FOOTBILL.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 May 1921, Page 3

FOOTBILL.

CUP COMPETITIONS. SATURDAY'S MATCHES. SOME SURPRISES. The Taranaki cup competitions were continued on Saturday in fine weather. RESULTS AT A GLANCE. A SENIORS. Clifton 8 v. Kaponga 3. Okaiawa 11 v. Stratford nil. Hawera 27 v. Patea 3. Waimate 17 v. Opunake 3. B SENIORS. Eltbam 9 v. Star 6. Old Boys 22 v. Okato 0. A GRADE. CLIFTON (8) v. KAPONGA (3)-. Considerable interest was manifested in the first meeting of the Clifton and Kaponga teams at Waitara on Saturday, and as was generally expected, the struggle proved a great one, both teams contesting the issue to the final whistle. From the kick off the Kaponga paA. headed by Kissick, Malone, and Thoumine, invaded Clifton territory, and a series of resutless scrums took place under Clifton’s goal. Clever play by Ross and Goodwin removed play past, half-way, and from a free kick George had a shot at goal, the ball falling short. Clifton now had a spell at attack, Hickey, Coleman and Kingston being prominent, but the formers passes were easily intercepted, and infringements also brought relief. Interception by Fitzgerald carried play to mid-field, where it hung for a while. Then, with a great line kick, Coleman placed his men In an attacking position. Ross set his men moving, and Kingston centred, but Lynskey was safe. Goodwin essayed a dash, but was collared. Then another weak pass by Hickey let Kaponga through, and Lynskey Intercepting, cut through and passed to Malone, who carried play to Clifton’s twenty-five. From a scramble Humphries passed to McCarthy, and the latter, cutting In nicely, beat, a couple of men and passed to Dymond, who scored. Malone failed to goal. Tlay now became very fast. Kaponga forwards attacked, but heady kicks by Kingston had Clifton attacking, Jones and then Goodwin, being collared just in time. Lynskey, at full, marked well. George had a shot from a penalty, the ball going over, but as it had been touched by a Kaponga player, uo goal was awarded. Almost immediately Ross and Kingston compelled Kaponga to force. Play was rushed up and down field, George having another resultless shot. Clifton kept up the pressure, and after several attempts at passing that lacked finish, the ball went into touch near the corner. From the line-out Campbell shot the leather to Young, who scored. George again put the ball over the bar, but it again touched a Kaponga player. Half-time : Clifton 3, Kaponga 3.

On resuming Clifton attempted to open the game, but Lynskey badly heat his vis-a-vis and took play to half-way. Kaponga now kept their opponents busy, long kicks by Kilpatrick and Lynskey being forced, whilst Lynskey, with a solid run, was just stopped by Ross, and Campbell then broke through, and nice handling by Hickey and Goodwin saw the latter collared by McCarthy. The Kaponga forwards, well backed by Lynskey, carried play up field, where George and Kingston mulled badly, and in the resultant play Lynskey marked and had a shot, which fell short. Kaponga still attacked, and Malone essayed to drop-kick a goal. Hickey was next collared with the ball, and a great chance was lost through a player attempting to pot. Kaponga backs were now passing nicely, and Dymock was just thrown out by Jones in time. Ross then lined well, and Clifton took a turn, their forwards rushing to Kaponga’s twenty-five. Ross got his backs moving, and Kingston and Coleman handled well, but Hickey passed badly and a chance w’ent. Jones was next nearly over, being thrown out by Dyunock. Clifton were making strenuous efforts to score, and Kijsick was injured in stemming a rush. Then (jame a pretty piece of play. Ross, securing from a scrum, passed t o Kingston, and tl?e ball travelled via Coleman and Jones. to Hickey, who put on the finishing touches by scoring. George converted. Fast play then followed, Clifton having the better of the game. George had another shot, which was forced. The game ended: — Clifton 8 • Kaponga 3 Mry W. Roch refereed.

