FOOTBALL.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 September 1921, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

TO-MORROW’S MATCH, ATOKLAXD v. TARANAKI. .TWO CURTAIN-RAISERS. To-mdrrow will see the close of the football season as far as the Taranaki Rugby Union fixtures are concerned, and to mark the occasion a big programme has been arranged, no less than three matches having been set down for decision at Pukekura Park. Principal interest will centre in the second of the annual home and home matches with Auckland, which commences at 2 p.m. This match should provide a close and exciting contest, as the Taranaki team is an improved one on that which was defeated by Auckland a fortnight ago in the northern city after a close game. The Taranaki team has been strengthened by the inclusion of Kingston, West and Fogarty, the New Zealand representatives, whilst the backs as now arranged should be founder in defence. The Auckland team is also a formidable one, and includes Auckland’s sole New Zealand representative, Ifwerson. The Auckland team, with Mr. C. Mathieson as manager, arrived. in New Plymouth by the mail train from Wellington last night. They are quartered at the Criterion Hotel. The teams will probably line out as follows: AUCKLAND (blue and white): Full-back: Muir. Three-quarters: Smith, V. Badeley, j Willianrs. Five-eighths: Ifwerson, Lamb. Half: Earle. Wing-forward: Lucas. I Forwards: Knight, Gallagher, McLean, Mclnnes, Nicholas, Tresize, McCullough. TARANAKI (amber and black): Full-back: Lusk. Three-quarters: Hickey, Coutts, Kingston. Five-eighths: Robertson, Oliver. Half: Berg. Wing-forward: Fogarty. Forwards: Birchall, Fryday, Kivell, Masters, West, Whittington, Campbell. Emergencies: Hart and Hooker (backs), Allen and McCullough (for’wards). THE CURTAIN-RAISERS. I The first curtain-raiser starts at 11.30 . a.m., when the final of the primary schools’ senior championship will be played between Eltham (winners of the southern division) and New Plymouth High School preparatory (winners of the northern division). At 12.30 p.m. the annual match between Star and Tukapa for the Carbine Shield will be played. There has been keen rivalry between these clubs for rery many years, and that friendly rivI airy will be evidenced to-morrow, as j each club is confident of retaining the coveted trophy. RUGBY AND LEAGUE FORCES.

SUGGESTED FUSION. By TaUcraph.—Fre«s Association. Cliristchurch, Last Night. A move towards the fusion of the Rugby Union and Rugby League forces has been made by Mr. >S. F. Wilson, president of the Canterbury Rugby Union, but in a strictly non-official capacity. Writing to Dr. Thacker, president of the Rugby League, Mr. Wilson pointed out that the importance of Rugby from au Imperial and international standpoint was very considerable, and the only difference between the two codes was the rules. After referring to the anticipated visits from the French and British t€*ams, he says: ‘ Let us try and look ahead and unit® to keep this province in the position in which our players have so ably placed us this season. I would ask you to appeal to the patriotism of all players io bring about this happy result, and let us lead the way in New Zealand and show that though we may have differences of opinion regarding the rules, we are ail united when the honor of the province on the sports field is at stake.”

So far the League has not been officially made aware of the letter, but leading officials who have been approached for their opinion, thr6w cold water on the suggested fusion. “If the Union wishes to amalgamate,” said one, “the best thing for them to do is to amalgamate with us; we cannot amalgamate with them.”

THE INGLEWOOD CLUB.

A VICTORY CELEBRATED. There was a large attendance, at the Smoke Concert at Inglewood on Wednesday evening, to celebrate the IngleWood Club's success in winning the B. Grade Shield. Among those present was Mr. J. McLeod (President of the N.Z.R.U.). Air. J. Sutherland (Mayor), presided, and proposed the usual loyal toast, after which the “N.Z.R.U.” was proposed.

Mr. McLeod referred at length to the Springboks’ tour and the good the tour had done and the great responsibility attached to such a tour. The Union had handled about £30,000, and. taking everything into consideration, they had come out very well indeed. The tour had been the means of reviving football more than anything else could have done. Men who had been apathetic for years in regard to the game again became keenly interested. The tour had been a gamble to a certain extent, as £'17,000 to £ IK,OOO had to be guaranteed. and thev had come out with about

£lO,OOO to the good. He also referred to the advantages of the new rule played by Auckland. The African and English authorities did not support New Zealand in this direction. He considered that an Imperial Board of Control should be set up in the interests of football generally, so as to bring about a universal code of rules throughout the world.

Mr. McLeod proposed “The Inglewood Football Club,” and congratulated the club on winning the Shield and having its name on its top. The team’s success would no doubt create greater interest in the game among the people of the town and district.

Mr. Coutts suitably acknowledged the toast on behalf of the team. Mr. J. Thomas proposed “The Taranaki Rugby Union.” Mr. Fred Spurdie, an old member of the Union, responded. Mr. J. MoLeod proposed “The Be*

ferees’ Association,” and stressed the necessity for those who had knowledge and ability, to come forward and give their services in the interests of the game. Mr. W. Eagaar, in replying, said that the referees had a good deal of self-sacrifice to contend wth, and in many cases were out of pocket. Mr. Frank Julian said that he would always do his best for football in his official capacity as a referee. “Kindred Sports’’ was proposed by Mr. Boldt. Messrs. Darlow, Spnrdle, and Armstrong responded. “The Press,” “The Ladies,” and “The Chairman,” *were also proposed and duly honored. Apologies for unavoidable absence from the function were received from Messrs. T. C. List (who presented the B. Shield), Jago, I). J. Malone, and J. Garcia.

The following contributed to the harmoney of the evening’s proceedingsMessrs. Darlow, W. Smith, and F. Juliaa.