FOOTBALL.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 July 1921, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

REPRESENTATIVE FIXTURES. MATCHES PLAYED v, Wanganui.—Won by 6 points to 3. f. South Auckland—Drawn, 15 points each. MATCHES ARRANGED: July 16—v. South Africa, at New Plymouth. July 28—t. Wanganui, at Stratford. August 3—v. Canterbury, at Hawera. August 18 or 20—v. Wellington, at Wellington. Auguft 17 or 24—▼. Manawatu, at Palmerston Nortt. August 27—v. Wellington, at New Plymouth. September 3—v. Auckland, at Auckland. September 10—v. Otago, at New Plymouth. September 24—r. Auckland, at New Plymouth. POSITION OF THE TEAMS, A GRADE.

FIXTURES FOR INTER-COLLEGIATE MATCH. Jew Plymouth High School v. Wanganui College, at Hawera, 2 p.m. Primary Schools—Norh v. South, at 1 p.m. CUP COMPETITION. A Grade. Hawera v. Patea, at Patea: Mr. F. Julian. Btratfofd v. Okaiawa, at Stratford; Mr. G. Hopkins. Kaponga v. Clifton, at Kaponga; Mr. A. F. Neilson. ffalm&te f. Opunake, at Opunake; Mr. P. Holmes. B Grade. ftkato f, Eltham, at Rahotu; Mr. Voullaire. DAN OBRIEN SHIELD MATCH. fukapa v. Star, at Recreation Grounds. THE SOUTH AUCKLAND MATCH. TARANAKI'S LUCKY LET-OFF.

If the match on Wednesday did nothing else, It showed that the Taranaki team was palpably lacking in condition, for, though it was bot until the second spell that- the game became really fast, the closing stages saw the Taranaki team rapidly fade away, and a further ten mltoutes would have dissipated their powers of resistance This is contrary to the traditions of the old-time Taranaki teams, wno bad the reputation of invariably coming to light in the concluding stages of the game. South Auckland, on the other hand, were Quite fit, and are to be congratulated on the plucky up-hill fight, that not only retrieved what looked like a hopeless position, but almost converted it into victory, proving once again the truth of the old adage that "a game is never lost until it is won.” The fine open game the South Aucklanders played in the concluding stages roused the admiration of the crowd, who, it must be said, were vety impartial ttroughout the match, applauding unstintingly all the good play of the Visitors. Taranaki had every advantage in the early Mages of the game. The wind was with them, the sun was behind them, and their forwards were getting the ball from the scrum. Their backs, however, did not make the mast Use of the latter advantage, due to a tendency On the part of Lynskey to run Into his forwards, whilst at times Gray, at centre threequarter, failed to handle the bail well, and in Chis way chances were lost. Malone, too, on the line-out frequently got possession of the ball but, instead of passing to his backs, almost invariably kicked. Solid defence and fine I kicking, particularly by Mulhern, at full-back. ; also did the.'r share, with the result that Taranaki only creased their line twice during this j apeli though the score was doubled by Col- i mao converting one try and kicking a great > field field goal The retirement of Campbell Soon altered the aspect of the game, as the northerners obtained the ball from the scrum, and once they realised this, they made the game as open as possible, starting passing rushes both from the line out and tte scrum, and, as the Taranaki V?asa tired, these became more effective. Their passing was nippy and decisive, one try (the second to last) being the result of a brilliant piece of back work. It was really a model or what concerted back passing should be. Of the Taranaki team, Ross, at half, was fairly good on defence, but did not show that brilliancy and nippiness in attack that was such a feature of his play up north. A weak kick of his was responsible for one try. Lynskey, at first five-eighths, was very loiid in stopping rushes, but, as already ind'_cwted, he did nut open up the game sufficiently Wynyard made his first appearance as fiveeighths in a big match, and justified his inclusion, taking and passing well and doing good defensive work. He also used his head to advantage, cutting in, drawing his man towards him, and whipping out smartly. He misjudged one ball, making a running jump at tt, and vety nearly let down h’s side, but in g few minutes he retrieved brilliantly by getting the ball and coming right through with

