FOOTBALL.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 May 1922, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

CUP COMPETITIONS. TUKAPA BEAT HAWERA. AN EXCITING MATCH. • The cup competitions in Taranaki were advanced another stage on Saturday under fine weather conditions. Principal interest attached to the meeting of the two leading teams—Tukapa and Hawera—the former winning, after a game that will long be remembered by those who saw it as the best exhibition of Rugby seen here for many years. RESULTS AT A GLANCE. A SENIOR. Tukapa 11 v. Hawera 5. Okaiawa G v. Kaponga 3. Patea 18 v. Opunake 0. Stratford 9 v. Waimate 3. B SENIOR. Eltham 14 v. Old Boys 6. Star 6 v. Lepperton 6. Inglewood 13 v. Okato 0. “A” SENIOR. TUKAPA (11) v. HAWERA (5). The large crowd (estimated at over 3000) that assembled at the sports ground at Pukekura Park to witness the match between the ’wo, up to then, unbeaten teams in the senior competition saw one of me finest club .matches that has been played in Taranaki for years. The weather was fine and tie ground In good order, conditions that were suitable to a fast, open game, and the game proved very fast and open. It was of the spectacular variety that appeals to the publip. wiK’s. mthusiaein was kept at the highest pitch throughout by tl’e many exciting incidents with which the game abounded : ght from the start to the dual whistle. It was strenuously contested throughout, and play was continually travelling from one end of the field to the other, first one s4de and the i the other holding the advantage, and the issue was in doubt right until the conclusion, when Tukapa. who had opened play with a clever try, ’’’•sed It in the same way, after Hawera ha- been hotly attacking. A feature of the game was the clean pfay on both sides. Trough hotly contested, there was no roughness. Tukapa finally won by 11 points to 5, and their victory was due to the superiority of their back division, who worked with clock-like precision, losing no opportunity of throwing the ball out. Brown played a great game, often snapping the leather up from his opponents' feet and setting his backs moving in their own twentyfive. Hawera backs, on the other hand, though good Individually, lacked cohesion, the ball seldom coming clean to their wings. Hawera forwards had somewhat the better of the game, but the Tukapa pack stood up to them well. As the teams lined out Hawera appeared

to have the advantage in weight. Right from the kick off the game opened sensationally. After ’ Tukapa forwards had carried play to .Hawera’s twenty-five Brown set his backs going, and a great anove between Hooker, Oliver and Stohr saw the latter Rash over the line amidst tumultuous applause. Hooker failed to goal. Hawera forwards now set up a rousing rush, but Hooker checked. Counter rushes by the Hewera forwards and me Tukapa backs kept the full-backs busy, Jenkins (the Hawera custodian) comparing weti with the Tukapa back (Kingston). Then Whittington centred, but Oliver marked. Tukapa backs again got moving, but Wilkinson marked and brought play back to neutral territory. After Jenkins had saved cleverly a strong Hawera rush carried the ball right to Tukapa's line, where Harfs pace enabled him to save. Robertson had a free kick, and then Hawera backs got moving. Purcell feinted and beat two men, but gave a bad pass to "Whittington, who was collared by McAllum. Hawera kept up tire pressure, but

good tackling by Tukapa and bad passing prevented the attack from being driven home. Then the Hawera pack, headed by West, Fogarty, Chadwick, Day and Murphy, pressed hotly, and. Ennis failing to gamer up, Tukapa had to carry the ball over to save. Tukapa cleared from the scrum, but off-side play gave Hughes a chance to goal, which narrowly missed. Tukapa backs got moving, and Hart# after a dodgy run, was collared. Stotr was collared by Robertson a moment later on the other wing. Hooker failing to mark let Hawera tr rough, and Kingston being collared with the ball, matters looked dangerous, but Oliver saved. Back came the Tukapa rearguard in great style, but Wilkinson intercepted a pass and resultant play saw him just collared by Stohr near the corner. Brown set his men going, and Oliver, Hooker, and Hart carried play to Hawera'* twenty-five, where the latter's pass rebounded. Play continued fast up and down field, Kingston being called on twice to save and once to force, whilst Jenkins was also responsible for good defence. Robertson hung on too long and spoilt a passing bout. Purcell did some good work but passed wildly 1 Wliittlngton. However, from the resultant scrum Chadwick passed to Murphy, who got over, and West landed a beautiful goal. Tukapa again attacked, and from a penalty Hooker failed to goal. Ennis, Oliver and Hart took part in a move ttat saw the latter very dangerous. Tukapa kept up the pressure, but Hawera, particularly Jenkins, stood the strain well. Then Hart took the bail well and passed in to McAllum, who got to within a couple of feet of the line, where he lost the ball, and Robertson forced. Hawera had removed the scene to the other end when half-time sounded with the score:

