FOOTBALL.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 May 1922, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

THE CUP COMPETITIONS. SOME VERY CLOSE GAMES. FINE WEATHER CONDITIONS. The football competition was advanced a further stage in Taranaki on Saturday, when some close and interesting games were played under fine weather conditions. Hawera continued their unbeaten record by defeating Clifton with a little to spare, whilst Tukapa were somewhat lucky In escaping defeat at thj/ hands of Opunake. Kaponga, the otter unbeaten teem in the competition, met their Waterloo at the hands of the improving Patea team. In the B grade tte unbeaten Old Boys had a victory over Star by a narrow margin.

RESULTS AT A GLANCE. A GRADE. Hawera 16 v. Clifton 3. Tukapa 6 v. Opunake 3. Patea 18 v. Kaponga 11. Okaiawa 18 v. Waknate 13. B GRADE. ' Old Boys 6v. Star nil. Okato 3 v. Eltham 3. Inglewood 6 v. Lepperton X “A” GRADE. HAWERA (16) v. CLIFTON (3). Ideal weather conditions and anticipation of a keen struggle drew a large crowd to the Hawera football ground to witness the Clifton-Hawera match. Although Hawera won by a substantial margin, they nau dj no means an easy victory, the Clifton men disputing »-.ery yard of /round. The defence ; of both .'ides was very solid. Hawera kicked off. and immediately oarried ‘th? . ini- their opponents’ twenty-five, where {Uay settle.! for some minutes, Colman eventually relieving from a free kick. Ha- ' wera were soon back again, and a good return by Jenkins, the Hawera full-back, well followed up by West and Robertson, ended iin the latter being thrown out near the i twenty-five flag. From a srruui Atkins set ! his backs going. Robertson scoring in a good I position. The try was converted by Hughes, i On resumin'; CoJcnan l ad a shot from half-way, the ball going outside the posts. A few minutes later he had another attempt, the ball striking the upright and rebounding into play. Robertson checked a Clifton passing movement, and aided by Murphy, transferred play well down field. A passing run by Hawera was spoiled by a knock-on. Hickey received the ball from a serum, ana with a good run and kick, had Hawera in I difficulties. The Clifton forwards kept up the pressure, and were rewarded with- a try, Taylor scoring from a scramble near the line. Shehcn failed to convert. From the kick-off Hawera rushed the leather to tte Clifton line, a penalty kick relieving the latter. Jones, the Clifton full-back, failed to field the ball, and a score seemed imminent, but Hickey saved smartly. Some hot work now ensued on the Clifton line, and from a scrum Robertson flung himself over, but could not ground the ball. Immediately afterwards he repeated the effort, this time being awarded a try. Hughes failed with the kick. The play for the remainder of the spell was fast and interesting, both sides attacking in turn. The tackling was deadly and prevented any addition to the score, the spell ending: Hawera 8, CHfton 3. An exchange of kicks and a lope-handed rush by West marked tte opening of the second spell. Hawera were doing most of the attacking, and kept Clifton on their own side of the half-way flag. The honors were about even in the scrums, and several bouts of passing took place, but the passing was rather too wild to be effective. The next incident of note was a try by West, who forced his way over from a line-out. He made a poor attempt to convert. Hawera were frequently penalised for off-side play, the free kicks bringing relief to the Clifton men. A fine run by Purcell (Hawera) resulted in Clifton forcing. A Hawera forward was held up on tte line, and Clifton were having an anxious time stemming the determined onslaught of the home forwards. Sutherland was injured and was replaced by Henrys. Clifton managed to Hear their line, Hickey, Campbell and Fryday carrying the ball into Hawera territory- Robertson, with a strong run and kiek, returned the leather to the visitors' twenty-five. Hickey promptly sent it back, putting in a trinity run until stopped by Osborne. Clifton forwards tooh charge of the bill, and set up a rush which carried them on to the Hawera line, where Robertson - intercepted a pass and kicked to half-way,. averting a certain try. Jenkins was very safe at full-back for Hawera, and a fine return by him and good work by Robertson ’ had Clifton In a tight corner. A great struggle took place near the Clifton line, but the defence was sound, and Hawera were gradually forced back. They came away again with a passing bout, but Daily failed to take and Clif. ton cleared. The Hawera men started another passing movement, Hughes kicking over the line and beating the Clifton full-back to the ball. He converted the try himself. In the concluding few minutes Fogarty just failed to score, and a penalty kick by Hughes was resultless, the game ending: Hawera Clifton 3

