FOOTBALL

Taranaki Daily News, 2 May 1921, Page 3

FOOTBALL

CUP COMPETITIONS.

SATURDAY’S MATCHES.

ALL CLOSE CONTESTS,

The Taranaki cup competitions were continued on Saturday in fin» weather, when all the games were closely contested, the teaims proving to be evenly matebed.

RESULTS AT A GL*'!'~

SENIOR A. Clifton 10 v. Patea 6. Kaponga 3 v. Stratford 3 Waimate 5 v. Tukapa 5. Opunake 6 v. Okaiawa 3. SENIOR B. Star 3 v. Okato nil. Inglewood 3 v. Eltham nil.

A GRADE.

WAIMATE (5) v. TUKAPA (5)

Close on a thousand people witnessed the game between Tukapa and Waimate on the Recreation Grounds, New Plymouth. As was Expected, the game provided a. very fair exhibition of football, being very fast and strenuously contested throughout, the Issue being in doubt until the finalX whistle. The match early resolved Itself into a struggle between the Tukapa backs and the Waimate forwards. The latter are a keen and young pack, showing good combination, but the Tukapa forwards stood up to them well, though lacking condition and combination, and enabled their backs to get in action fairly frequently. The Waimate rearguard, though they did not show up in attack, proved ’very safe in defence, and a draw was probably a good indication of the merits of the tenons, though In the closing stages Waimate were having all the better of the game.

Right from the opening Tukapa backs set up a passing move, but the opposing backs checked, and the forwards., set up a counter rush that compeil-d Tukapa. to force. Tukapa, headed by McAllum and Johnson, carried play back again, and G. Hooker and Brown were prominent in a nice movement. Play moved rapidly up and down the field, Birchall, Winters. Burke and McKay being prominent for the southerners, and McAllum, Johnson, Wilson and Quickfall working hard for the northern pack. Birchall gained considerable ground from a nice dribbling rush. Baily and Hughes Fad resultless shots for infringements, the latter’s kick right in front of the goal being charged down. Brown, at centre three-quarter, made a nice opening, and Tukapa had a spell at attack, but Burke, McKay and Haynes were safe. Then, like a flash, the Waimate pack rushed play to the other end of the field, and Winters scored, Phillips converting. Half-time: Waimate 5, Tukapa 0.

On resuming Brown went to his old position at half. Waimate forwards at once attacked, but Priar lined at 1-alf-way. Then Brown set his backs moving. Hooker and Oliver handling nicely. Priar essayed a pot at goal, but thi ball did not rise. Tukapa backs were now pressing hdtly, but Burke. McKay, Bailey and Badley were safe and lined well. G. Hooker had a shot at goal, which failed. Winters and Birchall broke through and put Waimate into a good attacking position, but McAllum cleared, and following up fast, set his backs goinr, play being transferred to Waimate's twenty-five, where Burke forced. Tukapa roused their supporters' hopes by throwing the ball about well, and Anally Brown, giving the dummy, beat tis man and transferred to R, Oliver, who cut in and passed to G. Oliver, Who '.forced h’s way over the line. By converting G. Oliver equalised the scores. Johnson was next prominent, but was unsupported, and a chance went. xWa innate now took a hand and pressed hard, but the tackling by the Tukapa backs and forwards proved too good, and though supporters of the local team had several anxious moments, they managed to keep their line intact, though on one occasion they wers somewhat lucky to force. The game ended shortly after. Waimate 5 Tukapa 5 Mr. A. F. Neilson refereed.

CLIFTON (10) v. PATEA (6)

There was a hard fought-out game between Clifton and Patea senior teams on. the Patea Domain, the decision going to Clifton by 10 points (two converted tries) to 6 (a goal and a try). Though the play was not what might be termed spectacular, its keenness kept the onlookers, of whom there was a good crowd, interested right through. There were a number of casualties at. various parts of the game, but the injuries were all of a minor nature.

The initial stages were mediocre, with the advantage going to one side and then the other. Off-side play by Clifton gave Patea a penalty, but the shot by Stratford failed. First Goodwin and then Taylor made a dash on behalf of Clifton, but the latter was brought over by Tinney on the touch' line. From the line-out Cain shot the ball to Coleman, who succeeded in beating the opposition and scored. George*goaled. For Patea Scully made a bid, but Coleman and Ross defended well. Another penalty against Clifton gave their opponents an opportunity for a goal, but the kick failed. Play had moved above half-way when a long kick by Patea sent the ball to Goodwin, who gathered up and streaked along the line, only to be forced out near the corner by full-back Thompson. The effort, however, was not resultless, as Caln got over from the line-out, George again converting. A little later Spratt beaded the Patea forwards into Clifton territory, where Stratford was successful in kicking a goal from a penalty. They kept up the pressure, McKenna being prominent, but they did not penetrate the Clifton defence. Half-time: Clifton 10, Patea 3.