Hawera ........ 5 Tukapa 3 The second spell opened quietly, penalties to each side spoiling good openings. Then Hughes miskicked in mid-field. Hawera essayed passing bouts, and finally the ball reached Wilkinson, who was brought down well. Good kicks by Kingston and Hart brought relief to Tukapa. Hawera again had the locals in a tight corner, until Ennis cleared. Then Alien, Linn and Davis carried play past half-way, where a weak pass let Hawera through. Hughes was smothered with the ball, enabling Ennis and Hart t« gain a lot of ground, but Wilkinson checked cleverly. Then from an infringement Kingston landed a fine goal, and Tukapa were once more in the lead. Hawera now got busy, but McAllum cut in, and following tip fast, had Tukapa attacking, Jenkins just lining In time. A moment later Hart got away, but off-side play checked. The Hawera pack gradually gained the upper hand, until Brown, picking up from their toes, tad his backs moving, but Jenkins saved by lining. Hawera were now getting the ball from the scrum and opened up the game as much as possible, as did also Tukapa, plajt—travelling up and down field without definite result. Hawera backs lost chances by dropping the bail. Then Hart marked and had a shot, the ball falling short. ChadvricM, Fogarty, Lavery and company, with a great rush, carried play to be other end or the field, and Kingston hurriedly lined. Hawera backs got moving, but the collaring was good. Again Hawera opened out, the ball passing via Osborne, Robertson and Purcell to Hughes, whose pass to Wilkinson was forward, and a chance went. Then a series of scrums ensued on Tukapa's line* and local supporters had an anxious time. Osborne tried to force his way over, but was held up, and McAllum kicked down field. Hughes marked in a handy position, and just failed to goal, Kingston forcing. Hawera were now having the better of the game, but Tukapa defended well, and passing movements in their twentyfive, aided by good work by the forwards, kept ttelr line clear. They had a narrow escape on one occasion, when Whittington and Murphy forced the ball over the line and Kingston failed to kick to touch. Hart, however, was able to force. Whittington was then smothered with the bail by BearS and Linn, and play was carried past halfway, where Jenkins tried to drop at goal, but failed to reach the distance and Stotr Xi eked down field. A passing bout by Brown,