Mr. F. Hooker refereed. TUKAPA (6) v. OPUNAKE (3). This match, which was played at Opunake, aroused considerable interest and attracted a good attendance. Neither side was fully represented, Opunake being without the services of R. Ifwerson, Brophy, Bowman and O’Rorke, whilst Tukapa were without Kingston and Baird. The game was very hotly contested throughout, the home team, whose forwards had been considerably stiffened, lasting right to the end of the two fortyfive minute spells and worrying their opponents The Opunake backs also tackled well, and this, together with the solid work of their forwards, kept the dangerous Tukapa backs at bay. Tukapa forwards did not infuse much/ ginger into their work, and though their backs made the game as open as possible, they were somewhat handicapped by the uneven nature of the turf, and could not get going to advantage. *n«ee<S, on the day they must consider themselves lucky to win. and but for some overeagerness on the part of Opunake, who infringed, particularly in playing the ball on the ground, tte result might have been different. Play opened briskly. Tukapa, with the advantage of the down hill running, at once eot moving and Hooker cut in, but his pass was Opunake forwards set up a rush and a fast run by Rye saw Hart save win.st a moment later good play by Mcßeynolds and O’Brien saw Stohr eollu? the >»««• Tt ® n Tuwhaka had a slot, which missed. Infringement let Tukapa through, and then Hooker had two resultless shots. Tukapa backs shot the ball about until a wild pass let Rye transfer play to Tukapa territory, and both JXfiX and backs pressed hotly, but the defence stood the strain end finally Hooker cleared. Tukapa barks, using both sides ot th? ground, got wfisr, but Hart sl.pped and Rye saved. Tukapa kept moving, but wittout result, and N ° r ?' t d,? ' “ d , Glentworth and company headed a Reynoios. d M the backs, had Tukapa ™ Double until Stohr saved. Tukapa. hacks tx-ined a lot of ground, and O’Brien beSg penalised for hanging on. Hooker landed L oire goal. Tukapa backs again tad the hand, but the collaring wan too good Finally B. Oliver secured, and beating several men scored. Hooker's kick failed. Opunake now' took a turn, and Milne, Norjate Glentworth and company carried the! ball to near tie line, where the ball travelled from King to Ifwerson, to Luck, to Penniall, but Rye failed to secure and a chance went. Opunake continued to press, and just on halftime Lusk had a shot from a penalty, tne ball being forced. The score then was: Tu? kapa 6, Opunake 0.

On resuming Tukapa, led by Allen, Walsh® and Linn, briefly attacked, but after some exciting play Lusk centred, and the ball was taken by Rye, wto set sail, being collared by Hart when dangerous. Opunake kept Tukapa penned, Hooker saving by marking twice in a few moments. Then Brown set Tukapa moving, but Stohr was taken by Penniall, and a great piece of play by O’Brien compelled Anderson (the Tukapa full-back) to hurriedly line. Play now became re/y exciting, the ball travelling up and down field. Rye finally secured, and after a good run, got over from near tie half-way, but the ball was called back, having gone out of touch before he secured it. Tukapa then set up a great rush that ended in Stohr getting over, but tte hall went Into touch in goal. Tukapa kept up the pressure, but Lusk and Tuwhaka were defending well, and finally a well-judg- ' cd kick by the latter put Opunake in a good | position, but the ground gained was lost by an infringement. Later Hooker failed to ' goal. Then the local forwards pressed, and | good play by Ifwerson and Penniall put them in a handy position, where King gave a bad pass. A little later, however, Lusk had a shot from a free kick, narrowly failing to goal. Play now became very willing. Opunake again got busy, King, Ifwerson and Penniall participating in a move that saw the ! latter collared by Stohr. A unoment later I Lusk centred to Rye, but H. Oliver was able J to line. Infringements by both sides left j play in neutral territory. Then Murphy, Oil- j ver, and Hooker handled nicely, the latter . kicking to Hart, who took smartly on tho ' full, hut was well taken by Lusk, who was • injured and had to retire. Opunake then ! pressed, but Anderson saved. The ball then | came across and was kicked over the line, J Rye beating Stohr and scoring. His kick > failed. Time was then called with the score;

