FOOTBALL.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 May 1921, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

CUP COMPETITIONS.

SOME CLOSE MATCHES.

WAIMATE DRAW WITH CLIFTON.

The competitions were continued in Taranaki on Saturday under varying weather conditions, fine weather prevailing in the majority of centres, whilst there was wind and rain elsewhere.

RESULTS AT A GLANCE.

Clifton 3 v, Waimate 3. Stratford 9 v. Tukapa 3. Hawera 12 v. Opunake nil. Okaiawa 6 v. Patea 3. SENIOR B. Inglewood 13 v. Old Boys 3. Eltham 5 v. Okato 3.

WAIMATE (3) v. CLIFTON (3)

The great interest attacked to this match was exemplified by the large attendance at Mana!a. Clifton played with greater dash and had hard luck in not adding to their score.

Waimate kicked off with the sun at their backs, and were soon awarded a free-kick for an infringement. Play hung for a time at unid-field, where several scrums took place. The Waimate forwards now put up a great rush and carried the ball well towards Clif-, ton’s goal line, where, after some loose ’■’y, the visitors were forced. Later the Wa...ite forwards, by good following up, again carried the ball to Clifton’s twenty-five, where the visitors were penalised for off-side play. Hughes took the kick at goal, which fell short. Waimate were defending their goal line, but by good play the situation was relieved. For off-side play Phillips took a kick in a good position, but failed. There were now flashes of brilliant play on both sides. The Clifton backs showed some of their pace, but the home team equalled this by hard collaring. The ball travelled up and down in quick succession, first one side gaining a slight advantage and then the other. Bayley saved when matters looked dangerous for his side, and by a good following up run scored a try in the corner. Hughes took the kick at goal, but the ball went wide. Clifton were now making the pace, and forced, the home team on their line, where Haynes saved. Goodwin got tte leather and made a great run along the line, but he was collared. Half-time sounded with the score: Waimate 3, Clifton 0.

The second spell opened with some good passing rushes among the Clifton backs, which gained ground. Ross was playing a good game at this stage. Clifton soon reversed the order and Bradley marked in a handy position, but.the ball fell short. Clifton were now forced twice in succession, and then hard play ensued about mid-field, in which Ross was temporarily injured. For an infringement George took the kick and landed a good goal. Play again became fast and furious, Clifton trying hard to increase their score, and some good pasing was witnessed by their backs. In a following up run Jones got over but lost the ball. The whistle sounded soon after with the score:— Waimate 3 Clifton 3

STRATFORD (9) v. TUKAPA (3)

The weather was very cold and uninviting for the Stratford-Tukapa match on the Stratford Showgrounds, and the attendance was only fair.

Stratford won the toss and picked off against the wind. Even play followed until Wilson (Stratford) broke away, but G. Hooker marked. Brown and Hooker led a nice passing rush, but were stopped by Coulton, who did fine work. Here Tukapa were penalised, but Collins failed at goal. Stratford still Tukapa, but the backs were safe and were awarded a free-kick. From the loose Ryan secured, but ran too far and the chance was lost. Good play by Coulton and Kivell had Tukapa again in trouble, but off-side play by Stratford gave them relief. The Stratford backs were all at sea at this stage, but a gooiy punt by Masters and fine play by Kivell had Tukapa once more in trouble. For an infringement by Tukapa Collins landed a neat goal. Stratford attacked, buteKivell kicked too hard and Tukapa forced. Stratford essayed a passing rush, but bard kicking by the forwards spoilt the chance, and Tukapa forced. Masters marked the kick out, and Collins landed a beautiful goal. Half-time came soon afterwards with the score unaltered. On changing sides rain set in. Even play followed for a time until Tukapa attacked, but Ryan relieved with a kick to the twentyfive flag. Here McAllum was nearly over, Kivell relieving with a fine solo rush. Brown kicked too hard and Stratford forced. Slow play continued for a period. Tukapa attacked, but Ennis knocked on and the chance was spoilt. For some time there was close play at half-way, until Stratford forwards rushed the leather to Tukapa's twenty-five. After some interesting play the Stratford forwards, playing a great game, rushed the ball again to Tukapa’s twenty-five line, but good kicking sent them back, and Hooker narrowly missed scoring. Later good play by Hooker again had Stratford in trouble. Wilson was penalised, and H. Hooker kicked a good goal. From a kick out Tukapa infringed and Collins had an unsuccessful attempt at goal, shortly afterwards failing with another attempt. Stratford rushed play to the Tukapa line, where McCullough was collared. From the ensuing scrum McCullough received and passed to Wilson, who scored. Collins failed with the kick. There was no further score, and the game ended;— Stratford 9 Tukapa 3

HAWERA (12) v. OPUNAKE (0)

Hawera and Opunake met at Opunake under fine weather conditions, a slight breeze blowing across the ground which was rather rough and uneven. , Hawera, after an interesting contest, gained the verdict by 12 points to nil.

