott and Hunter took>play to Otago s line, where all the efforts ~f the Blue vanguard to ' clear were neutralised by the sure li.ic returns of the local backs, I i;u particularly distinguishing himself, in a loose "rii-li near tli--- twenty-five, lainu - pickud up and initiated a swift pas-mg rush i„ which Hunter and My.iott (each handling the ball twice). Unieron and T. Shc-hati look purl, the latter drawing first blood at the cor- ' . ner. The kick at goal failed. Taranaki 1: Olagn ».

Following tie" kick-out. the locals j forced play back to ("lingo's vud, but Ivimey cleared witii a good kick. T*iikere,'Tamil and O'Sullivan were showing out prominently a 2.1 ins) the dashing Otago pack at this stage, but .fluey were 'eventually swept in one Side In- tlio irresistible Otago with McDonald and Paton in the van. ■which took the ball over tire Amber line,' Piii forcing, just as half-time sounded. , A re-arwmgenienl of Uie.local team ggaia took place, Full going back to

full, and Coil. Sheehan playing wing lumvuru, Ills brother going inlu this scrum. The Otago kick-off iiuiucaiateI ly hud Taranaki in trouble, I'iiii hesitating too long over his kick. I'atuu had a siiot at goal from a good position, but missed the uprignts. iveep•ng up the pressure, ana playing witn considerable spirit, the visiting forwards were giving Taranaki u i«d time. The ball eventually went to the line, where Hunter mis-kicked right iii'to Patorson'is arms, and the lat.vr.' scored a soft though not uude-erved try. Xo goal resulted. Taranaki 3; Otagu 3.

Otago returned iintucuuicoiy to the attack, but the local backs, now m their stride, replied with, u swift passing dash to centre, where scraiuuling lorward play followed tor a lime. Casey and his men at length asserted themselves, and got away to the Taranaki line. Here the "All BlacK" nveeighlhs combination exhibited its ability to turn defence into attack with brilliant suddenness. Hunter securing almost on his own line, "cork-screwed" through about half the opposition, making on opening for Mynutt, who swerved past all opposition at top speed to the full-back, where he transferred to Dive near half-way. A great race was then witnessed between the Ellham llier, supported by Mvnott and Hie Otago backs, but Dive's speed was etjiinl tu a 00 yards' emergency run, and he scored' just as he was overtaken, finishing up one of (Inmost sensational bits of play seen this season. The kick failed.

Taranaki U; Otago 3. Hard play at mid-field loiun-.ed ue kick-out, and Paterson, who had been playing a really fine game, was compelled to retire suffering from i.n injury to his nose, Mitchell being allowed to replace him. Eventually Raton, McDonald, Sutherland and o'sullivan, backing up well, dribbled right to the Taranaki line, where a hard kick enabled l'ini to force. Tom Sheeluin head».-d a rush by the local vanguard wihich McDonald and Stalker stopped, the latter kicking past Pirn. The latter's return was charged down, and the ball went out at the Taranaki 25. iiynott shot through the ruck and kicked high. Hunter, following fastj collared Doherly with the bail, which Mvnott again secured, and kicked over the line. In tihe race for the ball, Doherty just beat Beamish, and forced. Otago gradually worked play back to Taranaki's end, where they s-et up a series of back attacks, but they lacked precision and finish, and the local Jacks, collaring with deadly effect, managed to stall off these challenges. I Raton made another fine but resultless attempt at goal from a penalty. Slieehan brothers and O'Sullivan got away to Otago's 25, but Sutherland secured and sent but to Chambers, the latter's pass to Don heing smartly intercepted ty Hunter, who raced 20 yards straight, for the line, notching Taranaki's third try amidst tumultuous cheering. Cameron kicked a fine goal. Taranaki 11; Otago 3.

Play was now very fast, but the local forwards, using every effort to keep the game open, were more than holding their own, led by O'Sullivan, Sueehan brothers, and Taniu. Tamu got away but kicked too, hard, and Otago forced. Play centred till McDonald, Chambers, McLeod, and O'Sullivan got away, the latter's pass to stalker being missed and going out a't the Ambers' 25 flag. Even play followed, until Chambers made a dasJi to within striking distance in company' with Don aad O'Sullivan, but the rush should have been stopped on three occasions, as each of the participants ltograntly knocked on. A . forward scramble ensued on the line, and when the mix-up was disentangled, an Otago man who had his hand on tie ball was given the verdict. The kick was again good, but resultless. Taranaki 11; Otago 6.

