FOOTBALL.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 August 1915, Page 7

FOOTBALL.

TODAY'S '.MATCH. Tarauaki v. Auckland representatives, at Auckland, " i" ' '.FIXTUKES FOll NEXT WEEK. Thursday, August 12. Juniors.—Ttikapa v. New Plymouth High School, at New Plytmout'b; Eltham v. Inglewood, at Eltham; Clifton v. Stratford, at Waitara, Second Juniors.—New Plymouth Technical College v. Clifton, at Now Plymouth; Stratford District High School v. Now Plymouth High Sultool, at New Plymouth; Stratford and Eltliam byes, NEWS AND NOTES,

Thejootball season, as far as cup fixtures are concerned, is rapidly approaching conclusion. Last Thursday bom the senior cup final, whilst next Thursday the northern junior competition will be completed, and the following week will conclude the second and final round of the second junior.-!. Once, again, the championship of the province has gone to the southern division, which seems likely to bo its permanent resting place. Stratford, Clifton and Tukapa have in the past few years made determined attempts to bring the laurels to the north, but have always met their Waterloo at the hands of Okaiawa or Waimalo. It is pleasing, however, to note that flawcra, which was the home of isome giants of the game in by-gone years, lias again secured the coveted trophy. On paper, the Taranaki team that is to dQ battle at Auckland to-day is the .weakest that has represented the butter and cheese province for many years. The war lias robbed Taranaki, and rightly so, of many of its highest exponents of tihe game. Each week sees additional footballers join the colors. Of the team that played Auckland last yestv, nearly half lias already gone to the front, while others are waiting the call. Only about six of the present combination have donned the amber and black jersey in Auckland. The absence of men like Twomey, Colman, Robertson, and Martin, whilst considerably weakening the team, has given younger players an opportunity, and. if thev all seize it, Auckland may not have such an easy ta.-k this afternoon as is generally anticipated. Last year Taranaki sent a weak team north, but an interesting game saw Auckland get home by a narrow margin, after having all the better of the first spell. Taranaki is always a popular team wjth the Auckland pub.ic, v\h 0 have vih'id recollections of stiniug contest* ami always give the amber and black team a great hearing, indeed, the remarkable scene of enthusiasm at Alexandra l\irk, when Taranaki snatched (he Ranfurly Shield, two years ago, could not possibly have been excelled had the local team emerged victorious,

To-day the final match in the Wairoa su'b-uniou competition will be played; when Waitolara and Alton will meet in the 'play off at Patea. A keen contest. Is anticipated, and will he witnessed by a record crowd, particularly as the sub-union has generously decided to give the .proceeds to the Wounded Soldier.' Fund.

P. Tinney, the Patca player, who has agisted Tiiranaki on several occasions, went north at very short notice by the mail train yesterday to play against Auckland.