Hooker, Oliver and Stohr put Tukapa in a good position. Hart later beat Wilkinson, but Robertson cut in and saved. In the resultant play Hawera carried the ball to near Tukapa's twenty-five, when there occurred another sensational incident. Ennis secured the ball, and cutting down the line, drew in the defence. He beat Hughes and Wilkinson, and when confronted by Jenkins shot the ball infield to Stohr, who had followed him up, and the speedy winger ran in unopposed. Kingston goaled. Time was immediately called with the score : Tukapa u Hawera 5 Mr. F. Julian refereed. OKAIAWA (6) v. KAPONGA (3). The Okaiawa-Kaponga match was played at Kaponga in splendid weather, and gave facilities for good Rugby. Tne Okaiawa team won on their merits, by good following up and swift cutting-ln tactics. Apart from this there was little to choose between the two teams. A lamentable outstanding feature of She gaune was the poor attempts at goalkicking. Mick Malone, at other times a fairly safe kick, wan right cff. Good kicks could have added at least twelve points to the scores on both sides. There were spasmodic flashes of good play on both sides by the rear division. The atendance of specuiiuns was good. Okaiawa kicked off, and the forwards at once attacked in Kaponga’s twenty-five, where hard forward play followed, but a free kick relieved the position for Kaponga, and play returned to half-way. The Okaiawa forwards again attacked, and in an exciting struggle on Kaponga’s line, D. Johnson, by a clever feint, scored. Taylor’s kick missed the uprights. For off-side play Malone had a shot at goal, and just missed. The ball was returned to Okaiawa’s twenty-five, where Lynsky missed an apportunity to pass. Fast give and take play took place in mid-fleld, where Malone broke through, but kicked too hard, and Okaiawa forced. From a mark Malone had a shot at goal, but failed by a narrow margin. The game was being keenly contested, and Kaponga gradually forced play into Okaiawa 'j» twenty-five, where hard play ' ensued, and the Okaiawa vanguard had to I extend thamselves to stem off the onslaught. ' Eventually a free kick relieved the situaj tlon, and soon the visitors were attacking In Kaponga’s twejity-flve. Here an exciting • struggle took place for supremacy. The Ka- ! pongn. vanguard broke through and carried play well past half-way. The Okaiawa for- ! wards, with Toro and Brien in the lead, cari ried play back by short passes. Several I serums followed in mid-fleld, Okaiawa gain- 1 ! ing ground, and for lying on the ball Scott j had a futile shot at goal. Half-time was call•ed with no further score: Okaiawa _3, Kaponga 0. On cl anting round it was expected that ! Kaponga would reverse the score, but from j the outset Okaiawa pressed hard and had their opponents in trouble for a brief period. By good line kioking play returned to halfway. For off-side play Malone again took the kick, and this time was! successful, making the scores 3 all. Kaponga forwards now forced play, but the ball went out to tie Okaiawa rearguard, and by the best bit of passing seen in senior football for some time, carried the leather well into aapouja’s twenty-five, where a score seemed imminent, but the Kaponga backs were equal to the occasion by solid tackling. After loose play the home forwards gained ground by short, i nippy passes. By concentrated play the Kaponga forwards forced play, but Okaiawa repulsed the attack, and by st bit of good passing Taylor secured and got over. Johnson’s kick missed. Both teams' were playing hard in neutral ground when ttc whistle sounded with no further score, and the game ended: Okaiawa 6 Kaponga , 3 Mr. A. H. Guy refereed. Before' the game commenced the referee (Mr. A. H. Guy) addressed the teams and said that his feelings had been very much hurt by the uncalled for action of the Okaiawa Club in writing to the association as it had rfione. Tfcls, he considered, was a distinct reflection on hLs personal character. He gave the teams an opportunity of choos- • ing a referee of their own from the line, , but they would not take advantage of this. , He added that if they wished him to referee , he would do so as impartially as if nothing ( had happened. He contended that they would probably bear further regarding the letter. The players repudiated the action of the ofcials of the club, and when spoken to after the game the Okaiawa players agreed that the refereeing had most impartial.

PATEA (IS) V. OPUNAKE (0). Patea added another victory to their credit when they met and defeated Opunake at Pa--1 tea, after a game which promised to be very closely contested, but which, towards the end, turned decisively in the home team’s A series of scrums and line-outs marked tie early stages of the game, till tte teams settled down into their stride. The first Incident was provided by McLean, one of the Patea three-quarters, who followed up fast and collared A. Lusk, the full-back, before he could clear. The Opunake forwards temporarily stemmed the tide, but a dangerous forward rush led by Laurie Hunt, was only stopped by kicking the ball out. The Patea backs opened out well, and Opunake forced to save. Turning defence into atuteic, Opunake turned the tables, Patea forcing just ahead of several Opunake players. Penniall cross-kicked to Tuwhaka, who sped for the line with Hokoia and Lye in attendance, but Fraflk McKenna intercepted a pass. Tuwhaka broke away again, but his (hurdling tactics brought him into trouble. Play reverted to Opunake territory, where Lusk was caugtt with tie ball, and only an infringement by Patea prerented a score. From a line-out Laurie Hunt made an opening for McLean, who stood on the side-line when going for a try. Hurley, Cameron and Sullivan startetd a pretty movement which ended in a strenuous scrummage on the Opunake goalline, from which Spratt secured the ball and flung himself over the line. Laurie Hunt misaed with the kick. On resuming Tuwhaka | broke away and had practically a clear fleid, but after punting tie ball over the fullback he did not regain possession, and Laurie Hunt and Crompton, brought play back to half-way, when half-time was sounded, the scores then being: Patea 3, Opunake 0. Patea had to contend against it lowering sun for the greater part of he second spell. Opunake early took the offensive, till Frank McKenna broke away and passed to Sullivan, to McLean, who slipped. Cameron was prominent a minute later, and Patea continued to have the best of the game. With a free kick Laurie Hunt was slightly wide. Penniall and Lye started a promising move for Opunake, which was spoilt by a forward pass. A high kick by Frank McKenna was well followed up by Patea, Cameron securing and scoring behind the pqgts. Frank McKenna converted. Patea kept up he pressure, going close to scoring again on two occasions. Opunake broke away, and play came to halfway, when Laurie Hunt cross-kicked to Scully on the wing, who made a good run and scored. Frank McKenna failed with the kick. Play was now very exciting, Patea holding Opunake constantly on ti e defence, and scoring twice before the final whistle sounded with the scores :

