FOOTBALL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 97, 21 May 1909, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

YESTERDAY'S RESULTS. FIRST GRADE. Stratford .. 5 Tukapa .. 0 Clifton .. 7 Star .. .. 3 Eltham .. 14 Inglewood .. 0 SECOND GRADE. Eltham .. 14 Inglewood .. 3 Stratford .. 8 Tukapa .. 0 Clifton .. 9 Star .. .. 3 THIRD GRADE. Stratford .. 20 Tukapa .. 0 Eltham .. 13 Inglewood .. 8 Clifton .. 8 Star .. .. « FIRST GRADE. TUKAPA v. STRATFORD. The above match, played on the Stratford ground yesterday before a fair number of spectators, provided some exciting moment*. The game from start to finish was fast, but ragged, neither team showing combination to advantage. In this respect Stratford were decidedly below last year's form, for the greater part of the game, the backs particularly being at sixes and sevens. The feature of the game was the way in which the Tukapa forwards stood up to their weightier and stronger opponents, holdtag their own throughout. The first ipell was on the whole, in Stratford's tavor, but after the change of ends the Tukapa backs asserted themselves, and for three parts of the spell play was confined to Stratford territory. Tukapa kicked off against the sun and Wphill. The opening was marked by kicking amongst the backs, ending in Tukapa's favor. J. Stohr had an abortive shot at goal from ,n. mark by Ma-

ion, and Cameron got his backs going, their progress being stopped in Tu- / kapa'e 25 % Mason and B. Stohr. Allen Ward and Perry headed a fast forward lush, which wa's" carried on by Mason,

8. Stohr and Mynott, but a. penalty enable Cameron to find the centre. Bar-

ker stopped a determined red onslaught, and immediately after Cameron nearly had the Iblues in trouble, which a timely kick by B. Stohr just averted. Hard, fast play at mid-field, and then Dixon got through an opening and with the Stratford vanguard swarmed on Tukapa's line, a force resulting. Barker missing a. long kick from Cameron nearly caused trouble, but a penalty brought relief, and Loveridge and Perry were prominent in play, taking the ball to the other end, where Mynott endeavored lo get Ibis backs to work. From a mark by Mason, J. Stohr's kick fell short. Tukapa kept up the pressure until by foolishly waiting for the whistle for ah infringement the .'blue blacks were caught napping, and Stratford swept nearly the whole length of the field, B. Stohr's pace enabling him to race hack and save in time. Mynott aad Jones transferred the scene of operations, but the red forwards, rallying, threw the blues back on their own line, where Cameron nearly sent Kirkfwood over, J. Stohr effecting a timely collar. Play gurgled up and down, the Tukapa backs, by judicious kicking, eventually" gaining • distinct advantage. Bullot whipping the ball smartily from a s«um to Tock«r, Cameron, Dixon and Kirkwood, (hanged the venue, but J. Stohr regained the lost ground with a fine kick off a mark by Mynott. Following tip the advantage Mynott got his backs going, but Cameron Smartly intercepted and raced down the field till his progress was barted by Clark. A certain score was lost by Dixon throwing forward, and Tukapa removed play to mid-field as half-time lounded.

The second spell opened with greater vigor on both sides, the blue forwards particularly rising to the ocasion. Loveridge taking the ball at toe from tfoe side of the scrum, had Stratford defending, and Barter had hard luck in failing to intercept a Stratford passing rush tlose to their line. A moment later McAltum, Loveridge, Ward, Jones and Allen got through the Stratford diviiion and tackled the reds' full-tback with the' 'ball. Three times in rapid* suceesaion the Tukapa backs got going, but found the defence too strong. A mark by Barker was taken at half-way by J. Stohr, a magnificent - kick just going wide, and Stratford forced. Play hung for some minutes at Stratford's 25, Bullot eventually easing the pressure. Gradually, however, by Jiard line play, the ball was' taken back, and some fast rushes ended in a scramble under Stratford's goal. Tukapa were penalised, and Cameron's kick from behind the goal line struck the cross-bar, tile referee awarding a force-down. Tukapa again returned to the attack, but the red vanguard was now infusing more "ginger" into their play, which eventualFy centred, llynott cut through cleverly, but was not supported; and honors remained even. Ail exchange of kicks saw V.iv ball go out in Tukapa territory for the fM time this spell, and another lonn kick by Cameron was forced. The reds' attack was now getting warm, and onlv judicious kicking by the blues' rearguard kept them in'check. A change of tactics was soon evidenced, Cameron essaying passing amongst his bucks, and two smart onslaughts wens with difficulty repelled by the blue backs. Penv intercepted a ground pass, and kicked well into the r ed»' ground. Ward carrying on the advantage. Jack Stohr had another futile shot at goal. Play followed in Stratford's 25, till Bullot sent Tocker away on a fine run, during which he cleverly -'fooled" the blue backs, the rush only ending under Tukapa'ti goal. A .penalty brought relief, but Tocker was back a moment later. One of tJie opportunities of the day then came to Bert Stohr, who secure with a clear field, but ■Was upset by Cameron before he could get into his stride. The red forwards worked play back, and a hot scramble ensued on Tukapa's line. From the ensuing mix-up, a try was awarded J. Bmith, who was' playing a fine forward game. Cameron goaled. Stratford 5. Tukapa 0. The shades of night were HOW falling fast, and the game could with difiSeulty be followed. Stratford were now asserting themselves, however, and the last few minutes were not witfiout anxiety to Tukapa. Play ended ■without further score. Mr. H.' Spurdle fefereed. l ' .

