NEWS AND NOTES.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 May 1922, Page 3

NEWS AND NOTES.

Opunake, as usual, proved a very hard rut to crack on their own ground, and like last year, when ttey defeated Clifton, very nearly proved the undoing of Tukapa. Indeed on the day they were somewhat unlucky to lose. The Opunake forwards, which so far has been the weak department of the coastal team, had been strengthened by the inclusion of Milne and Glentworth, of Rahotu, and they played a very hard but clean game, lasting the game right out to the finish, somewhat contrary to expectations. Mcßeynolds played a great game in the pack. The Opunake backs were without the services of Ifwerson. This undoubtedly interfered with tteir combination, but on the other hand each of the other backs felt that they had to do their extra bit and the majority did it. King, at half, did a lot of defensive work, but hung on to the ball too much. Lusk and Tuwhaka were also solid in defence, bott- taking and kicking well, the former never missing a ball. He had his usual Lard .hick getting ' Injured towards the close of the game. Of the wings Rye showed out. though O'Brien for a new man in the position shaped well. Rye used his pace to advantage, scoring one good try and having hard luck when l:e got over on another occasion, tte line umpire calling the ball back, after he had macle a great run. R. Penniall and R. Ifwerson played useful games.

The Tukapa forwards did not put much ginger into their work; Allen was perhaps the pick, but he has played better games. Linn I and Davis also played well. The absence of [ Baird was severely felt. In the back division I Kingston was greatly missed, for though Anderson filled the bill fairly well, he has neither the pace nor judgment of Kingston. The backs at times showed their capabilities, but their work was handicapped by the rough ground, and also the solid tackling of the opponents. Brown, at half, did not get the ball away as cleanly as usual. Oliver and Hooker played well at five-eighths, both being solid in defence and good in attack. Hooker paved his side on several occasions, while Oliver ran very straight and on one occasion scored a nice try. The three-quarters also showed their speed, and at times kept the opposition busy.

Commenting on the Opunake—Tukapa match last Saturday, the local paper remarks: "The much-discussed match between the above teams attracted a large crowd to the local Recreation Grounds on Saturday, when spectators were treated to the best game played on the local grounds for many a day. The result was in doubt from the kick-off to the final whistle, the local men hammering continually at the visitors’ line, and time and again being within an ace of scoring, when the Blues retaliat'ed and, making full use of their nippy backs, spasmodically held the locals *n their 25. It was a desperate struggle—it seemed at times as if nothing could stave off the solid attack of the Opunake forwards; it seemed as if they would score any minute, and this became a deep-rooted conviction with local bnrrackers. But the tackling of the visitors was sound. There were moments of intense excitement when the local backs got going and, outpacing their near opponents, almost reached the line; but the fast Tukapa backs were the saviours of their side.

"Upon resumption of play, speculation was rife as to whether the locals (some of them playing their first match of the season) could last out at the pace set. They did—to the bitter end. The incidental luck was all in favor of the visitors. The iocal backs, from T. King at half, made frantic efforts to feed Rye on the right wing, but this ‘express' was well marked. On one occasion Rye picked up near the touch line, touching down between the posts, but he was recalled, the referee holding that the ball was out of touch. Those near the line expressed their —honest opinion that the ball was in play when Rye picked up, and maintained that the try should have been allowed. This incident, together with the disallowing of what looked a beautiful goal kicked from the Held by Aitken Lusk, left a bad taste in the mouth, and both the referee and line umpire (Tukapa) were freely hooted. There was full warrant for the demonstration against the line umpire—he appeared to have a hazy idea of his job, and was by no means impartial. The try scored by Rye for the locals was an outstanding feature of the game, and raised spectators to a high pitch of enthusiasm. It was a neat piece of rugby. K. Ifwerson .was unable to play, and he was greatly missed.”

It was confidently expected that tills year the Opunake ground would have been In good order, as it was ploughed, harrowed and grassed last spring, about £4O having been expended on it. Unfortunately no attempt was made at levelling the ground and the grass which has come on well has received little attention, with the result that the ground is as rough, if not worse, than before the money was expended and before any improvement can be effected what has been done will all have to be undone.