The pace of the game slackened not the slightest, and the Taranaki vau-i guard, Pukere, Cain and Crowley at the head, compelled Olago to force. Exciting play at centre followed, the local backs eventually lining in Otago* quarter. Here it did not remain lo;ig, Hie southern forwards coming away with a splendid series of dribbling rushes into Taranaki territory. .Some unnecessary vim was introduced into the game by the visitors at this stage, and "pointing" in the scrums was repeatedly allowed to pass unchecked. Prom a loose scrum, Sutherland whip ped out smartly to McLeod, to O'Sullivan to Don, the latter scoring a good try near the corner. No goal resulted.

Taranaki 11; Otago 9. Neutral, but interesting play followed, during whictl an advantage gamed by 'Jarauaki through Tamu cutting oil a pass and kicking well into Uie usitors' area, was lost, by the referee absurdly ruling Tamu oil-side, and giving Otago a shot at goal from a uanuy position. The kick availed not, and the whistle shortly after sounded, leaving Taranaki the victors in a splendidlyfought contest by a margin oi two points. For the winners Pini shaped well at full, his accurate fielding and kicking ibefag. of great service. He lacks experience, however, and is frequently out oi position. These shortcomings will be remedied in time, and he should develop into a second Hardgraves. Beamish played a serviceable game. Con. Sheenan and Dive were right at the top of their form, and the former played a really fine game as wing-forward in the second spell. Hunter and Mynott played tli-eir best games for Taranaki this season, and Thurston showed great improvement. It would be almost unfair to single out the forwards for comparison, but O'Sullivan played a great game. Tamu was a fine second, and Pukere and Cain were hard battlers in the solid graft. Kivell and Whittington were always prominent, though not so much perhaps as Tom Sheahan and Jerry Crowley, but the two latter were inclined to wait for opportunities. For Otago, Dougherty was very safe at full, and O'Sullivan was the best of the three-quarters. Chambers, McLeod and Sutherland played solid but not brilliant games. AH are experienced short line-finders. Amongst a splendid pack of forwards McDonald, rtton, Patcrso-.i and Johnston were always' in the van, while in backing-up in their fine dribbling rushes they all atforded an excellent example to the local forwards. Patoa's kicking wa3 of a high order, though not successful. The team was entertained by the Rugby Union at Hawera last night.

The Otago team, after their showing yesterday, should defeat Wellington on .Saturday. Owing' no doubt to the unpromising weather yesterday, the attendance at tiie football match at Hawcra numbered onlv about 1000, the takings being £45. | TIIE NORTHERN UNION GAME. AUCKLAND v. TARANAKI. The Auckland team arrived in New Plymouth by last night's express, and are staying at the Criterion Hotel. TV Aucklnnd-Taranaki mulch takes place to-dav at. N". 2 ground. Western Park. The match will no donbl be watched with considerable interest. From other centres where it has been played come glowing accounts of the Northern panic as being faster, cleaner, anil more spectacular than the amateur game. The Auckland team is a good one. with considerable experiem ■■, and the Taranaki combination includes many well-known footballers, who are exacted to give Auckland a good tu,sic. The teams, have been selected .in under:—

XARAN'AKI. | A Hardgraves, G. Hooker. C. Me- | Lean. li. O'Dri-eoll. J. Colma-.i. V;. i liuckland, W. McLean, li. Frewu. .). Johnson, A. Lile (captain), S. Mroud. I p;. Haskell, T. Siuitih and W. .Morris I AUCKLAND. I S Riley Dilbimore. Cholly, liedw-uod, \ Asher, W. Tvler, K. Wynyard. Trevathen, Dunning, Mackiele, Mac Donald. Ilarelay and Hooper. Tiie referee is Mr. 11. Gilboy. of New I Plymouth, recently from Yorkshire. U is announced tliai C'olman. who has represented Taranaki and New Zealand in tins season's toothall will not narticipate in the Northern Lnimi „.„„; (o.flay. and that lie ml end-, to re-enter the amateur ranks. When the -ox-press tram left IHv.-u 1-i-t ni'dit llnekhvnd had not m™-' "l 1 hi, mind to join the professional move meal.