Play had not long resumed when Clifton endeavored to get the upper hand, but found Thompson, at full-back for Patea, playing a safe game, and the venue shifted above halfway towards Clifton territory. Patea livened up and were making good progress, George saving. Yet another shot at goal failed, though Fitzwater had marked in a good position. Clifton were kept on the defensive, and Hodge and Hunt worked play near the touch down, a free kick relieving. The Patea back division took a turn, Scully, McDonald, Tangipou and Hodge indulging in a passing bout, which ended in a scrummage. Ensuing play culminated in Spratt notching a try. The kick did not add to the score. Renewed efforts by Patea made the play lively, which was enhanced when the backs got going. An award of a free kick relieved Clifton somewhat, though play continued <n their twenty-five. Patea in turn were awarded a penalty kick, and the fact fit ti e position being handy roused the hopes of the team’s supporters, but Stratford missed. Then the Clifton forwards took a part, Taylor and Campbell leading, hut Patea came again, to be met by a good defence, and the play once more changed to the other end of the field. Time: Patea *• • • 10 Clifton 6 Mr. Perkinson refereed.

KAPONGA (3) v. STRATFORD (3),

Kaponga and Stratford met at Kaponga, and an exceedingly hard and clean game was played, resulting in a draw, each side scoring three points. There was a large ance of the public. Stratford won the toss and kicked off. The game was very even for a start, until Kaponga forced tbe play into Stratford territory. Fitzgerald (Kaponga.) took a mark from Masters after a scrum near the Stratford line, and Mick Malone took the kick, placUlf U>< evenlj Mt««» •"’* "" , -

ly afterwards, from a forward rush by Kaponga, Masters got hold of the leather and led a solid rush, but Mick Malone collared the Stratford man. Mid-field forward play ensued, both teams making the pace very ■willing. On several occasions the Stratford forwards attempted a passing rush, but each time they were unsuccessful in getting away. For off-side play and knock-ons Stratford were awarded a number of free kicks within the Kaponga territory, but three attempts at penalty goals failed. At one stage the Kaponga forwards got away with the ball and looked like scoring, until McCullough saved the situation almost on the line. Later, from a pass in, Lamplough got the leather and kicked up the line, but the kick was too strong and Kaponga forced. At half-time the score was unchanged.

On resuming played became extremely willing, and a. determined struggle took place. From an opening Gray (Stratford) got clear and a passing rush followed, Wilson succeeding in getting across the line with a beautiful try. Collins took the kick, but missed by a fraction. The forwards of both teams worked wonderfully well at one stage, having hard luck in not scoring, and at another time Kaponga also had hard luck, being stopped within a yard of the line. The whistle sounded without any alteration being made In the score. The match was a good example of clean football, and the result was a fairly good indication of the relative strength of the teams. Stratford were playing several new men, some of whom did remarkably well, but Kaponga played excellently throughout and showed themselves good footballers.' Kaponga 3 Stratford 3 Mr. F. Julian (Inglewood) refereed.

OPUNAKE (6) v. OKAIAWA (3)

This match was played at Opunake, and proved a close and willing contest. Okaiawa had the better of the first spell and were within an ace of scoring on two or three occasions. Finally Laurent got possession of the ball, and after a good riin got across at the corner. In the second spell Opunake had the better of the game and scored two tries, neither of which was converted. Rye, who scored the second try, put in a good run. The game ended: Opunake 6 Okaiawa 3 Mr, G. H. Meuli refereed.

B GRADE.

STAR (3) v. OKATO (0)

Star journeyed to Okato to play the local team, which had been strengthened by the inclusion of seven Rahotu players, the two country clubs having recently amalgamated. Okato kicked off, but the Star forwards were soon on the attack, and McCarthy saved with a smart mark. The Okato forwards retaliated, but Star came again, and Dean narrowly missed a shot at goal. Eustace was unsuccessful with a free kick shortly afterwards. Pollock led the Star vanguard in a rush, which Okato successfully stemmed. The green forwards now swooped down, but were too eager, and a kick into touch and a force down resulted. Star did not throw out. five yards from a line-out, and Okato were awarded a free kick which was, however, unfruitful. Play returned to mid-field, and halftime sounded. On resuming, Broughton, Star centre threequarter, put !n a good run, and brought plajinto the Okato territory, but Star were penalised shortly afterwards. Fox, on the wing for Okato, brought play to Star’s twenty-five by means of two good runs. Then Wolf came through in a good forward rush, and Okato forced just ii? l time. A kick by Star hit the goal post and Clark, who had followed up well, rushed in and scored. Eustrfce failed with the kick. Star still pressed, till McCarthy saved with a well-judged line kick. Walwirl put in a good run but lost the ball. Fox picked up, but ran out near the corner and a free kick shortly afterwards saved Star. Play was brought into Okato’s twen-ty-five, and a scrummage took place on the line. Star were - awarded a free kick, but Eustace was again unsuccessful. Falwasser picked up well in the face of a dangerous rush. From a line-out Murray, the Okato half, got the ball and passed out to Roberts, who, however, failed to transfer It. Broughton took a free kick for Star, but failed. Play was brought back to mid-field when Falwasser, on the wing, made two good runs, but was grassed near the line. Play returned to mid-field, when the game ended: Star 3 Okato 0 Mr. V. O. West refereed until he left the field owing to a dispute, after which Mr. Voullairies carried on.

