FOOTBALL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 56, 27 July 1914, Page 7

FOOTBALL.

SATURDAY COMPETITION. Th« senior competition was continued on Saturday in ruM and wintn- weather. At Western J'ark 'lV.apa' defeated Okato by 21 points to S, whilst at Jnglc.wood tin- lioine uam were defeated by Clifton. Star did not send a team to Stratford. TUKAPA 21 v. OKATO 8. There was not so liuicli margin be- ' tween the teams on the day's [day a* the scores indic.it.-. The Okato forwards played a good game, and wei'e superior to the !n-als, but though their backs defended well, yet one or two of the tries put up against them should easily have been stopped. The visitor?' hacks were weak in attack, and it was tin; locals' superiority in tbu department that gave them the victory. The game was at time interesting, as both teams were making it open, but faultyhandling put an end to some good passing bouts. The game was ,by no means one-sided, eacli side taking its turn at attack, but the local team possessed more finish, and prevailed by five tries (three eonvel-ted), to two tries (one ecru Tted.) i'i: ving with the wind, Okato attacked, anil Eustace was nearly over, lieii.g held up on the line. A moment later, from a. free kick, Stohr had a sfobt, which fell short. Grant, with a dashing run, and Stohr, with a pot, tried to score, but failed. Carey, Hill and Rothery then led forward rushes that had the locals defending for some time, but offside play at the critical moment gave relief. From a free kick, the Blues followed up. and Andrews marked on tile rebound, was smothered, and Stoar picking up. scored. He failed to goal.

Almost immediately after, from a scramble, Brown scored, and Stohr goalcil. This roused the visitors, and in quick succession Tukapa were forced twice. Stohr's long kicks saved time and again. Ultimately Okato's turn came from a line-out outside the twentyfive. Carey secured, and, running strong'y. beat the opposition and scored, and Eustace goaled. Okato and Tukapa each again had a spell at attack. Corbett, Carey, Burrows and Eustace being prominent for the visitors, and Paul, Ward, Grant and Brown for the locals, but neitlier side scored.

Soon after resuming, Tukapa scored two tries in quick succession, Stohr scoring after a run and Paul getting over after a scramble, in which the fullback missed the ball. West converted the latter try. Tukapa kept up the pressure, relieved by occasional bursts of the Okato forwards to midfield. Ward had hard luck in not scoring twice. Webster and Crant were also well collared after desperate dashes. Okato kept their lines intact, though Paul claimed a mark when he only bad to fall on the Ml to score. West's shot failed. Okato now became prominent, and their forwards invaded. Andrews fielded Stohr's kick and followed up fast. lie secured again and kicked high, again getting to the ball in time to prevent it Teaching touch, and neatly keeping it in, allowed O'Sullivan to score. Eustace failed to goal. With a minute to go. Tukapa forwards rushed, and Cargo and Ward were associated in the next try. Ward goaled.