The first spell was fairly even. Hawera attacked a good deal, their backs bringing off some good passing bouts, but tte defence of the coastal team was good. Fisher, Duffy, and Brophy put in great work in this respect. Opunake endeavored to keep play close, and for the greater part of the spell succeeded. When the ball did reach the Hawera backs they made use of their opportunities, and on several occasions were within an ace of scoring. The first spell ended without any score.

In the second spell play was even for a while, the Opunake forwards putting considerable vigor into their play and frustrating determined attacks on the part of Hawera, O Rourke, O’Brien and Hickey being conspicuous. Eventually the Hawera backs obtained possession, and Robertson handed on to Wilkinson, who streaked for the line, and although collared, forced his way over at the corner. The kick at goal failed. Opunake livened up and took play to Hawera’s territory. Then from a penalty Radford had a shot at goal from near half-way, the ball narrowly missing, just going under the bar. Hawera forwards tl en returned to the attack, and West, picking up from the ruck, shot the ball across to Fogarty, who handed on to Cameron, and the latter, diving over the top of the two would-be tacklers, scored. The kick at goal failed. Hawera now had the home team beaten, and their backs brought off some fine passing movements. Securing from a scrum. Wills transferred to Cauneron, who passed to Osborne, and the latter, completely fooling the opposition witt a dummy, scored between the posts. H. Whittington failad to goal. Hawera continued to ptm,

and a fine run saw Wilkinson collared near the line. Then from a loose scramble A. Murphy secured and dived over. One again the kick at goal failed. Then from a forward rush West dribbled over the line, and in the race for possession Duffy sustained a fractured wrist, the ball being forced. The game ended:— Hawera ....4 12 Opunake 0 Mr. P. Holmes refereed.

SENIOR A.

OKAIAWA (6) v. PATEA (3)

Okaiawa and Patea met at Patea, and a hard, open game took place, which Okaiawa won by 6 points to 3. The score fairly indicates the relative merits of the two reams. Between the opposing forwards there was little to choose, but the Okaiawa backs showed better combination than their opponents.

Patea kicked off against the wind and at once set up an attack, but the Okaiawa defence was sure. Spratt had a shot at goal from an infringement, but the kick fell short. Okaiawa now advanced to the attack, but Kerrick led a forward rush which temporarily stemmed the tide. From a scrum in Patea's twenty-five Atkins (half) let the ball out to B. Roberts, who passed wide. “tip and under” was Oka lawn's game, but Owen marked well In the face of a dangerous rush. Following up it high kick by Atkins, Okaiawa were nearly over, but Patea forced just in time. However, from a similar manoeuvre a few minutes later, B. Roberts followed up well and touched down. The try was not converted. Okaiawa attacked again, and from a passing bout Johnstone, centre three-quarter, scored near the corner. The kick at goal failed. Patea, led., by Hodge, had brought play back to imid-fleld at half-time, when the score was: Okaiawa 6, Patea nil.

Patea had the advantage of the wind in the second spell, and, by high kicking and fast following up. had Okaiawa thinking. The ball was carried over, and a five-yards scrum ordered. Okaiawa were penalised in front of their own goal posts, and Sculley made no mistake with the kick. Okaiawa attacked i.om the kick-off. Atkins marked, and the resulting kick brought play close to the Patea line. Roberts received the ball from the lineout, but held on. A free-kick to Patea, fast following up, and good collaring recovered tte lost ground, and Okaiawa were hard pressed till Atkins got the ball from the scrum and put the red and blacks once more on the attack. Thomson, the Patea full-back, missed the ball and nearly let Okaiawa through, but the latter were penalised. The Patea forwards, headed by Spratt, re-asserted themselves, but Nicol! lined well, and play returned to midfield. Atkins lined near the corner, and later took a smart mark in a good position, but Iki failed with the kick. Patea failed to return cleanly and a scrum was given on the Patea goal line. The game was stopped on several occasions at this stage owing to casualties, but no one was seriously injured. A scrum took place on the Okaiawa goal line, and Patea had hard luck in not scoring, but Okaiawa forced. Patea still kept hot on the attack, but a freekick to Okaiawa brought relief. The concluding moments were very lively, but neither side managed to increase their score, and the game ended: — Okaiawa 6 Patea 3 Mr. Perkinson refereed.

