FOOTBALL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 310, 23 May 1913, Page 7

FOOTBALL.

SENIORS. CLIFTON 12, v. ELTHAM 0. At Waitara. Clifton had much the better of the argument in the match against Eltliam yesterday. Eltham held their own fairly well in the forwards, but were badly beaten in the backs. Clifton were finding the line with great judgment, whilst their handling of the ball was good. An inclination on the •'part of Kupe to hang on to the leather militated against a larger score. Eltliam backs were very weak in their tackling, which was much too high.

Eltham kicked off with the sun in their faces, the hall returning to halfway. From a serum Crowley secured and set his hacks in motion, Kupe, Tate and Goodwin taking a hand, the latter lining. Clifton forwards took a hand and the backs playing finely Goodwh nearly scored. Clifton still attacked, hut Glentworth saved. Goodwin, failing to pass, spoilt a likely opening, and a little later from a mark the same player made a good attempt, the hall falling under the bar. Glentworth kicked out, and at once Kupe tried a pot. Narbey, Osborne and Ongley cleared their lines and carried play to Clifton's twenty-five, but Hicks, Cain, Thomas & Co. brought it back, and Howatson nearly got over from a passing rush. Clifton continued to press, and Crowley, taking a clever mnrk, gave Goodwin a shot at goal. It was a good kick, hut only a force resulted. A beautiful line kick by Goodwin placed Clifton within striking distance, and from the line-out Jones got over and scored. Goodwin failed to convert. Concerted play by Jones, V. Tate and Thomas saw the"latter thrown out at the corner by Glentworth. A snappy mark by Alexander and fast followingup by Narbey and Osborne let Eltham across the half-way line, but for a brief interval only, as a determined run by Kupe carried plav back to Eltham's goal. The Reds cleared their lines, hut Pryde hung on too long, and back came Clifton. Cairns slipped when gathering up the hall, and a passing rush between Hicks, Crowlev, Kupe and C. Tate saw the latter collared on the line. Half-time was called with the score:

Clifton 3 Eltham 0 Clifton attacked on resuming, Cairns saving by lining. MaeDonald, Ongley and Pryde lieaded a forward rush, "but the ball came across to C. Tate, who was just downed in time by Glentworth. Crowley next secured a clever mark in a handy place. C. Tate had a shot at goal, which Osborne charged down, being winded in the attempt. A resumption saw Kupe run through his opponents like ninepins and, reaching the line, he passed to Thomas, who dashed over. Goodwin's attempt failed. Clifton banks were passing nicelv, but Eltham forwards gradually worked the ball back, and were looking dangerous, when off-sido play called them back. Eltham still pressed, and for the first time Clifton 1 were forced. The kick-off saw Cain. Hicks and Runa carry play to midfield, ■ where it hung for a while, until Kupe secured and, cutting through, passed. to C. Tate, who shot the leather across to V. Tate, the latter running over. Kune failed to convert. Off-side plav bv Thomas relieved Eltham when Clifton , looked dangerous, and like a flash the ! Reds retaliated, but Waka and Tlowatson were safe. Eltham forwards were now playing keener, and kent the Yellows defending until the Clifton backs took a hand and changed the scene to right under Clifton's goal, where Kupe • lost his side a certain trv bv, hanging | on too long, and the ball finding the ; dead-ball line gave Eltham relief, which was onlv temporary, as almost immediately they were compelled to force, j fioodwin next made a dash for the line. I as the outcome of a passing rush, but I was \vell taken by filentworth. Ongley and MaeDonald came away, ball at toe J but Waka went down ' smartlv and! snatched the leather, from their feet ' Goodwin, Kupe & Co. made desperate I efforts to score, and ultimately Kupe, I with a brilliant dash down the line. CT t over just on the call of time. Waka made a good but ineffectual attempt to goal. ' I