WAIMATE (17) v. OPUNAKE (3)

These teams met at Manaia in the presence of a good crowd of spectators. The game resulted in a win for VValmate, though the scores do not indicate the difference. in the teams, the issue being hotly contested to the end. The match was mostly a struggle between the forwards, and the Waimate team, who held the advantage in the loose, had the better of the first spell. The second spell was fairly even. Opunake, winning the toss, elected to play with the sun in their faces, a decision that probably had some effect on the game, as Waimate ran up 17 points. Early in the spell L.- Hughes kicked a flue penalty goal, and soon afterwards repeated the performance. Later Bushford obtained possession from a scramble near the line and passed to T. Winters, who scored near the corner, and L. Hughes converted. The next score came from a mark by L. Hughes, that player landing another good goal. Then towards the end of tte spell D. McKay obtained the ball frbm a line-out and passed to J. McCarthy, who cut in nicely and then handed on to L. Hughes, who scored a good try, which Bailey converted.

In the second spell Opunake altered their team, Radford coming up from full-back to half. The western men made a much better showing and prevented their opponents from scoring. Early in the spell Radford had a couple of shots at goal, both narrowly missing, and on a third attempt, he landed a fine goal, this being the only score of the spell. Birchall played a great game for Waimate. The game ended: — Waimate 17 Opunake 3 Mr. A. H. Guy refereed.

OKAIAWA (11) v. STRATFORD (0)

The Okaiawa v. Stratford match, at Okaiawa, was won by the home team after a hard fought game. The ground was in good order, vvhicli l,n the opening stages produced hard and fast play'. The match was a struggle between the opposing forwards, and although the Stratford forwards tried time and again to open the game, the hard and fast play of t'he home forwards broke up these tactics. Atkins, Nicholls, and Toro were prominent for Okaiawa, while Lamplough, Collins and Purvis saved their side when play was close to their goal.

Stratford kicked off with the sun and wind in their favor, and soon had Okaiawa in difficulties. Okaia'wa forwards stalled off the visiting forwards' onslaught by hard play, and by good line kicking they worked the ball to mid-field. A feature of the play at this stage was a hard tussle close to Stratford’s goal, where Court (Stratford) was temporarily injured, but soon took the field again. Stratford then pressed Okaiawa in their twen-ty-five, but by good play Atkins relieved. The excitement was great among the Stratford supporters when a great struggle ensued close to the home team’s goal line. Off-side play gave Stratford a free kick in a handy position, but Collins failed to goal. At this stage Gray (Stratford) received a kick In the head while on the ground, and after a spell he took the field wu£> In a scramble close to the

visitors’ line Nicholls - scored, but Hurlfy fatted to convert. Half-time sounded with no further score: Okaiawa 3, Stratford 0.

In the second spell the home forwards made play very willing, and soon had Stratford in difficulties. At this stage several Stratford players were injured owing to hard play. Presently another score was registered for Okaiawa, Atkins crossing the visitors’ line. Hurley took the kick and landed a good goal. Play now hung at mid-field, neither side gaining much advantage. Lainplough saved his Side on several occasions. Nicholls, by hard play and good following up, beat a Stratford forward for the ball and scored his second try. The kick at goal failed. The visiting forwards were still forcing the pace when the whistle sounded with no further score: Okalawa 11 Stratford 0 Mr. McKay refereed. HAWERA (27) v. PATEA (3). Hawera and Patea met at the Hawera show grounds, the game resulting in an easy win for the Hawera team. There was a large attendance of the public. Hawera won the toss and Patea kicked off with the sun and wind against them. From the outset Hawera demonstrated their superiority over the visitors, and in the early part of the game pressed Patea very hard. The game was not marked by any special features for some time, but presently Wilis (Hawera) made an opening, and after a passing rush Hawera secured their first try, which waa converted by Osborne. A little later Osborne had a shot for a penalty gctyd, but missed narrowly. Up and down play continued for some time with the ball mostly in Patea territory, until from an opening by Osborrte Whittington scored the second try. Robinson failed with the kick. Hawera continued to press their opponents very hard, and Patea’s lack of training and poor combination made their position much weaker. Sculley worked very hard among the -Patea backs, but had poor support, and the game for a while resolved Itself into a defence by Patea against repeated attacks. Hawera continued on the offensive, their forwards doing excellent work. Whittington added a further try after a beautiful passing rush. Osborne took the kick, but failed to convert. Patea then Infused new energy into their play, and after getting into Hawera territory they were awarded a free kick for an obstruction, which Scully succeeded in placing between the posts. Halftime*. Hawera 13, Patea 3.