The Hawera-Clifton game last Saturday was a hard, clean tussle from start to finish. Although Hawera .won with something to spare, they had to fight hard for every point. The defence of both teams was sound, and the tackling deadly. The honors of the scrums were about evenly divided. Both packs worked hard all through the game, the Hawera men showing better combination in loose play. The home backs brought off numerous passing bouts, but these with a few exceptions, did not gain muchground, the passing being rather wild. The passing indulged in by the Clifton Lacks lacked sting, and, like their opponents, they threw the leather about recklessly at times. The Hawera pack was a good one, and none worked better than West and Fogarty. Sutherland, until he retired hurt, was also conspicuous for good work.

The Hawera full-back, Jenkins, played an aiimost faultless game, his running and welljudged kicking being of great value to his side. The five-eighths, Robertson and Osborne, were prominent, and got in a lot of useful work, although Robertson still retains his old fault of going too much on his own. Atkins got the ball away smartly from the scrum, and got down to the forward rushes in good style.

Campbell was the outstanding forward in the Clifton pack. He was in great form, and headed nearly every rush. Fuller and Soft's were also prominent.

The Clifton rear division had a busy time checking the repeated onslaughts of the Hawera men. Colman at half was generally where the ball was and his defence left nothing to be desired. Hickey came through a strenuous afternoon with credit. In addition to sound defence, he was responsible for some tricky runs, which may have had better results had he been well backed up. Jones, at full-back, was rather slow, being smothered at times by the fast following up Hawera pack.

What was the matter with the Old Boys’ backs on Saturday? Their rearguard consisted of Sole, Marks. Little, Sykes, Lem, Bertrand—all experienced players and some of them representative footballers. Yet, with ail conditions in their favor, they failed to show their usual combination. The blame for this cannot be placed on any one player. As a matter of fact, the backs played well as individuals. Perhaps if they had given more attention to their passes, both giving and taking, they would have done better. But every team has its "off” days, and last Saturday was one of Old Boys’, though Doile, bygood goal-kicking, gave his side the victory. Old Boys’ defence, however, was very sound, and, in this connection, Valentine, the fullback, was particularly reliable. The forwards, as a whole, worked well, and held their own against the heavier Star pack. The Star team played above itself, and they may- congratulate themselves on running Old Boys so close. The forwards carried their share of the scrums, heeling the ball out to the backs in good style. The outstanding player among the Star rearguard was undoubtedly Dowland, who played a good, sound game throughout, both in attack and defence. He was frequently instrumental in breaking up dangerous movements among the Old Boys’ backs. Dean also played a good game among the Star backs. Altogether, the game was an interesting one, though not particularly exciting.

It is a long time since there has been such interest displayed in a cup match in New Plymouth as is the case to-day. The meeting of Tukapa and Hawera is being looked forward to all over the province, and it should prove a great match. Both teams have good, fast backs, who like an open game, and given fine weather the play should be of that spectacular character that so delights the public. Hawera have held the championship for the past couple of years and the superiority of their vanguard, which contains West and Fogarty, the pair that represented Taranaki so well against the Springboks last year, should stand them in all good stead to-day. There should be a great attendance.

Right at the other end of the province Patea will meet Opunake. The former team are well in the hunt but they cannot afford to .regard Opqnftfce too cheaply, as the letter aw

never beaten till the final bell. The match between Kaponga and Okaiawa should also provide another great struggle, ns both teams possess good forwards, who play a hard game, whilst the backs on each side are capable of moving at times. It should prove a close contest. Each team so far has had one defeat and will’ strive hard to maintain its position. Waimate and Stratford meet at Manaia. So far neither team has notched a win. Stratfprd, however, have gone very close on each occasion and with a little luck would have turned the tables. Waimate, however, are an improving team and the issue seems open. In the B grade Old Boys, the leaders, will meet Eltham. Old Boys, who are somewhat disappointing, will have to get moving if they wish to preserve their unbeaten record to the last match of the round.