Clifton ]2 Eltham '..'.', 0 Mr. P. Spurdlc refereed. TUKAPA 14, v. STRATFORD li. Fast and interesting football was witnessed at the Western Park yesterday, when Tukapa, their reputation somewhat tarnished by their recent draw with Eltham, met Stratford, whose decisive defeat of Clifton the previous week stamped them as a worthy foe. But Tukapa has always risen to the occasion when up against Stratford, and yesterday's game was no exception. Tukapa were a better team, and they won. Stratford, however, made a more determined struggle of the game than the scores would indicate, their two tries scored in the closing stages of the game being a tribute to their staying powers, and to the excellent combination of a line set of forwards. Stohr has ever been a thorn in the side, of Stratford, and his brilliant kicking was yesterday seen to great advantage. One'is accustomed to expect big tilings from Tukapa's goal-kicker, but surely the unexpected happened when, from half-way and close to the line, he piloted the leather right between the uprights and with any amount of length to spare. The first half was all in favor of the home team, whose forwards were dangerous in the loose, and wdiose backs kicked well and handled the ball in good style. Stratford opened up with a Hash if brilliance, a fine forward passing rush, but soon settled down into mediocrity. The second spell was more even, and Stratford had only themselves to blame for Tukapa's last try, scored from a line-out. With a quarter of an hour to go, the visitors warmed up to their work. The backs, for the first time, threw the ball about in good fashion, and the forwards, playing well together, were more than a match for their opponents'. Started earlier, that determined effort nihrht liar., retrieved their honor. _ "ith the sun at their backs and a light breeze in their face-.. Stratford kicked off. Stohr did not s.-enre. end Ihillot was just in time with his kicks to touch. Woods, the visitor's half, picked up from a scrum, and a passing rush in which Olliver and Dohson handled, saw the latter's faultv pass let Stohr break away. Stratford's forwards were working willingly, but Stohr sent them back with a couple of powerful kicks. A timely mark bv Sullivan crave I)obson the chance of putting his side on the attack, but Tukapa were soon on I''" ntt.nnlrn.rain, a free kick for l.nmllinij allowing Stohr an opportunity for a shot ■'[ "oal from close on half'-wav. The kick was a good one, missing by only a few feet. The,, <. { ,p„. an cxcil.im: rush bv the Stratford forwards, Stewart Dew ar ,_ Sullivan and others all ,„rtici-r-ating , n a movement which, luckily for Tukapa. failed at the last moment *• «ene= of linn-outs. «,„] n wrnm 0 „ Tn . kapas line followed. Brown's solid defence attracted attention. Tnk.in.i cleared their line, and well-judr-ed kinking put Stratford on their defence. The Redl and Blacks kicked to touch, and MeA lnni, using his head, worked off an "d tnek. He gave a short, onick pass to Lovendge, who passed back to ;

wing-forward. It was a close thing. Tukapa were not to be denied, and from a serum on Stratford's line, Brown passed to Wliittnkcr, who gave Loveridge a chance which he was not slow to accept. Though kicking from within two yards of the touch-line, Stoltr made no mistake with the goal.

Tukapa 5 Stratford 0 Tukapa were shortly again on the attack, hut a passing rush started by Brown, and continued by Whitakcr, who cut in neatly, ended in Cade being collared. He lost possession, and, essaying a short kick, F. Brown took a clever mark. Off-side play by Boon proved disastrous, Stohr kicking a great goal from half-way. Tukapa 8 Stratford (1 Loose play characterised the next few minutes, Kivcll being bustled by Brown on more than one occasion. Then McAllum raised some excitement by running through half the Stratford team, only to be upset when close to the line. An attempted pot by Tockcr was the only item of interest before the whistle blew with the scores unaltered. Tukapa opened the second spell with a well-deserved try. Brown secured and transferred to W. Wliittnkcr, who passed to Cade, who kicked and followed up. He secured, and, making a bold bid for the line, dodged Kivell, and got there. Stohr's kick was fruitless. , Tukapa 11 Stratford :....:.. 0 Lovcridge. and Brown were associated in a lively movement, but the latter kicked too hard. Kivcll forcing. Both teams marked freely, neither gaining much advantage. A hard kick by Jul], and Kivell'B_dive for the ball resulted in a, good somersault, but a poor attempt at securing. Stewart raced half-a-dozen Tukapa forward for a touch down, and won by a finger. At this stage of the game, Stratford took a fresh lease of life, and for the first time in the game gave their supporters a glimmer of hope. Tocker picked up in ffreat style, was collared bv Bullot and Dewar crossed the line. Faulty handling, however, disallowed the try, and'a serum resulted. Stratford made desperate efforts to score. Stewart nearly forcing his way over. Loveridgc cleared and, following up fast, collared F. Brown, who had taken KivelPs place at full. Stewart came to the rescue, and was equal to the occasion. Tukapa essayed several passing rushes which lacked finish, giving spectators the impression that the pace was telling. The best of these movements • took Tukapa into Stratford's twenty-five, where, from a line-out. Ward, who was unmarked, secured anl touched down. The try was the most popular of the day. Aajain Stohr made a good kick, but just failed to convert. Tukapa 14 Stratford 0

The score put fresh energy into the visitors' play, and Barney Fearon and Toek-er were responsible for transferring the struggle to Tnkapa territory. Woods, Dobson and Olliver were the participants in a pretty piece of passing, hut the last-named slipped when a score appeared possible. Then Billy Woods followed up a kick and tackled Whittaker. securing the ball and passing out to Tocker. who scored. Dobson missed an easy kick.

Tukapa. ~ '... 14 Stratford 3 Stratford were at it again, and Stewart shone out by the rapidity with which he pounced on the leather' whenever it came his way. The Stratford forwards had all the best of it, and before a minute had passed Woods picked up from a scrum, made a useful dive into the centre of the oppoiition, and got the ball out to Stewart, who made no mistake. Dobson was agE in not equal to the oc casion. Tukapa 14 Stratford 0 From this on there was no further score. Stratford were making strenuous efforts to add a few more points to their total when the whistle called' a halt. Tukapa winning by eight points. Mr, Roch gave every satisfaction as referee.