On resuming Patea managed tc hold Hawera in their own territory for a long period, but they were never able to get past the Hawera backs. At one stage they had a splendid opportunity but could not succeed. Later Hawera returned the attack with vigor, and tries were scored in quick succession by Robinson (2), West and Whittington, one being converted by Robinson and the other by Wilkinson. The game ended with Hawer* still in the best position. Play was at no time brilliant, and Hawera's big win was due in some measure to Patea’s weakness. Paiea were without the services of Frank McKenna, Tangapou, and Crampton, and were playing several men who had not previously been in the team. Their failure was due mainly to lack of consistent which resulted in very poor combination. Hawera was superior in every respect, and It would not have been surprising if their score had been higher. The game ended:— Hawera 27 Patea . 3 Mr. If. Julian refereed.

B GRADE. ELTHAM (9) v. STAR (5). Eltharn and Star met at Taumata Park, Elthain, and after a closely contested match, snatcljfed a victory in the last five minutes of the game, winning by 9 points to Soon after Eltharn kicked off Star were awarded a free kick, but the shot at goal failed. Rowlands (Eltharn) made a good run, and Little and Greig Initiated a pretty passing, rush. The Eltharn hacks were handling the ball with precision, and kept Star on the defence, till Dean relieved with a good line kick. Eltharn, however, came again, but in a minute a change came over the scene. Falwasser, on the wing for Star, picked the ball up well froip the loose, ran half the length of the field and scored behind the posts. Eustace converted. Thus encouraged, the Star forwards set up a strong attack, but ■ Briscoe, at full-back, saved well. Eltharn counter-attacked. From an infringement Benton essayed a drop-kick, but failed. Thanks to good work by McC'lymont, at half, Star were kept penned in their twenty-five till Bower broke away from a line-out. Hickey was next responsible for a good run, but was obliged to pass out. Broughton followed up a long kick, but Briscoe was safe. Up and down play followed, and the spell ended with Star on the attack. Half-time: Star 5, Eltharn 0.

On resuming Eltham quickly took the Initiative and had Star hard pressed till the visitors’ feft-wards came through with a good rush. Broughton, Star centre three-quarter, put in a good run, but was cheeked in time, and the Eltham forwards, with ball at feet, brought play into Star territory again. Securing from a scrum on the line, MeClymont was nearly over. Star were still in danger till Jones, Dean and Broughton brought temporary relief. Eltham, however, were not to be denied, and from a line-out In Star’s twentyfive, Gibson received the bail and fought his way over the line. Benton's kick was a little wide. Both sides now put renewed life into the game. Rowlands had an unsuccessful shot at goal from a. free kick. Then McClymont sent the ball out, and it travelled along the whole line of backs, but the wing threequarter was forced out. Star were obliged to force, and Eltham had several unfruitful attempts at goal kicking. Jones marked we|l in the face of a dangerous rusk-. From a scrum the ball travelled out through the Eltham backs till it reached McSweeney, centre three-quarter, who side-stepped neatly and scored near the corner. Briscoe failed with the kick. With Eltham one point in the lead and onlj\ five minutes to go, the play on both sides became very willing. Shortly_afterwards Eltham took a mark in front of the posts, and Benton kicked a goal. The game ended with play in mld-fleld. Eltham 9 Star 5 Mr. V. 0. West refereed.

OLD BOYS (22) v. OKATO (0).

In their match against Okato, at the Recreation Grounds, New Plymouth, Old Boys owed a comfortable win, in a large measure, to a speedy set of backs.

Okato were first to assume the offensive, and Maere, Andrews and Walsh were prominent in one or two passing bouts. Old Boys -retaliated, Dowling, Wynyard, and Sykes carrying play right into the opposition’s’ twentyfive, but the passing was ended by Whittle missing, and Putt found the line. Again Okato got close to their objective, Maere, Fox and Walsh handling the ball, and the lastnamed essayed a drop-kick from a handy position, the ball going wide. Old Boys’ forwards, headed by Blundell, carried play on to the visitors’ line, and ensuing play saw Sykes score beneath, the posts. Hughes' kick was not successful. A few minutes later Whittle was near scoring, Okato forcing. Old Boys continued to hold the upper hand at this stage. Boon set the backs in motion, the bail travelling from Wynyard to Sykes, who beat a lot of opposition And touched down. Willis’ shot at goal did not add to the score. After another Old Boys’ rush Whittle was collared at the corner by Andrews. Shotter led the visitors’ forwards in an attack, and Andrews and Walsh were prominent in carrying play on for Okato. They were awarded a penalty, but Fox’s kick failed. Later Sole (full-back) missed the ball, giving Okato a chance, but Putt, following up, was frustrated by the ball going out near the coroner. Ensuing play remained in the twenty-five. A shot at goal was made by R. Andrews from a • penalty, but the kick failed. Half-time :* Old Boys 6, Okato 0. The resumption of play saw Old Boys maintain the upper hand, and they were keeping Okato busy. A free kick was given against the visitors, Hughes missing the *hot at go»l,