Patea . IS Opunake U Mr. F. A. Phelan refereed. STRATFORD (9) V. WAIMATE (8). Stratford journeyed to Manaia and gained their first win of the season by defeating Waimate, after a very close game, by 9 points to 3. Stratford’s score consiisted of a try by Vaughan and two penalty goals kicked by Vickers.

*B” SENIOR. ELTHAM (14) v. OLD BOYS (6). This match was played at Eltham. ElI tham won the toss and kicked off. Elthaitu ; kept Old Boys penned, several scrums taking i place near Old Boys’ Itne, and Old Boys ’ were eventually awarded a free kick for offside play, and relieved. Play remained in I Old Boys’ twenty-five for the first five minI utes. Eltham kept up the pressure, but seem- } ed over anxious, and were again penalised j for off-side play. Old Boys then got on n ’ passing rush, and Eltham had to force. Play j moved up and down field for some con- : slderable time, neither team gaining any ad- ’ vantage or showing much spectacular play, t From a line-out McCracken picked up, and i giving the "dummy,” put in a good run and scored for Eltham. Carlson failed with the kick. Shortly after half-time sounded with the score: Eltham 3, Old Boys 0. On resuming Eltham kicked off against the sun, and shortly after Old Boys pressed, and from a line-out Wynyard dashed over. The kick failed. Later Old Boys were awarded a free kick for off-side play, failing with the kick at goal. Again Eltham pressed, and In turn were awarded a free kick, Carlson taking a shot at goal, but the ball went over the post. Eltham came again, and after considerable scrummaging Stauners picket! up and scored Bitham’s second try. Carlson failed to goal. El-tham appeared to play better football now, ana Htcxey, from a forward rush, picked up and dashed over. Carlson again failed to goal. Hickey later had a shot from the field, the ball going wide. Old Boys then took a hand, and Eltham being penalised, Doyle kicked a splendid goal. Later Flthaun pressed, and Rowlands scored an easy try, converting it himself. Time sounded with the scores >— Eltham 14 Old Boys 6 Mr. J. O’Grady refereed. STAR (6) v. LEPPERTON (6). Star and Lepperton met at Western Park, and after a poor exhibition of football the game ended in a draw. Lepperton were perhaps the better side on the day's play, tneir handling and kicking being better than that of the local men. Lepperton were aggressive from the start, and Star were kept panned in their twenty-five for some time. Attempts at goal from penalty kicks by Sampson and Rowe were resultless. Patterron brought relief to Star, and play settled in mid-field for some minutes. The play was very ragged, aimless kicking and running being indulged in by both sides. star came away with a forward rush, and a score seemed imminent, but Lepperton managed to clear. The Star full-back failed to take the ball and the blacks were In trouble, a force saving them. Lepperton continued to push matters, and good work by Rowe, Atkinson and Arms had the blacks thinking. Some tight work on the Star line ensued, and Feakins got over. Rowe failed to goal. Star attacked from the kick off, but the blues were able to drive them back to half-way, where play was at half-time, the scores reading: Lepperton 3/ Star 0.

On resuming Patterson and Bowler were associated in some good work for Star. Bowler was Injured and left the field, being replaced by Spence. Lepperton were again aggressive, and Feakins scored another try after a scramble on the line. Rowe failed to convert. The blacks livened up at this stage, and a good run and kick by Dowland moved play to Lepperton’s twenty-five. Star forwards took charge of the ball and carried it over their opponents’ line, Clark touching down. The kick at goal fell short. The home side continued to have the best of the exchanges. Good play by Dowland and a forward rush by the black forwards sent the ball into touch-in-goal, A passing bout by tho backs saw Patterson thrown out at the corner. The locals had hard luck ifi not scoring on two occasions. Lepperton temporarily invaded Star territory, but the latter were soon back again, Hurley getting in a good run to the corner, where he ‘ lost the ball. Patterson was handy, however, and carried the leather over, equalising tie scores. Sims failed to convert. Play was even for the remainder of the spell, and no further score resulted, the game ending with’ the score:— Star 6 Lepperton 6 Mr. J. H. Thompson refereed. INGLEWOOD (13) v. OKATO (0).