INGLEWOOD (3) v. ELTHAM (0)

One of the best games seen on the Inglewood ground was that between Inglewood and Eltham, in which Inglewood proved victorious by the narrow margin of three points. The ground was in good order, and although there was little combination and back play, the game was ar hard fought one. Benton (Eltham) was a power of strength, while Chapman, “the veteran,” played the game of his life. Sutherland, at full-hack for Inglewood, was safe, and saved Vis side by good line kicking.

Elthaim opened the game, and after an interchange of kicks the visitors were penalised for off-side play, and Nicholls had a shot a goal, which fell short. Plaj’ hung at midfield for some time, when the home forwards broke away with the ball at toe. Eltham were again penalised, and Nicholls’ attempt at goal failed. Eltham marked and essayed a pot at goal from nearly half-way, which fell short. Sutherland broke away, but was collared on the visitors’ twenty-five. Some hard play ensued here, and Inglewood was forced. The first spell ended with no score. On resuming Inglewood, with,the wind and sun at their backs, attacked with a will, and soon had Eltham in difficulties, and then Benton, by a good line kick, relieved the situation. Several scrums followed about midfield, and then the home forwards broke through and worked the ball close to Eltham’s goal line. Here an Inglewood player missed the ball and Eltham forced. The home forwards were now forcing the pace. Some hard play took place on the line, and here Chapman scored for Inglewood. Nicholls failed to goal. Eltham forced the play from now on. but were unable to break through Inglewood’s defence. Hot scrum work was taking place close to Inglewood's goal posts, when a free kick was awarded against them, which gave Eltham a good opportunity, but the kick at goal was a poor attempt. Benton got away with the ball, and Bishell, by hard collaring, was temporarily injured. Play was resumed in Inglewood territory, where Eltham marked in a good position, but the kick at goal again failed. Soon after the whistle - sounded. Inglewood 3 Eltham 0 Mr. Roch refereed.

NORTHERN DIVISION.

SECOND GRADE.

At Western Park Tukapa defeated Old Boys by 12 points to 6. Tries were scored for the winners by Malcolmson (2), Boswell and Andrews, whilst Knapman kicked two penalty goals for the losers. At Waitara a close and interesting game between Clifton and Lepperton resulted in a win for the former by 14 points to 11. THIRD GRADE. Okato defeated Star by 16 points to nil. For the winners tries were scored by R. Andrews (2), and Parker. Kirk converted two of the tries and Andrews kicked a penalty goal. High School B met Inglewood at Inglewood and defeated them by 28 to 10. For the School Revell (3), Henderson, Hooper, Guy, Collins, and Fraser scored, one try being converted by Henderson and one by Ward. For Inglewood Schrider and Henderson scored and both tries were excellently converted by Mr, A. J, PftbPS

FOURTH GRADE'. Technical College defeated Old Boys by 3 points to nil, Dixon scoring a try. High School D defeated Tukapa by 43 points to nil. Star defeated Lepperton bj' 28 to nil. High School C defeated Clifton by 17 points to nil.

CENTRAL DIVISION.

' SECOND GRADE. >

Stratford played Toko at Stratford Showgrounds, the game resulting in a win for Stratford by 6 points to three. W. Sharrock scored a try for Stratford and G. Collins kicked a penalty goal. A. Vaughan scored for Toko. Mr. T. Wilson was the referee. Midhirst defeated Stratford by 15 points to 3. Tarlki defeated Inglewood by 23 points to nil. P. Loveridge (2), E. Loveridge (2), Jones. Hollis and Hucker scored tries, one of which was converted by E. Loveridge. THIRD GRADE. Eltham defeated Toko by 24 points to nil. Stratford defatted Stratford District High School by 20 points to 3. FOURTH GRADE. /Eltham defeated Inglewood by 4 points to a: Stratford defeated Stratford District High School by 23 points to nil.

SOUTHERN .DIVISION.

Hawera (13) 'lieat Alton (8). Waiimate drew with Opunake, each side 5 points. On the Patea Domain Kaponga defeated Clifton s—o. Owing to the late arrival of some members of the Kaponga team, through a breakdown of their motor, and the fact that the ground was required later for a senior match, the spells were of only twenty minutes each. It was a willing game, with' little to choose between the teams. Just on the call of time Scott scored for Kaponga and converted the try. Mr. C. Houghton refereed. During the progress of the match H. Beck, a Patea player, had to retire as the result of sustaining a broken rib.

THIRD GRADE. Hawera (15) beat Kaponga (0). FOURTH GRADE. Waimate met Kaponga at Kaponga, the gaene resulting in a win for Waimate by 11 points to 3. For Waimate C. Kahu and P. Nuku scored tries, and T. Rei converted one and kicked a penalty. L. Des Forges kicked a penalty for Kaponga. Mr. B. Fearon was tbe referee. Hawera (20) beat Technical School (S).

REP. MATCHES FOR TARANAKI. Representative Rugby fixtures in Taranaki this season include Wellington versus Taranaki, at Hawera, on July 6; Auckland v. Taranaki, at Taranaki, September 24; Wellington B plays Taranaki at New Plymouth, September 17.

SECOND GRADE.