Okato meet Inglewood at Inglewood. The coastal team has shown an improvement this year, but Inglewood will be assisted by Brown, the High School crack, and should therefore have the advantage in the backs. Lepperton and Star will try conclusions at Western Park. The country team, play a good clean game and will quite extend Star. The match has been set down early so as to enable patrons to view the Hawera-Tukapa match on the Recreation Grounds afterwards. The proposal to hold a universal charity Saturday on which all the gate money at matches throughout New Zealand will be devoted to charity, is one ttat must appeal to all sports, and should result in a large sum being raised. In Taranaki it is being taken up enthusiastically and it is hoped to rase £3OO or £4OO at the various matches on June 24, tickets for which will be on sale beforehand. The proceeds will be devoted to local chart- , ties after a percentage has been devoted to the blind soldiers' fund.

The seven a-side tournament on June 3 is evoking great interest, and it is anticipated there will be record entries and a very large attendance on the sports ground at New Plymouth on that date.

It is now within a fortnight of the date when the Taranaki reps, will be playing their opening match and the appearance of the first selection of the season will be awaited with interest, ? n view of future engagements. There is no doubt that the selectors have a difficult task in front of them, but they can be relied on to tackle the job fearlessly and with the one object—to have Taranaki represented by the best possible fifteen. Some positions there should be no trouble about, but in others they will probably find some difficulty in making their choice. As the cup matches have been running now for five or six weeks, there should be no need this year to pick men on their past season's i .putation, but the merit shown this season should be the deciding factor.

Entries for the Moascar Cup close this month. The New Plymouth High School will again enter a team this year, and the boys should do well, as they are playing fine football in the second grade competitions here this year.

It is understood that the football enthusiasts in the Awakino-Tongaporutu districts are moving in the direction of forming a subunion. This is a step in the right direction, and whether affiliated to Taranaki or Ruapehu the formation of a sub-union should do much to improve the game in ttat district.

Wanganui were desirous that Taranaki should send a junior team to Wanganui on June 3 to play a curtain-raiser against Wanganui juniors, but in view of the difficulty in selecting a fifteen from the twenty-one junior teams scattered throughout the province it was impossible to accept the invitation. In any case the idea of sending out a second senior fifteen is favored in preference to a junior fifteen, as it should be the aim of every junior to become a senior player, and so work his way into the reps. Definite arrangements have been made for the matches at Hawera during winter show week. On Wednesday Wellington and Taranaki will meet, and on Saturday New Plymouth Boys’ High School and Wanganui ColIge will play their annual matches. These are easily the two most popular fixtures of the year.

There are few football clubs in Taranaki whoso arrangements were so complete as that of Patea on Saturday. Every detail had been attended to in the way of having the ground well marked out. The new grand stand gave the ground an important appearance. It was regretable that in view of the complete arrangements made that the senior match was allowed to start late, and therefore the game was not finished till 5.10 p.m. This made it impossible for those interested and having to catch the mail, which leaves at 5 p.tm., to see the game out. The game ended in semidarkness, which is not to the advantage nf football. McCleary was a tower of strength to the Patea team, as also were the two Hunts. For Kaponga Maurice Lynskey was solid and Dymock was always handy when wanted. Stewart is always dangerous when he gets possession of the ball. His fast tricky runs outwitting the Patea backs. Jones, a new inclusion in the Kaponga team, is a promising player and if given a chance will be heard of later.

THE “SOCCER” GAME. NOTES AND COMMENT. It is very gratifying to see the Increased interest taken in the good old game of "soccer” this season. Last Saturday's match Hawera and New Plymouth was witnessed by a good attendance, considering the ground is such a long way from the centre of the town. The sportsmanlike action of the Taranaki Rugby Union, in putting off all junior matches in Hawera for the benefit of the match between Wanganui and Taranaki, on the King’s Birthday, will be much appreciated by all soccer players. To-day North and South are playing a trial match at Stratford, of which two will be played before a final selection is made. The North teain will consist mainly of New Plymouth and Stratford players, and Hawera and Eltham will make up the South team. The following players are asked to meet at the railway station at 12.30 to-day: Johnston, Shepherd, Fitzgerald, Worthington, McGuire, Kutz, Woodhead, Holmes, Belchin, Howlett, Jones, Chandler, Gadd. Grunde and Lawrence.