B GRADE.

INGLEWOOD (13) v. OLD BOYS (3)

Old Boys journeyed to Inglewood, and contrary to general expectations were defeated by 13 to 3. The Inglewood forwards were much heavier than- the visitors, while tte Old Boys’ backs, usually a formidable combination, did not play up to their usual standard. Inglewood kicked off with the sun behind them, but against a fairly stiff breeze. During the first spell Cartwright, an Inglewood forward, crossed the line, but his try was unconverted. Sole, who was playing on the wing for Old Boys, but was subsequently shifted to half, also scored an unconverted try. Sykes, as a result of a pretty passing bout, was 'almost over when be passed forward to Sole, and •an almost certain score was lost. Half-time: Inglewood 3, Old Boys

In the second spell Inglewood had the wind behind them, and this helped them to add to their score, especially by means of goal kicking. Coutts, who played a good game at first five-eighth, kicked a pretty goal. Brown made a dashing cork-screw run, but was collared near the line and transferred to O'Carroll, a forward, who scored. Towards the end of the game Brown drop-kicked a goal from the field. Old Boys did not further increase their score, and the game ended:— Inglewood 13 Old Boys 3 Mr. F. Julian refereed.

ELTHAM (5) v. OKATO (3).

Eltham, played Okato at Eltham in unsettled weather. Okato, led by Millie, at once pressed, and their backs, passing nicely, looked dangerous, but Briscoe saved with a long kick. Okato came again and Eltham were forced. After fast up and down play Little failed to take a high hall and let Okato through. Twice in succession, from difficult angles,-McCarty' had shots at goal, just failing. Okato still kept up the pressure, an J Eltham, getting off-side in front of the goal, Walshe bad a shot which badly failed. Greig was responsible for Eltham attacking, and McCracken marking, Benton had- a shot which failed. McClymont and McCracken carried play right to Okato's line, where from a scramble Fulton scored in a good position and Benton goaled. Eltham returned to the attack, but Fox, McCarty, and Stotter cleared. McCracken spoilt a chance by hanging on. Okato backs got moving, but Eltham, led by Gibson, were able to clear. Okato were still attacking as half-time sounded.

Okato at once pressed on resuming, but Gibson saved by marking. However, a little later Walshe secured, and after a good run through, scored for Okato, failing to add the major points. Tbis livened Okato, and the.r backs threw the ball about, but the ball was greasy. Eltham forwards carried play to halfway. Waiwiri, Norgate and Corbett were prominent, but Briscoe drove them back. Grey, McCracken and Benton led Eltham to the attack, where Benton had two kicks from penalties, Okato being forced. Eltham now pressed hard, but off-side play gave relief. Then from free kicks Benton failed to goal on two occasions. After a further spell at defence the Okato forwards set up a rousing attack that swept play close to Eltham's line, where McSweeney saved. E. Corbett here bad io retire owing to an injured knee, and Okato played the last few minutes with a man short. They pressed for a while, McCracken marking. Then Eltham took a hand. Grey made a good run for the line, but was collared by Harnett, and in the resultant play the ball was forced. The game thus ended: Eltham* 5 Okato . 3 Mr. Riley refereed.

NORTHERN DIVISION.

SECOND GRADE.

Lepperton beat Star by 3 points to nil. At Waitara Clifton defeated Old Boys by 23 to nil. FOURTH| GRADE. Lepperton defeated Tukapa In a ;match on the Racecourse, New Plymouth, by 15 points to, nil. At Waitara. Old Boys beat Clifton by 11 to nil.

CENTRAL DIVISION.

SECOND GRADE.

Midhirst beat Inglewood by 23 points to nil. Tte match between Stratford and Strathmore, played on Victoria Park, Stratford, resulted in a win for Stratford by 11 points to 6. Tries were scored for Stratford by Rev. McKenzie, Colman and Belcher, Collins converting one. For Strathmore tries were scored by Caldwell and Keighley. JSharroek and Fryday (forwards), Rev. McKenzie, Sullivan, Court and Crossan (backs), played well for Stratford, as did Brown (forward), Coulton and Meredith (backs) for Strathmore. At Toko the local team defeated Tariki by 9 points to nil.