Tukapa 6 Opunake ........ 3 Mr. A. H. Guy refereed. PATEA (18) v. KAPONGA (11). The Patea-Kaponga match was played at Patea in ideal weather. There was a large attendance of spectators, and the ground was iin splendid order. Roth teams were at full ■ strength, the game being fast and open and ' a good exhibition of Rugby. Kaponga won tie toss and played with the i sun at their backs. They at once set up a . vigorous attack, and soon Kaponga were com- ' peiled to force. After some give and take • play a keen tussle ensued in midfield. Ma- | lone, obtaining jxjssession of the ball, sidestepped and gained ground, but the Patea forwards pressed their opponents into their twenty-five, wi cre Laurie Hunt gathered up the ball and dived over. He took the kick, which failed. Patea pressed hard, and it could be seen by their concerted play that they Fad been preparing for this keen struggle, and kept Kaponga on the defensive. Malone marked and gained ground, both the i forward teams playing their hardest. Kaponga were again forced into their twentyfive, where Malone got off-side, and Laurie Hunt landed a gooff - goal. Encouraged by their success, Patea were now playing above their usual form, and it was only by good line kicking that play returned to half-way. By good kicking and fast following up, buslivan gathered up the leather and scored by the posts, Laurie Hunt converting. From a loose rust Dymock secured, and by a clever dodgy run, scored in a handy position, but Malone failed with the kick. The Kaponga rear division tried to penetrate their opponents’ defence by passing rushes, hut Patea's tackling was too good. Just before half-time Stewart secured tte oval after a clever passing run and scored in the corner, Mick Malone adding the major points. The spell ended: Patea 11, Kaponga 8.

On changing over Patea forwards at once attacked, and for some time had Kaponga ou the defensive, but the vanguard broke through, and with the ball at toe, carried it well past half-way. At this stage of the game some very open, fast play took place, the backs and forwards of both teams participating, and the ball travelled up and down the field in Quick succession. Kaponga found relief in a force. From a penalty Mslone tried to drop a goal from nearly halfway, but the ball went wide. Several players on both sides were Injured at this stage, but soon took the field again. Patea were pressing their opponents on their line, and eventually Petersen dived over and scored, hut the kick at goal failed. Tte final score was: — Patea 18 Kaponga 11 Mr. G. Meuli refereed. I OKAIAWA (18) v. WAIMATE (13). The match between Okaiawa and Waimate, which was played at Okaiawa, proved a very close game, the issue being in doubt until the final whistle went. The Waimate team showed considerable improvement on previous games and kept their opponents busy. Right on the call of time they were pressing, and just failed to score under the poets. The final score was : Okaiawa 18 Waimate 13 “B” GRADE. OLD BOYS (6) v. STAR (0).

Two penalty goals represented ti e difference between Old Boys and Star in a game played at Pukekura Park, and won by Old Boys by six points to nil. The game fell rather short of expectations. Old Boys' backs, who are generally well suited on a dry ground, did not combine with suet pleasing effect as usual, though as individuals, all played well. Star, though defeated, played their best game this season. This team usually relies principally on its forwards, but on Saturday the backs, though still lacking something in combined movements, came to light well.

Star opened well, the forwards heeling the ball out cleanly to tte backs, who tossed the leather round well. As a result play came into Old Boys’ twenty-five, where Valentine was obliged to force. Then Old Boys, following a long kick from Sykes, swooped down field, only to be driven back by the opposition, led by Dean. Sykes and Bertrand figured in a promising movement, but Dowland was a thorn in their side/and play was returned to Old Boys’ quarter, where Sturmey had an unsuccessful kick at goal. Sole, receiving from a scrum shortly after, made a good run before handing on to Sykes; faulty handling, however, spoilt the move. Then Marks, running straight as an arrow, made a bid for a score, being stopped just in time after a good run. A free kick to Old Boys in a good position enabled Doile to open tte scoring account for his side. Dowland, who played a prominent game throughout, put Star on the attack again. Then McGregor gained possession and passed to Blundell, who in turn passed to Bertrand, but the latter’s failure to receive frustrated a likely movement. Sims led the Star pack back, and Old Boys just managed to prevent tis scoring. Back came Old Boys to halfway, where Star infringed. Doile attempted another kick from a few yards within the half-way, tte ball rising well, grazing the crossbar, and falling over. Half-time came immediately after, the score being: Old Boys G. Star nil.