Sykes was the pick of the three-quarters. Playing with great dash, and showing a lot <rf pace, he showed he was a hard man to ptop. He took the ball well, and gives every promise of becoming a great scoring man. He has a failing, common to young and eager players,’ of.getting out of position and ranging himself with the van. He kicked with power end judgment, and his tackling was sure. He Bhould desist from the Asher trick of hurdling bls opponent. It’s too dangerous. Whittington, on the otter wing, was a disappointment. Gray, at centre, was solid in defence, but lacked "devil” and resource, especially in attack.

Colman, at full-back, played a good game in the first spell, but had to retire later D*tng to an Injury. His two attempts at dropkteking goals were magnificent ones. Hickey replaced him, and was hard pressed. Of the forwards, none was more prominent than McAllum on the wing. He was always on the ball, and showed great head-work as well as good foot-work. Time and again he broke through on his own, on one occasion having hard luck m not scoring. He was one Of the few who lasted well. Spratt also played a great game, and showed good condition. He will be bard to keep out of the team. Kivell, MtfKay and Birehall were also prominent. Malone did good work at times, but kicked too much. Campbell was playing his tsual hard game when he injured his shoulder tod had to retire. This made a great differqpee to the course of tte game, as thereafter Jlannakl saw very little of the ball. South Auckland team quite captured to to the areat »«.nuo

played. They thoroughly deserved to win, and had the game lasted a few minutes longer ttey would probably hive done so, as their condition enabled them to last much belter than Taranaki. They are a fine active team, and the combination their backs showed in the second half was ‘ surprising,. when one considers that the team, like Taranaki, is g-thered together from over a large area. Their forwards are a good even lot, and werp particularly good on the line out, making some great openings for the.'r backs. Harty Bros., Devine and Hamilton played great games, while R. Patterson, the ex-Taranaki player, was always prominent. Mclntyre, at half, set his backs moving nicely and ran straight,

as did the five-eighths, reach and Buckingham. Kirk, at centra three-quatter, was always on the ball, kicking strongly and tackling well. He made some fine openings for his wings, of whom Clarkin appeared to be the better, running very strongly. Matheson, the full-back, acquitted himself well. He

took the ball cleanly against tte sun, kicked strongly and tackled well.

The South Auckland team comprised two ex-Taranaki players, K. Patterson (ex-HaWe-ra and Taranaki representative), and McHardy (formerly of the New Plymouth High School team). Mclntyre, the half, is the son of an ex-Taranaki player.

On Thursday the South Auckland team was motored to Mauaia, Kaponga and El th am and back to Hawera. The splend'd country passed through and the excellent roads—tte cars never left the asphalt—was much appreciated by the players. The South Auckland team left Hawera by the mail train yesterday tor Talhape, where they play Wanganui to-day. Before leaving Hawera Mr. McDavitt, on behalf of the team, made presentations of a cigarette case and cigarette holder to Messrs. L. G. Beamish and J. Goodwin as a slight appreciation of tte courtesies shown them by these stalwarts of Rugby during their stay.

NOTES AND NEWS. TO-DAY’S MATCHES. Principal interest to-day centres in the meeting of the Wanganui Collegiate and New Plymouth High School at Hawera. These teams met for the first occasion last year, waen, under very wet weather conditions, Wanganui won by II points to 3. Given fine • eatlier a good game should be witnessed, as each use their backs largely and play that open, spectacular game which so strongly aprtals to the public. The match will start at 2 pm., and, as a curtain raiser, a match will be played between representatives of North and South Taranaki primary schools. The keen interest taken in football in the schools augurs well tor the future of the game. The Hawera friends of the High School have made complete arrangements for the en? tertainment of the boys, over 300 of whom will go down this morning by special train. THE CUP COMPETITIONS. Owing to the number of representative matches making it impossible to complete the competition matches reasonably early, it was not possible to postpone the the cup matches to-day, and they will be played as ushal. Principal interest will centre in the meeting of Kaponga and Clifton at Kaponga. Last round these teams met at Waiters and tt»; home team only won by a very narrow margin, and the leaders will have to keep moving if they wish to maintain that position.