FOURTH GRADE.

At Eltham, Stratford defeated Eltham by 17 points to 3. For the winners tries were scored by Collins, Robson, Duddlng and Barry, one of which was converted by Birch, who also kicked a penalty. Mauers scored a try for Eltham. Mr. Blanchard was referee. At Stratford, Stratford D.H.S. defeated Inglewood by 23 points to nil.

SOUTHERN DIVISION.

SECOND GRADE.

At Hawera, Hawera juniors defeated Opunake by 28 points to 3. At Patea, Patea defeated Alton by 3 points to nil. THIRD GRADE. At Okaiawa, Okaiawa beat Kaponga by 3 points to nil. At Hawera, Patea beat Hawera by 8 to nil. • FOURTH GRADE. At Hawera, Hawera beat Waimate by 16 points to nil.

WELLINGTON RESULTS.

By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, May 14. Senior Rugby.—Berhampore 13 v. Selwyn 0; Marist 0 v. Wellington 0; Petone 13 v. Athletic 3; Oriental 18 v. 'Varsity 11.

THE LEAGUE GAME.

THE TEAM FOR AUSTRALIA.

Auckland, Last Night. The New Zealand League team to tour Australia Is:— Backs.—C. Gray, C. Woolley, W. Davidson, C. Polson, B. Laing (Auckland), C. McElweo (West Coast), W. Wilson, H. Munn (Wellington), J. Saunders, R. Watt, W. J. Mitchell (Canterbury). Forwards.—W. Somers, H. Tancred, G. Paki, Meadows, H. Avery, W. Williams (Auckland), S. Walters (South Auckland), P. Burrows (Hawke’s Bay), A. B. Shadboit (Canterbury). The team will assemble at Auckland ad Thursday, and plays Auckland on Saturday, leaving for Sydney on May 26.

THE NEW RULES.

IN OPERATION NEXT SATURDAY.

The new rule books having now come to hand, the Taranaki Rugby Union has decided that they be put into operation from next Saturday. Practically four new rules have been added to the long list, and summarised ttey are the following:— 1. A free kick awarded by way of penalty cannot be charged. 2. The player who is awarded a mark must take the kick himself.

3. After an unsuccessful try the ball is kicked off at half-way, in the same manner as if the goal had been scored. 4. All scruunmages ordered between the twenty-five lines must not be taken nearer than ten yards from the touch-line. In tte new rule book Just published the following improvements E appear:— It is illegel for one player to charge another at the line-out—i.e., a player cannot stand back a few yards from the line-out and charge into the spot where the ball is land-, ing. A free kick should be given against him for so doing. If the ball is not put immediately into the scrummage on its being formed a free kick shall be given against the player breaking this rule.

A fair catch can be claimed by calling out “mark,” after the ball has been caught. Ttis does away with the heel mark clause, enforced last season. Another alteration appears in the case of a “knock-on,” and is of great importance to spectators and players alike' Last season if a player “knocked-on” the ball and recovered it before it reached the ground, the play was allowed to continue; according to the English ruling it is now termed a “knock-on,” and the referee must award the scrummage.

As the kicks-out after a try has been scored will now be from half-way, there is likely to be some confusion caused to spectators through not always being certain whether a goal has been awarded or not. The chairman of the union suggests that the Referees’ Association might decide, in the event of a try having been converted, that the referee shall blow two long blasts of his whistle. If some such decision is made public it will remove any possible cause for dissatisfaction.

THE VISIT OF THE FRENCH TEAM TO ENGLAND.

The French team’s visit to Cardiff roused tremendous enthusiasm. The ground contained 40,000 spectators, whilst many had to be turned away. The gate unoney amounted to £5,050. The game, however, was reported to be poor. The Welsh forwards took possession, and eventually won by 12 points to 4. Of the nine matches played between the two countries, France has not scored a win.

IRELAND AND SCOTLAND.

Tills match was a thrilling affair from start to finish. Scotland opened the score with a smartly got and converted try. Ireland then gained a try, but before half-time came Scotland had registered another try and led by 8 points to 3. On resumption Ireland snatched another try, reducing the Scots’ advantage to two points. A few minutes from time Ireland again invaded the visitors' line, and scored a try. The victory therefore rested with Ireland by a small margin of 9 points to 8. Of the 39 -matches played between the two countries, Scotland tas won 26, Ireland 10, with 3 draws.