Tim first incident of the second spell was a spectacular piece of work by Sykes and Bertrand, which just failed to be crowned with success. Doile had a couple of unsuccessful penalty kicks. Sykes brought play again in dangerous proximity tp the Star goal line. From resultant play Star cleared, and the game settled down at the other end of the field, where Dean attempted a rtmning drop kick, which was blocked. A minute later the same player was held up in the corner. Marks finally brought relief to his side, and play travelled into Star’s twentyfive, where Sole essayed a drop kick, which fell short, but went over the line. Lem followed up and touched down, but the try was disallowed on account of a previous infringement. Once again Star took the initiative, giving Old Boys an anxious five minultes, and, at last, compelling them to force down. Star still kept up the pressure, and their full-back (Patterson) set sail for the line, being stopped in the nick of time. Sturmey was all but over a minute later. Sykes finally brought relief to his side, but just afterwards he had to retire injured. McGregor, who had been playing forward, took the vacancy at centre three-quarter, whilst jjrookes came Oh and tooX McGregor's place.

Dowland, Dean and Hurley started a vigorous passing rush for Star, a forward pass, however, nipping the movement in the bud. Play 1 reverted to Star territory, mainly owing to I good work by Doile and Marks, and from a line out the ball came to Eggleton, who crossed the line, being recalled for taking a forward pass. Up and down play followed, in the course of which Cleaver (Star) was injured, and Yates came on. The final whistle blew a. minute later witu the score : I Old Boys ’.... 6 Star 0

Mr. J. Webb refereed. OKATO (3) v. ELTHAM (3). In this match at Okato on Saturday, Okato won the toss and Eltham kicked off against the sun. Up and down play followed, till Greig was forced to mark to save from a strong Okato rush. Play reverted to the centre, where Shotter (Okato) made a fine opening, but lacked pace, and was tackled near the line. From the scrum which followed R. Shotter nipped up the ball and scored. Roberts failed with the kick. Eltham attacked strongly from the kick off, and later I J. Carlton kicked a fine goal from a penalty. | Following loose play round the centre, OkatG ] set up a rush and looked like scoring, but jH. Greig saved. J. Peebles was also called j upon to stem another green and black at- ; tack, and McSweeney, with a fine kick, • brought play back to the centre when half- ' time was called with the score: Eltham 3, ! Okato 3. 1 The second spell again fqunci Okato on the ] offensive, but Stanners, slipping round a ; scrummage unnoticed, sent them back. Loveridge (Eltham) was conspicuous on the wing, and soon after Stanners made a clever mark, but Okato marked in ‘return. Neither side seemed to desire to open up the game, I and a series of scrums followed. E. Han- ■ nett had to retire hurt, and a substitute : took his place. A Weil followed up kick put Eltham on the defence, but the black and greens kicked too hard and the ball was forced. McCracken made a great run from near half-way, but held on too long. For a time 'Okato was hard pressed, but a determined forward rusk took them well down the field, and soon after Eltham forced. Almost i immediately the play swept back, and Okato forced. Working well together, the Okato j forwards again pressed, and again Eltham ■ forced. Play ranged about half-way till time > was up, the game ending in a draw with the score:— Oka to 3 Eltham 3 Mr. J. O’Grady refereed. INGLEWOOD (6) v. LEPPERTON (3). A fairly even contest was fought out at Lepperton between the Lepperton and Inglewood teams, resulting in a win for the latter bj' a margin of three points. j Inglewood won the toss and from the kick ' off both teams made the game willing. The I visitors took up the offensive, but Lepperton, i securing a couple of penalties in quick suc- ; cession, steadied things somewhat. Following l one of these Rowe attempted a kick at goal, but this brought no result. Lepperton now rallied and kept Inglewood busy in their twenty-five, but Coutts, who proved to be the mainstay of his team, found the line ana saved the pressure. Lepperton still continued to attack, and finally Barriball got over, but failed to convert. He once more broke away with the ball at his feet, but this rush was stopped by a knock-on, and for a time neither team gained much ground. Finally Lepperton opened out with: a passing rush, but the ball was carried out. Inglewood got the ball from the scrum, and getting well down the field, soon had Lepperton defending in their own twenty-five. A free kick was awarded tho defenders, but Coutts, obtaining possession of the ball, started a passing rusk. Langlands failed to hold it, however, and it was finally knocked out. A series of scrums followed, during which Lepperton gained a few yards. Once more the attackers started a rush, but the wing again tad trouble, and the rush broke up on the line. Following the line out Dean got possession and scored. Coutts took the kick but was unsuccessful. A few minutes after the whistle terminated the first half with tire scores: Inglewood 3. Lepperton 0. Soon after the commencement of the second half Inglewood, in a passing rush, forced their opponents to their twenty-five. Coutts took a free kick at goal, but failed. Inglewood still continued to press, but Rowe found the line for Lepperton, and thus eased tie pressure. Lepperton now took up the offensive and gave their opponents a very anxious time in their twenty-five. Two scrums at five yards followed, Lepperton getting the ball 1 in each case, but were not able to get over. During the scramble Inglewood was able to gain a few yards. The visitors once more 1 attacked, and being awarded a free kick, < Coutts goaled. It was a splendid kick, almost from tte half-way mark. The game now moved about half-way. Lepperton then forced themselves up to their opponents twenty-five, and being awarded a free kick,’ Grayjing kicked a goal. Inglewood, rallying.

