FOOTBALL.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 August 1921, Page 12

FOOTBALL.

TO-DAY’S REPRESENTATIVE MATCH* Wellington v. Taranaki, at Fukekura Park, 2.15 p.m. REPRESENTATIVE FIXTURES. MATCHES PLAYED. v. Wanganui—Won by 6 points to 3. v. South Auckland—Drawn, 15 points each. v. South Africa—Drawn, no score. v. Wanganui—Won by 9 points to 6, v. Canterbury—Lost, 14 points to 5. B REPRESENTATIVE MATCH. * Taranaki B v. Wairoa Sub-Union—Won, 16 j points to 6. MATCHES ARRANGED. August. 27—v. Wellington, at New Plymouth. * September 10—-v. Auckland, at Auckland. - September 17—v. Otago, at New Plymouth. ; September 24—v. Auckland, at Now Ply- • mouth. THE SPRFNGBOKS’ TOUR. RESULTS TO DATE. v. Wanganui—Won 11 points to 5. v. Taranaki—Draw, no score. v. Wairarapa—Won by 18 points to 3, v. Wellington—Won 8 points to 3. v. West Coast—Won 33 points to 3. v. Canterbury—Lost 0 points to 4. v. South Canterbury—Won 34 points to 3. v. Southland—Won 12 points to nil. v. Otago—Won, 11 points to nil. •v. New Zealand (first test)—Lost 13 points to v. Manawaju-Horowhenua —Won 3 points tp nil. v. Auckland—Won 24 points to 8. v. Bay of Plenty—won 17 points to 9. REMAINING MATCHES. August 27.—v. New Zealand, at Auckland (second test). August 31.—v. Waikato, at Hamilton. September 3.--Hawke’s Bay and Poverty Bay at Napier. September 7.—v. Maori representatives, at Napier. September 10.—v. Nelson, Marlborough and Golden Bay. at Nelson. September 17.—v. New Zealand, at Wellington (final test). NEW SOUTH WALES’ TOUR. * MATCHES PLAYED. v. North Auckland—Won by 17 to 8. v. South Auckland—Won by 28 to 11. v. Poverty Bay—Won by 26 to 8. v. Marlborough—Won by 19 to 11. v. Wairarapa—Won by 34 to 5. MATCHES TO BE PLAYED. August 27.—At Westport. August 31.—At Greymonth. September 3.—At Christchurch (test). September 7.—At Wellington. POSITION OF THE TEAMS. A GRADE.

THE CUP COMPETITION. Last Saturday practically saw the conclusion of the cup competition, when Hawera, by defeating Clifton, annexed the championship, and have the honor of holding the Masters Shield for tlie ■ first year under the new scheme, in which matches are played all over thc province in-read of in divisions as, previously. There is yet one more Saturday to complete the second round, when the following matches are set .down for decision: Wai ma to v. Hawera, at Hawera. (lifton v. Stratford, at. Stratford. Opunakc v. Kaponga, at Kaponga. Okaiawa v. J'ukapa, at Okaiawa. There are only the first two that can affect the result in any ca<c. and probably an effort will be made to have them played. It, is doubtful whether the other matches will he got oil, as the interruptions, on account of the rep. matches, and the fact that many of the player? are engaged in dairying, which is rapidly getting into full swing, will make it difficult (or the teams to get away. H must be admitted that the new scheme has been a groat success, but this season has proved that nine teams . are too many in the competition, as it I takes oighreen weeks to complete two ; rounds without any interrupt ions. Re-j during the number by one would enable the two rounds to bo completed in four- j icon weeks, and would obviate a bye. The revival in footabll generally has j been shown by the interest taken in , rbo .game'this season by players and the j public, and though the game is not yet 1 up to the standard ot Taranaki’s preeminent day, yet it is a distinct im- ' provoment on th.e past year or two, and ‘ with the interest now taken in the i game at the schools and in the lower | grades every year should show a decided ; improvement. Hawera are to ho congratulated on ! their performance in again annexing [ Iho championship, whilst (.'lifton. the' runners-up, also deserve to be compli- I xnonted on the great effort they always make to attain premiership honors. For ' several years past this club has always been tb the fient. and has on various occasions had to fight out the championri'ip with t’iip southern players, but has always had the hard luck to he just defeated. Last year, it will be remembered, Clifton drew with Hawera twice, before being finally defeated. It would, have boon a fitting close to the career ; of the veteran M. Cain to have won the championship for bis club. However there is another year yet, and “Mick” was still going strong on Saturday. On the day there is no question the better team won. At no period did Hawera look like losing. Their forwards were superior, and their backs showed more dash and finish. 3wo oi* three times Clifton had great chances to. score, but failed to take advantage of : them, notably on one occasion, when Ross smothered Robertson with the ball. Hawera three-quarters showed a lot of pace, and with a nippier half tn feed them, Badley and Wilkinson would keep their' opponents busy. The latter was > great form and made some splendid j run?% fully deserving the great try he I scored. Robertson also scored a nice j try, while Badley was dangerous on various occasions. Cameron, at five-1 eighths, did a lot of work, especially j on" defence. J«« the - forwards West, Fogarty and Chadwick showed up, though Fogarty got off-side at times. West kicked a beautiful goal. Anderson at full-back played a clever game.

j I Kingston was in champion form, : [ kicking with great judgment.. He also | i showed pace in setting his backs going. I He. however, tackled Wilkinson badly. , M'.uke\ fin the wing got little to do, as the ball did not reach him. (.he centre Linen being slow in getting it away. ! Goodwin had. hard luck in getting hurt i early in thc game. Colman did a lot j of defensive work, hut was well watch- ; ed. Ross failed to produce his Auckland form. that in fairness it i must be admitted the opposing pack I gave him little chance. G. Taylor, as wing forward. ha< played better games. I f'f the forwards Eryday, Fuller and Cain wore the pick. Crowe, who went !in at half-back mi Goodwin’s retirement, acquitted hi/nsplf capably. A peculiarly humorous incident, occurred during the Wairarapa v. Marlborough junior ropresmiimtive football i match (say- the Marlborough Express), i The game was at an exoitiim' pitch, a I j forward slriiggie being in progress near! the touch line. r l'he referee's whistle | sounded, and a- Hie players fell apart the AVairarapa lino-man. one of their I emergencies, was revealed in their midst, flag and all. Mhat he was doing there if would be hazardous to speculate.

Hawera I £ Q 1 2 50 ft 26 Clifton 15 11 2 9 145 73 24 Stratford 15 8 4 117 100 19 ka ponga i .■ 7 1 7 113 79 J 5 Oxaiawa 14 6 ] 7 78 86 L-3 Tukapa o « 93 11.1 12 Opiinako 5 0 10 79 144 10 Pat ea 1G 4 1 11 63 139 Walnut te 14 2 2 10 84 139 6