The meeting of Stratford and Okaiawa at Straitord will also attract a following. Okaiawa, in the first round, effected a surprise by defeating the central team, but Stratford is not likely to be caught napping again. Opunake and Waimate meet at Optinake and the former look like turning tte tables on the plainsmen. Hawera should have no trouble in defeating Patea. In the B grade Okato and Elthaun will meet at Rahotu, and coastal residents are assured of a good game. The match between Old Boys and Inglewood set down for decision to-day has been postponed owing to Old Boys, who had the bye when originally drawn, having made other Arrangements.

THE DAN O’BRIEN MATCH. In pre-war days tte match that excited the keenest interest in New Plymouth was the meeting of Tukapa and Star for the Dan O’Brien shield. Ttere was the keenest rivalry between the teams, and great struggles were witnessed. Opportunity has been taken of the fact that each team has a bye to play the match to-day, and though Tukapa are playing in the A grade. Star players are likely to extend them. LAST WEEK'S MATCHES. The results of last week’s matches did not make much alteration in the position of the teams. Clifton retain pride of place, being two points ahead of Hawera, who had the bye. Stratford, by defeating Kaponga, are third, a point further back. There were same alterations at the lower end of the competlt'.on. Tukapa, by defeating Waimate, are practically assured of remaining in the A grade, whilst Opunake, by defeating Okaiawa, also improved their chances, and are now level with Waimate, a point ahead of Patea. At present it looks as though the southernmost team will be i bottom of the list. j In the B grade, Inglewood proved too good ' for Star, and established a two point lead. Providing they can defeat Eltham, who are an improving team, they should win the competition.

The Opunake Times remarks *. Aitken Lusk, the Opunake centre three-quarter, again played a fine game, taking the ball cleanly and running straight ahead every time. This player is undoubtedly one of the best in New Zealand fo» the position, and the day Is not far distant when the selector for rep honors must be prepared to hear about him. The fact that not a single player from the Opunake team (good enough to beat Clifton once and Okaiawa twice) has been selected for rep honors has taken a considerable amount of interest out of the game locally, and If the Rugby Union does not mend Its ways and recognise merit irrespective of locality it may be taken for certain that football will not hold much sway in this district after the close of the present season. The union could also afford to be <more generous to the players financially, paying at least their full bus fare when travelling. "Grab all” methods are Impoverishing country clubs. SOUTH AFRICANS v. TARANAKI. NOTES ON TARANAKI TEAM. All football enthusiasts throughout Taranaki will wend their way to Naw Plymouth on Saturday next, when Taranaki meets the famous Springboks, whose visit has been eagerly looked forward to. There has been considerable speculation as to the personnel of the team to represent Taranaki, and it is safe to say that tte names as published in yesterday morning’s News have been closely scanned and criticised. With the absence of

"probable” v. "possibles” matches to guide him, Mr. Malone has made a good selection, and while there may be advocates in favor of certain men who have been omitted, the team can be regarded as a thoroughly representative one.

Kingston is the right man as full-back. Taranaki is fortunate that the best last line of defence in New Zealand is M present residing in Taranaki. The threp-quarter line is also a good one. Sykes thoroughly justified his inclusion by his play on Saturday. On the other wing Hickey replaces Whittington. The Cl.'Jton man is a solid tackler, and a good kick, and with opportunities is a brilliant scoring man. At centre Coutts is being tried, and while we would have liked to have seen him tried out in big football, the Inglewood player has been playing a great game for his club this season, and appears to be in better form than wten he represented Taranaki a couple of seasons ago. In the absence of Robertson, through ill-health, and uncertainty of Dick Roberts’ movements, he is probably the best choice.