On paper and on physique Stratford Was the superior team, but it is aot the dashing combination of last season. Amongst the forwards J. Smith stood cut as the best on the ground and was ably seconded by Melville. Amongst the backs Cameron and Tocjccr were easily the best, Kirkwood playing solidly. The Tuiapa forwards played their best game this season, Steele, Ward and Allen being always prominent in the tight work. The colta, Perry and Loveridge, were prominent in the loose throughout. Stohr Bros, and Mynott plaved most consistently up to form. Mason showed improvement. Barker did some good work, but was not too certain in taking the ball,

CLIFTON v. STAR, 'When the Stay seniors madf snc'i ' sorry showing against Tnkapa a week ago, people gave them but a poor rha 'iit of. holding tlieir own against Clifton. 'But the Waitnra men seem to be essentially a combination for heavy, sodden grounds, and they played disappointing football against Stars at the lieereation Sports Ground yesterday afternoon, tiie game ending in their favor bv onlv 7 points to 3. The ground was in capital condition, and there was 110 wind. Mr (Hopkins controlled the game. Tjlje, first incident of interest oeeurra Hbqut five minutes after the start, wliei a rapid recovery by Hill, who had mullei an easv ball, just prevented Loveridg< m ' ii;;kere striding over the line. iCi other rush was stayed by Clow at full Stars were getting a hot time of i on the defence, and matters were no i-iipruved by Pike hanging too long t< tin* ball and then sending an awkwan pass to Hill. It was missed, and Caii intercepted, transferring to l'ulforil Nearly all of the, Clifton backs handlei ■ bill in a passing rush that madi f."t' qliqut eight yard? of ground, end iiig ui' a scrum op the line. A penalt; gave relief, and Hill foiraj the lin." a ' hqlf-wav, The same player sl|ortl; afterwards sent a long kick down tin ceptre. Pike chased hard after the bail and kicked it from the very touch 0 George, the visitors' full-back, and, drib Wing, scpred. Hill's kick at goal failed Star 8, Clifton nil. Shortly after re Sliming So] 1 afield more than ei|milisc( matters by potting a goal from a left footed kick at a dillicult amrle, am the Stars stood by and watched him di it. Clifton 4—.1.' Bad mulling by Boul ' ton put Star on the defensive, lm IWhitaker and Brown got the side out o ; the difficulty, and play settled down n Clifton's corner for a time. Severa tiroes a score was narrowly missed, Pik ■ and Wlhitaker doing fine service. 1 short kick was marked, and Hill mad (l poor shot at goal. Pukere, Deploys and Cain headed a raslc that set Star ■thinking, and Kggleston dribbled elea through the backs, and out. From th throw-in Sampson gv* ,«>ssession, an transferred to Tate, who lost the bal Cain got it and scrambled over. Clil toll 7—3.' The kick at goal failed. fin ton returned to the Blacks' 25, but l)ya and McCoy came through, and, the wind team: taking a hand in a lively dasl penned the visitors down to their lim - ■ Glow missed an easy shot from a per £ - altv. Line out plu\ gaie the \>llou