It was not long, however, before Old Boys added to their total. Sykes, securing from a scrummage, passed to Whittle, who just got over. The try was not converted. Old Boys were throwing the ball about freely, and gave their opponents an anxious time. A passing bout was completed by Sykes scoring his third try, and Doile converted. Wynyard was responsible for carrying play Into Okato territory again, and a force resulted. Boon secured the ball, and Sykes and Whittle handled in turn, the latter transferring again to Sykes, who got over. Doile converted. The game now centred about mid-field, when Norgate and sotme Okato forwards came through from a scrum and carried play down to the home team’s territory, but Old Boys quickly returned. From a line-out in the visitors’ twenty-five. Whittle scored. Doile’s shot nt goal failed. A couple of rushes by Okato found the defence solid, and the game ended: Old Boys 22 ' Okato 0 Mr. Johnson refereed. NORTHERN DIVISION. SECOND GRADE. At Western Park, Clifton defeated’ Star by 13 points to nil. At Lepperton the local team defeated Tukapa by 9 points to nil. THIRD GRADE. At ’the Racecourse, Star defeated Inglewood by 6 points to 3. FOURTH GRADE. At Wattara Star defeated Clifton by 11 points to 3. For the winners Hoffmann scored two tries, one of which was converted by Morris, who also kicked a goal from a mark. Mr. L. Andrews refereed. At the Sports Ground, New Plymouth Old Boys had a runaway victory over Tukapa, the final score, being 41—0. Technical College beat Lepperton at the Racecourse by 9 points to nil, O'Byrne and Elgar scored tries, and Loveridge kicked a goal.

CENTRAL DIVISION. SECOND GRADE. Stratford 14 v. Inglewood 3. Toko 14 v.‘ Strathmore 4. Midhirst v. Tariki, draw, no score. THIRD GRADE. Stratford 9 v. Toko 0. . Eltham 9 v. Stratford High School 8< SOUTHERN DIVISION. SECOND GRADE. Playing at Hawera show grounds, Okaiawa defeated Hawera by 10 points to 6. For the winners L. .Tames and Manu score (klries, both being converted by Tuki. Foster and Macpherson scored tries for Hawera. Mr. J. F. Kiley’ was the referee. At Opunake, Patea beat Opunake by 6 points to 5. THIRD GRADE. Playing at Okaiawa, Hawera heat Okaiawa by 11 points to 7. For the winners Isaacs scored two tries and Johnson one. Ward converted one try. For Okaiawa Fqden dropped a goal and Murphy scored a try. Mr. J. Johnson refereed. FOURTH GRADE. Waimate defeated Hawera Technical College by 8 points to nil. At Kaponga, Hawera and Kaponga drew. JJSE OF SHOWGROUNDS. The general committee of the Taranaki A. and P. Society decided, at the monthly meeting on Saturday, that football clubs be permitted to use the showgrounds at a fee of £2 10s per season, and that in cases where a charge is made for admission the society take 15 per cent, of the proceeds. The question arose out of an application from the Old Boys’ Club. PLAY IN WELLINGTON. SATURDAY'S RESULTS. By Telegraph.—Press Assoclatior Wellington, May 7. Saturday’s matches resulted: —Petone 21 v. ’Varsity 5; Poneke 10 v. Marist 0; Athletic 9 v. Wellington 3; Oriental 19 v. Selwyn 5.'

SOUTH AFRICAN TEAM’S CAPTAIN.

By Telegraph.—Press Assn —Copyright. Received May 7, 5.5 p.m. Capetown, May 6. Mr. T. Pienaar has been elected captain of the football team for the tour of Zealand, W. Morkel being chosen vl.ce-captain.