Lynskey and Wynyard jt as expected, have retained the.'r positions at five-eighths. Ross has again given place to Atkins, and after Wednesday’s game football followers will agree that Atkins is the right choice. His defence is very solid, and ttough he is not as smart in -netting his backs moving as one would

wish, his work in this department Is as as the Clifton man’s at present. On attack the team is a good one, and its I defence is also sound. The best defence, however, is attack, and with Caln and Campbell in the front row, the backs should have a great chance of getting the ball. Forward there is nothing to be feared, as the selectors greatest trouble will be in deciding whom to leave out. SOUTH AFRICANS v. WANGANUI. NEXT WEDNESDAY'S MATCH. / The Springboks’ opening ma.tch at Wanganui is arousing considerable Interest, and crowds from Taranaki are arranging to make tte trip to see the Springboks In action there on Wednesday in Cooks Gardens. Wanganui has a strong team, and the match will give somet indication of Taranaki’s chances. The match will commence at 2.30 p.m., and reserved seats on terrace may be obtained on application to H. I. Jones and Sons, or the secretary. Special trains at excursion fares return to Hawera after the match. SPRINGBOKS SHORT OF MEN.

OWING TO CASUALTIES. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Sydney, July 8. Gerhard Morkel, a member of the Springboks’ team, injured his arm in Wednesday’s match, and it has since appeared that he dislocated his elbow and will be out ctf action for six weeks. This necessitated cabling to Africa asking for two reinforcements in tiune for tte second test match in New Zealand. The African Rugby Board replied that there was no ship sailing till the end of July, which would be too late for the second test. Clarkson is also on the sick list suffering from fever. THE OMISSION OF ROBERTS. VISIT BY N.S.W. TEAM. By Telegraph—Press Association Wellington, July 8. There is general dissatisfaction at the omission of Roberts from the New Zealand team. The local papers are filled with correspondence on the subject. At the meeting of the management committee of tte New Zealand Rugby Union last nlyht the chairman reported that he had arra’iged for a visit from a New South Wales team to the Dominion next month, provided the committee approved. A committee was appointed to go into the financial position of the tour with power to act. It Was proposed to play seven games as a more extensive itinerary might interfere with the inter-provincial games. The ci-airman also states that he had sent an Imitation by cable to France for a team to visit New Zealand in 1922. “BIG BUCKS, VERILY.” THE SPRINGBOKS TEAM. VISITORS DUE NEXT WEEK. (By C. S. Tendall in the Auckland Herald.) "Inkom a ni nar?—-Nyatit He-e-e.” The above ia the quaint Kaffir war-cry of the South African football team, and its meaning; "What sort of cattie are these?—Big bucks, verily.” The phrase is an apt one for the team includes some young giants in its ranks, the forwards averaging somewhere in the vic'nity of 15 stone. The Springboks are due to reach Auckland shortly from Sydney, and they are assured of a warm welcome.

After the disastrous 'lsit of our League representatives to Australia, it is left to the Rugby Union to uphold New Zealand’s prestige in the football world. Rugby *n the South Is stronger than the League, and it is quite on the cards that the South Africans will hive to lower their colors to some of the teams that are to oppose theun. Their successes In Australia, however, give some indication of their quality. Shortly after arriving in Melbourne, for instance, they defeated a Victorian side to the tune of 51 points to nil, while the results of their three test matches against New South Wales were: Won by 25 to 10, won by 16 to 11, and won by 28 to 9. Rugby in New South Wales is, of course, not what it was, having largely "gone under” to the rival code, but nevertheless the State has still some first-class players, and their defeat the Springboks should not be too lightly regarded.