took up the offensive again, but following a I line out, Lepperton gradually worked their ; way towards Inglewood's twenty-five, but the whistle brought a well fought out match to a close with the scores:— Inglewood 6 Lepperton 3 NORTHERN DIVISION. SECOND GRADE. ’ High School 32 v. Star 3. Clifton 18 v. Old Boys 0. Tukapa 10 v. Rahotu 9. Urenui, a bye. THIRD GRADE. Clifton 3 v. Old Boys 0. Technical College 20 v. Okato 0. Star 7 v. Lepperton 0. In the unatch at Urenui Tukapa thirds beat Urenui by 20 to nil. For the winners tries were scored by McManus, Way, McLachlan, Pascoe, and Jury (2). George converted one try. FOURTH GRADE. Tukapa 12 v. Star 8. Star players left the field before the game was finished. Tukapa 12 v. Star 8. Clifton defaulted to Old Boys. The mutch High School C v. High School D was not played owing to the term holidays. CENTRAL DIVISION. THIRD GRADE. Stratford beat Toko, at Toko, by 26 points SOUTHERN DIVISION. SECOND GRADE. Hawera 14 (four tries one converted) defeated Eltham 3 (try) at Eltham. THIRD GRADE. Hawera 12 defeated Paten 3, at Pa tea. Tries for the winners were scored by Jackson and Brown, Jarvie converted one, and Jackson drop-kicked a goal. FOURTH GRADE. Waimate 14 defeated Patea 12, at Manala. WELLINGTON RESULTS. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. Saturday senior Rugby matches resulted:— Petone 21 v. Athletic 9; 'Varsity 12 v. Selwyn 3; Poneke 14 v. Oriental 0; Marist 22 v. Wellington 0; Berhampore 24 v. Old Boys 4. THE ASSOCIATION GAME. HAWERA (3) v. NEW PLYMOUTH (1). Hawera and New Plymouth met on the showgrounds at New Plymouth on Saturday, and after a very poor exhibition of “Soccer" Hawera won by 3 goals to 1. Both sides showed lack of training. If Taranaki wish: to;

make any showing against the Australians they will require to go into strict training at once, and also study the finer points of this scientific pastime. There was a fair attendance of the public present, antr from their point of view the game was very disappointing. Butler scored for Hawera within a minute from the kick off. Fitzgerald equalised the score a few minutes after. From then on Hawera had moet of the play, but missed many opportunities of scoring. Freakley, who was playing a good game, scored for Hawera, and the teams crossed over with Hawera leading by 2 goals to 1. In the second half New Ptynrouta played, with a little more vim, and Lad liard luck in not scoring on several occasions. Brown scored Hawera’s third goal towards the finish of the game. For New Plymouth Fitzgerald, Woodhead, Worthington and Shepherd were worthy of special mention, and for Hawera, Freakley, Porch, Barker and Brown. The chief weakness, especially in the New Plymouth team, was the half-back line; in fact there was not a half-back on the field who seemed to understand this important position. Forwards cannot be expected to came back for the ball every time, and the backs, no matter how good they are, with weak halfbacks in front, are useless. The sooner New Plymouth 'rectify this weakness—admittedly they have the material to work on—the sooner will they win some matches. Mr. Dawson acted as referee in his usual efficient manner. THE AUSTRALIAN TOUR. News has just been received from Sydney that the party will consist of 17 players, and that all their best players being available, a very good team is coming over. They will arrive at Wellington on May 24, and will be given a public welcome in the evening by the Mayor of Wellington. AU arrangements for the tour have been placed in the hands of the Tourist DepartTtey will stay while in New Plymouth at the Imperial Hotel, but the exact date of the arrival and the way they are coming has not been advised yet. The match is definitely fixed for .Tune 28, which is unfortunately a Wednesday, but it is hoped that seeking it marks an important event in this district, the business men, with their usual public spirit, will either declare a half-holi-day or make arrangements so that a great number of the staffs may attend the match, I which is to be played on the Recreation I Ground. The Australian colors will be liljlt ?4Ln and maroon. -