FOOTBALL

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 209, 10 May 1912, Page 7

FOOTBALL

FIRST GRADE TUKAPA (3) v. STRATFORD (3). The match at Western Park yesterday between Stratford and Tukapa seniors did not attract a very large attendance, and those who were present did not witness a very brilliant exposition of the game of Rughj'. Kicking and forward rushes were the predominating feature. There were very few passing rushes, and what there were, were all indulged in by the Stratford backs, who, however, did not gain much ground by them, as they generally wound up on the other side of the field parallel with the starting point. Tukapa played the team originally picked. There were several defections in the Stratford team, viz., Cameron (2), Dive, Boon, Osborne and ■6. Feasin, their places being filled by juniors and others. J. Stohr, who captained Tukapa, won the toss from Young, and played in the first spell with a strong mountain wind behind him, but against the sun. The first spell was all in Tukapa's favor, but though they forced Stratford on numerous occasions the only score they could obtain was a fine goal kicked by Stohr from a mark. Lovoridge on another occasion apparently got over the line, but the referee did not see the occurrence, and no try was awarded. In the second spell Stratford had much the better of the game and scored a try. Yo.ung kicked off and J. Stohr's return was mulled by Stewart, and Whittaker, who was following up fast, almost got through. A serum ensued under tha posts, but an infringement gave Stratford relief. A nice kick by JtfcGivcn litaugM the blues back again, A misl>ick- by. Stohr spoilt a good chance and enabled Stratford to force. The blues still pressed, but Kivell was safe. The , Whittaker Eros, and G. Loveridgo were responsible for a movement which saw the latter get over the line, but the Teferee' did not see the act. Several forces followed in rapid succession. Stratford now livened up, and a rush i headed by Fearon and Young was checked by McGiven marking on the own goal line. A high kick by Stohr and a dodgy run by Brown ended in a scrum on the Stratford line. Here Whittaker was over-anxious and picked the ball out of the scrum, and a free kick gave relief. Hard kicks by Loveridge and failures to take passes by Stohr resulted in several forces, wjiich might have been scores. The first score came from a free kick by Stohr, after L. Whittaker had marked, when 18 minutes' play had gone. Tukapa still were the aggressors and Stohr on one occasion made a lonehanded run, which was stopped by the full-back. Stratford flashed momentarily. Fearon, Young, and Brown, aided by a long kick from Anderson, reached Tukapa's 25. The ball was soon returned, VV. Whittaker being the principal factor. A long kick by Bonnor removed the danger, and Wilson, following up, saw White called on to defend. Stewart next spoilt a good Stratford attack by trying to pot, and Tukapa were forced for the first time. Returning to the attack, Stohr marked and made a fine, but futile, attempt at goal. Resumption of hostilities after halftime saw Stratford take advantage of the wind and set up an attack, Tukapa being forced twice in succession. Stohr

kicked high, but gained no ground. Stratford gradually worked the ball down, and a scrum on the blues' line followed. Brown cleverly saved, and a long kick by Stohr found the line at half-way. Stratford backs set up their first passing rush, D. Cameron being thrown out well in the Tukapa 25. Offside play by Loveridge gave Kivell a shot, which, however, was spoilt. A period of dull give-and-take play ensued, mainly in neutral territory. The reds gradually forced their way to their opponents' line, where Brown centred, enabling Stohr to secure the ball and run well down the line to within striking distance, where he was thrown out. From the throw-in Anderson marked and kicked, being well followed up. Loveridge was just in time to force. Ward put in some nice play on resuming, but was well checked by Cameron. A little later a passing rush between Anderson, Stewart, Jones and Crawshaw saw the latter over the line, where he lost the ball, a force resulting. Stratford backs opened out the game and kept Tukapa busy. White, however, was taking the ball well, and some fine kicks gained much ground. Stratford were not to be | denied, and fr*m a line out Bonnor scored and equalised the points. Kivell's kick at goal failed. From this on there was no further score, and nothing particular-; ly interesting, Stratford's efforts to increase their score being checked. Mr. G. Hopkins controlled the game.

JUNIOR GRADE.

STAR (8) v. TUKAPA (3). H The junior match, Star v. Tukapa, (lid B not draw many spectators- to the lie- n creation Grounds. After a somewhat nil- ■ exciting tussle, the former fifteen won by 8 points to 3. All the points were m obtained in the first half of the game. - Ilarvey drew first blood for Stars, with -■ a try from a scramble. It was a very tame affair. Bnllot added the major . points. A penalty goal by McGahey increased the black s' lead to eight points. The kick was a fine piece of work. The opposition were at times also very aggressive, and as the result of an inglorious display of "mulling" on the part of t'lie Star backs, McKoy scored in a handy position. West, however, failed to convert. There was no more scoring. Play was largely of the - giv-o and take order. For juniors, the exhibition, considering the earliness of the season, was by no means disheartening. Several promising players were S conspicuous every now and again. No- | ticeable failings were an inclination to I embrace an opponent round his neck, in- | stead of collaring him low, and a bad 1 habit, common to both packs, of not let- | ting the ball out of the scrums. Taken | on the whole, the forwards were not | half a bad lot. Many of the defects jj would, easily be remedied by systematic jj coaching. It is a pity that somebody | cannot be found who will take the | younger players —there is a fair leaven | of well-seasoned men in both fifteens— | in hand during the season. Mr. H. Petty | was referee. j

CLIFTON (20) v. INGLE WOOD (14). 1 At Tnglewood, Olifton juniors defeated 1 the local fifteen by 20 points to 14. I THIRD GRADE. Owing to the. High School holidays the Second Junior fixture, Inglewood v. New Plymouth High School, did not come off. The secretary of the Star Club, Mr. Precce, desires to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of the following donations: —Dr. Home £1 Is, Mr. E. Dockrill £1 Is, and Mr. Little 10s.