A PARTY OF TWENTY-NINE. The visiting party numbers 29, and is as follows:—• Roylo Morkel, J. M. Michau, G. W. Van Rcoyen, T. Kruger, A. P. Walker, J. S. Olivier, Henry Morkel, T. B. Pienaar (captain), G. H. Bennett, L. B. Siedle, S. S. Strauss, J. Weepener, J. Tindall, W. Sendfn, W. A. Clarkson, A. S. Morris (trainer), J. P. de Villiers, P. J. Mostert, A. Van Heerden, W. C. Zeller, N. du Plessis, H. Scholtz, C. du P. Meyer, Gerard Morkel (manager), W. H. Morkel (vice-cap-tain), F. W. Mellish, M. Ellis, Harry Morkel, W. Townsend, J. S. de Kock, and J. P. Michau. "BLONDE AND BLUE-EYED." Many of the names included in the list have a strong Soutn African flavor. The most interesting, perhaps, is Kruger, who is a grandnephew of the late President Kruger. They are a good-looking band of players, too—‘blonde, blue-eyed men for the most part, and typically Dutch-Boer," a Sydney correspondent says. ’Dutch, as a matter of fact, is the language of most of them, but they speak English well, with a pleasant throaty accent." One of tte onost notable of the new-comers is their captain, Pienaar. He Is a bachelor of arts of Cape University, and principal of the High School, Caledon. He played for various school teams at Somerset West and then went to Stellenbosch, which he represented in 1908 and 1913, the latter year as captain. He captained Caledon in 1917-21; played for Western Province at Durban In 1914, captained the Country Teams V. the AH Blacks in 1919, and Western Province v. the All Blacks in the same year. He also led the Western Province in the Currie Cup tournament of 1920. VERY HEAVY FORWARDS. Judging by ttelr weight the visitors* forwards should easily hold their own provided they are smart In getting the ball from the scrums and can show pace in the loose. The heaviest man in the pack is "Baby” Michau, who tips the scale at 2421 b., and next comes Hoyle Morkel with a mere 2321 b. Then there is Van Rooyen, another stalwart, who is dubbed "the tank,’.’ while others are almost all over the average weight. We are told that the good people of Sydney gasped when they saw the tourists, as for size they were the, most notable combination of footballers seen Ln the country. I doubt if the New .Zealand pack will average much over 13st., so the visitors should have a decided advantage in this respect. Sheer weight, however. Is by no means everything, and unless "the baby” and "the tank” can show pace, they will be more than extended by our own forwards. Van Heerden is said to be the bright particular star in the South African rear-guard. He is remarkably fast, hard to stop when te gets going, and a prolific scorer. He represented his country at the Olympic games. Henry Morkel, the centre three-quarter. Is another fine player, and claims four brothers in the team. One of them, Gerald Morkel, plays fullback, and is a magnificent kick. Two fine halfbacks are De Kock and Michau. They are Stellenbosch men and have played together for a considerable time.

"I asked their captain to wear hobbles. He didn't do it. I asked those enorunous forwards to crawl beneath when tackling our men. They didn't do It. I offered to exchange thyroid glands with Morkel. He refused. So the Springboks won, and won handsomely.” This was how Sir Henry Bfaddon, chairman of the New South Wales Itugby Union, subsequently described his team’s defeat. It is evident the South Africans are a formidable side—'big bucks, verily’.’—who will take some beating, and are all the more welcome on that account.

1 £ 1 4 s 3 a S Cliftc© 10 7 2 1 CS 29 16 lawera s 6 2 83 26 14 ItHtford 10 & 3 2 76 59 13 Caponta 10 5 1 91 50 11 Jkaiawa 9 38 34 9 Tukapa 10 3 2 5 51 55 8 A’alasate 10 • 2 6 58 78 6 Jpunake 10 3 0 7 41 97 6 fatea 10 2 1 7 56 94 5 B GRADE. ftflewood 9 6 2 1 45 16 14 Itar 9 5 2 45 38 Cj th* Kj 3 1 5 33 43 8 •Jld Boys 9 3 4 62 57 t tt*to 8 1 1 6 21 59 3