I ! knocking over tlie little Star men « were tackling high, but eventually drc: ping for Brown, who got him by tile li'j Vellows kept up the attack, Glow sa ing in one instance hy his cleverness taking the bull, llil'l "speculated" front of his own goal, and S. Geor. marked. His kick at goal was poor, ai 0 Star was forced. In the second spi <' Clifton opened better, preventing t! " Blacks from opening out. Whitakei line-kicking made an ellective ueieat ;j but Scholelield was giving the best e 0 liibition in this department of the gam 3 At the head of a tine rush EgglesU essayed a pot, but unsuccessful! Scholelield marked, George failing wit 0 the kick, and Star forced. From aboi 8 half-way through the spell the Stai 0 asserted themselves, and Cliftons wci kept almost continuously on the di tensive. Brown, Whitaker, and- Pit among the backs, and Eyan, McCo and Dixon, were forcing the pae Hawkins also putting in some usefi ; . work. Loveridge, Pukere, and Cai r were the pick of the opposition, all tn ;. backs except S. George and Egglesto t being unreliable. Brown was injure r and retired to full back, Clow movin .. to five-eighths and Whitaker to lial: y Clifton was forced twice. The gam r closed amidst some excitement, th ■f Stars making a determined attack an< e steadily igaining ground. The visitor b seemed well pleased when the whistl r sounded '■ no side." There was no scor • in the second spell. t The game wits more interesting thai a would appear from the scores, and ha< t the home team possessed a safe man a 1 right wing three-quarter the victory - would doubtless have rested with tin town team, which averaged perhaps i 1 stone lighter than the visitors. Tin I Cliftons showed little, if any, improve l ment upon the form displayed in tin - opening match. Tor the winners S - George played a safe game at full. Hi , made one mistake, and Star scored froii - it. Eggleston was the best of the three I quarter line, and Tate was .below form I Sampson was a failure at five-eighths , and no improvement upon D. George • who played wing forward. Pnkefc and ■ Cain were the pick of the forwards, but , the latter displayed a reprehensible habit ' of interference. For the Stars Clow played a pretty game at full, taking the bull well and exercising judgment in his kicking. Pike played well at three-quarter, but Hill and Soul ton were erratic, the latter particularly so. Whitaker and Brown each carried out ms ■work well behind an overweighted pack, and fed their hacks fairly well. Ryan, McCoy, Dixon and Hawkins were tne best of the forward division. ELTHAM v. INGLEWOOD. The Elthani and Inglewood seniors met at Eltham yesterday. A runaway victory for the home team was predicted, but the play of the Inglewood team was a decided improvement on any previous form shown this season. A hard-fought game ended in a win for Eltham by 14 points to nil. SECOND GRADE, ELTHAM v. INGLEWWOD. One of the fastest junior matches seen for some time was played at Inglewood yesterday, when Eltham 11. defeated Inglewood n. by 14 points to 3. The first spell was a relly willing go, and ended in each side storing three points. In the second half, however, lack of condition told on the reds, and the magpies added eleven points to the score. Mr, Woods ref ereed. STRATFORD v. TUKAPA. I Stratford II v. Tukapa II met on the Recreation Grounds. Tukapa led up to within a few minutes of time, but then their work became slovenly. Recklelien and Toeker, for Stratford, scored two tries in about ten minutes, and Burgess converted the second just on time. Mr. A. Smart refereed. The first spell was of only 35 minutes' duration. CLIFTON v. STAR. Clifton II defeated Star II by 9 to" 3. THIRD GRADE. STRATFORD v. TUKAPA. At Stratford yesterday the Tukapa 111. were badly defeated by Stratford 111., by 20 points to nil. The game was fairly even until within Hi* last twenty minutes, during which time the home team completely walked over the blues, and compiled most of the score. INGLEWOOD 111. v. ELTHAM 111. The Inglewood and Eltham second juniors met at Eltham yesterday. A good game resulted in a win for the home team by 13 points' to 8. CLIFTON v. STAR. Clifton 111 beat Star 111 on the Racecourse ground by 8 to nil. Eustace and Fuller scored for the visitors. NOTES. The following team will represent Civil Service on Saturday:—Honey Held, Addison. Pfaukuuh, Iloeock. Mulvcy, Loveridge. Irvine, X. Mclsaae, Ryan, Treeby, Kennedy, Kilgoiir, Day, Scldon, and Napier; emergencies, Pvarce, Cox, and C. Mclsaae. The team will play in blue and white jerseys. The following will represent the Baiiks and Law on Monday next:— Full, A Grant; three-quarters, T. Grant and Weibster; live-eighths, Hall; half, Nicholson; wings, Stowe and Ellis: forwards', Turnbull, Power, Coker, Standish (captain), Bollinger, Clapham. a"d llarlc; emergencies, backs Quilliam and Salway. forwards, Mclsnacs and .Monk.