JUNIOBS. STAR 5, v. ELTHAM 3. A,t Eltham yesterday Star defeated the local juniors by 5 points to 3. Star won the toss and played with the wind at their backs. Star forwards, who were lighter than their opponents, pressed from the kick-oil', and off-side play by Eltham gave Star a free kick. ' McGahey had a shot, the ball just falling "'lort. and Eltham forced. Star still ' : -ssd. and Md.'ahey had another retltless sliot from a mark by James. !'rom.ii forward rush, Clarke dived over the line, but off-side . play, by Eltham called him hack, and from'"he free kick Harvey made a good but lvsultless shot just outside the post, and Eltham again forced, the second time within fifteen minutes. From the kick-oft' A. -tames secured and set his hacks moving, Gomer passim.' forward, after carrying the hall to within ten yards of the line" Plunket secured from the resultant scrum, and dived over the line. McGahey converted. This woke Eltham no, and plav hovered round SHr's citadel until offside, play gave them a penalty which failed, and Star were forced for the first time. Star retaliated with a rush, and were pressing hard when half-time sounded.

Earh- in (lie second half, Eltham pressed, and several serums ensued, but over-eagerness nullified them, and Star found touch at half-way. Pack came the Reds, and, being awarded a penalty under Star's goal, Loveridge landed a nice goal. Play now tra -died up and down

the field until from a scrum in Eltham's twenty-live Page crossed the line, but the try was disallowed, Kltham being awarded a free kick. Kltham were defending when the whistle sounded to cease play. Air. Thompson gave every satisfaction as referee, though lie had great dillieulty in keeping the spectators oil the line. STRATFORD 11, v. TUKAPA 3. Stratford Juniors defeated Tukapa Juniors at Stratford by 11 points (two tries, one of which was converted, and a penalty goal) to 3 points (a penalty goal). For the winners tries were scored by Kennedy, Browne and lloskings, one ' of which Ceilings converted. West kicked a penalty goal for Tukapa. SECOND JUNIORS Star Second Juniors forfeited to Stratford, who played a practice match with a High School team, winniii" by 7 to 5. TEAAIS FOR SATURDAY. Rovers will he represented by the following in their match against Inglewood, on the Recreation Grounds, New Plymouth, to-morrow afternoon, at 3 p.m.: Stewart, Webster, Grant, Stohr, Thompson, Reid, Leary, Winch, Little, Jennings, Newell, Lusk, Quilliam, Drake and Loveridge. PRIAfARY SCHOOLS' FIXTURES. June 7—Stratford v. Inglewood, at Inglewood; High School v. Waitara, ■at Waitara; Central v. West End, at Central; Fitzroy a bye. , June 14—Waitara v. Stratford, at Stratford; Fitzrov v. Central, at New Plymouth; West End v. High School, at New Plymouth; Inglewood a bye. June 21— Inglewood v. High School, at High School; Stratford v. Fitzroy, at Stratford; Central v. Waitara, at Waitara; West End a bye.

June 28—Fitzrov v. West End, at Xew Plymouth; Stratford v. High School, at Stratford; Inglewood v. Waitara, at Inglewood; Central a bye.

July s—Central v. High School, at Xew Plymouth; West End v. Stratford, at Xew Plymouth; Tnglewood v. Fitzroy, at Inglewood; Waitara a bye. July 12—Central v. Inglewood, at New Plymouth; Waitara v. West End, at Waitara; High School v. Fitzrov, at New Plymouth; Stratford a hve.

July 19—Stratford v. Central, at Stratford; Inglewood v. West End, at Inglewood; Fitzroy v. Waitara, at Xew Flymouth; High School a bye. ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL STRATFORD (j~. ELTHAM (0). At Stratford yesterday the local team defeated Eltham by 4 goals to nil. For the winners, goals were kicked by Schofield (2). T. Corton and McClade. One of the Eltham men was ordered off for "remarks" to the referee. PLYMOUTH (0) v. WATTARA (1) At .Waitara. yesterday New Plymouth defeated the local team by fi goals to 1. Ooals were scored for the winners by J. Wylie (2), W. Wylie (2), Kelly, 'and Young. James scored for the losers. Mr. R. Watson rcfereed in a capable manner. HAWERA (2) v. .OKATAWA (0). On Wednesday, Hawera defeated. Okaiawa by two goals to nil after a good hard-played game. INGLEWOOD. A movement is on foot at Tnglewood to form an Association football club. A meeting was called to discuss the matter on Wednesday evening last, but owing to the extreme inclemency • of the weather, only three enthusiasts turned up. A further meeting will be hold in , Mr. J. Oibbs' office on Monday night, and it is expected that Inr.rlewood . will be able to raise a team (it to hold its own. in the soccer Thursday competition, as' there are quite a number of players and < supporters in the town.—Own Correspondent.