Why some footballers' should imagine they have a special license to lake charge of their surroundings on Thursday afternoons it is hard to understand, hut it i»' a fact irralio7iality is one of the most pronounced characteristics of some modern footbail youths. Yesterday a popular local hostelry was turntt topsy-turvy by a visiting junior team, who have left a reputation behind them for which they are not likely to be envied. After their game they invaded the hath rooms, and also tin: rooms of guests in search of towels,nearly 20 of which they left in a filthy condition. The bath outlets were choked with the mud which had been washed off their boots, which they had the effrontry, judging by the eonditiun of the towels, to dry with the toilet linen. The floors of the bath-rooms were left swimming with- water, and the whole condition of the premises was a disgrace to those responsible. It is a pity that hotelkeepers would not report such conduct to the ['nioii, when something exemplary in the way of punishment might be expected. Captains of teams should be warned by their clubs' to exercise stronger control over any idiots who might be placed in their charge, if a whole team is not to suffer by the conduct of these few. The secretary of the Taranaki Referees' Association has received from the X.Z. Referees' Association a parcel of I |l!M!> handbooks, comprising the latest I I ruling.-' and interoretation., of Rugby ; football.

THE ASSOCIATION GAME NEW PLYMOUTH BEATS STRATFORD, Xew Plymouth travelled to Stratford with three men short to play their cup fixture. At the suggestion of the home elul) it was decided to make it a friendly game, and to postpone the cii|> I fixture until June 15th. Xew Ply-month I picked up two men, and played with ten men. There wa* a slight wind in their favor in the first spell, which was very willing, Stratford having a slight advantage. Their -hacks wre playing very soundly, and repeatedly cheeking the attack* () f fchn Xcw Plymouth front | rank, I'ollingwood. of siratford, Ipid many shots at goal without ell'ect, .r.ul the teams crossed over without a score. The second spell opened with the Stratford forwards tailing the hall up the field, and after a lot of give-and-take play Harrison (Stratford's left \vingor) beat tin.' Xew Plymouth goalie with fi fast running -shot. Soon after this Hartley, the Xew Plymouth centre forward, had to retire owing to iin injury to his eye. This left Xew Plymouth with nine men, hut tlicy did not 'despair. Shortly after, Elliott,'Xew Plymouth's centre half, who had been playing a sterling game right- through, came to lire front, and putting in a hard stinging i?hot, beat the Stratford goal-keeper all the way. Very soon after Smart put in a splendid corner and had Xvw Plymouth taken the opportunity they would Jjave registered another goal. However. Thomas' came to light, taking the ball from the goal kick, and made the score 2 to 1 in favor of Xew Plymouth. Klliott now went up forward, when he and Smart bewildered the Stratford Isicks, and had hard luck on many occasions. Vanu, of Stratford, was playing a good game, and prevented many a score. The whistle' sotiml 'd nhort)y after. Xe«- Plymouth winniti" bv '2 to 1. " On the whole the teams were evenly matched. Stratford have real good backs, and should give a good aecount of ; «to«d out,

as their best forward, but had no one to I back him up. Of the Xew Plvnionlh team, all played well. Elliott shone out as centre half, ami saved bis side on many occasions. With a full-team Xew Plymouth ought to give a good account I of themselves before the season is over. A Cup match was played at Kaponga on Wednesday between tile Kaponga B and Hawera teams, and was won by llawera by 3 goals to 1. NEW ZEALAND RUGBY UNION. By Telegraph—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. The management committee of the New Zealand Rugby Union met to-night. Mr. M. Dixon was elected chairman for the ensuing year, The fixing of tlie time and place for the annual intcvIsland match was deferred. It was decided to inform the South African Union that the Xew Zealand Union would be pleased to hear w'nether it was intended to send a team to Xew Zealand! in 1010. The Ponsouby district club was given permission to play not more than five matches in Australia by invitation of I Sydney Metropolitan Union in July, provided the manager of the tour be approved by the Auckland Union, and an audited statement of receipts and expenditure be supplied to the New Zealand Union after the team's return. The suspension of a section of the Waipawa sub-Union for failing to pay dues was confirmed. C. Hamilton and E. Hughes (Invercargill) asked for removal of disqualification for having played in a Northern Union game. The committee decided that the Union had no power to comply with the request.