This match was rather lacking in interest, there being no marked brilliancy displayed on either side. Okato early commenced to work their way up the field, but Coutts (Inglewood) put them back considerably by a well-directfd line kick. Play now moved about the half-way mark. On the home team being awarded a free kick Coutts attempted to kick a goal, but was unsuccessful. From this Okato got the ball moving in good style and placed Inglewood on the defensive in their twenty-five. A line-out almost on Inglewood’s goal-line was followed by a scrum, and at this position Okato had a free kick given against them. Coutts took the kick and relieved the ten • Bion. The visitors, continuing the attack, got the ball over Inglewood's goal-line, but It was forced. Once more Inglewood was able to take advantage of a free kick, and Coutts, finding the line well up the field, drew his team out of their cramped position. The game now moved up and down the field, the ball being continually lined. Finally a rush was made by Inglewood, but Dickson, by passing forward, spoilt their chance. Inglewood still maintained their position, however, and following a scrum Coutts made a second unsuccessful attempt at the goal from the field. Okato took up the offensive once more and kept Inglewood in their own twenty-five. At this stage Okato looked like scoring, the ball passing over the defenders’ goal-line twice, but was forced in each case. Inglewood was only drawn from this precarious position by Coutts lining the ball well up tte field. I¥om the line-out Inglewood got the ball at ttelr .feet and bore down upon the Okato goal-line, over which they were successful in crossing, but the defenders forced. At half-time there was no score.

On resuming Inglewood, with the sun at their backs, made the game more forceful. They reached the Okato twenty-five, and in a rush over the goal-line Davis scored for Inglewood. Coutts converted. Sutherland centred and Inglewood, following up well, crossed the Okato goal-line once more, ana Lealand scored. Coutts took the kick, but failed. Okato started a passing rush and made a determined effort to break throtrgl, but a penalty was given against them, and. a free kick greatly relieved the pressure for Inglewood. Following the line-out Okato got moving again, and on entering Inglewood's twenty-five, Eustace attempted to kick a goal, but failed. Inglewood then got well within scoring range, and after several passing rushes, Lealand crossed the line. Coutts was successful with the kick. The game ended :—• < Inglewood 'l3 Okato 0 NORTHERN DIVISION. JUNIOR. Star juniors beat Old Boys by 6 points to 3. Mr. E. Andrews refereed. Clifton defeated Tukapa. THIRD GRADE. Old Boys defeated Tukapa by 18 points to 6. FOURTH GRADE. Old Boys defeated Star. SOUTHERN DIVISION. JUNIOR. Okaiawa beat Kaponga. by 9 points to G. Hawera beat Waimate by 17 points to 7. Patea defeated Eltham by 17 points to nil. Tries were scored by J. Mercer, N. Owen, JPower, N. Tinney. Fitzwater converted one try and kicked- a penalty goal. Mr. C, Crowley refereed. THIRD GRADE. Patea were unable to meet Kaponga at Hawera owing to their conveyance breaking dews l . - - -.

FOURTH GRADE. Patea 6 (penalty goal by Marchant and an unconverted try by Holbrooke) defeated Hawera 3 (penalty goal by Pol), PRIMARY SCHOOL MATCHES. At Waitara, Waitara defeated West End by 9 points to nil. On the Racecourse Central defeated Fitzroy by 34 points to nil. Mr. Eggleton refereed. PLAY IN THE CITIES. SATURDAY’S RESULTS. Wellington.—Petone 6 v. Selwyn nil; University 25 v. Wellington 5; Berhampore 5 v. Oriental nil; Poneke 13 v. Marist 8; Old Boys 22 v. Athletic 8. Dunedin.—University A 20 v. Southland nil; University B 35 v. Union 3; Zlngarl 6 v. Dunedin nil; Kaikorai 14 v. Taler! Rovers IS; Pirates 17 v. Port Chalmers 11. Christchurch.—-Merivale unexpectedly defeated Marists by 13 to 5. It was Marlsts’ first defeat for three seasons. Sydenham beat Albion by 23 to 6. Christchurch beat Old Boys by 27 to 11.

LEAGUE GAME. Christchurch, Last Night. League results were: Addington defeated Sydenham by 14 to 8. Woolston defeated Linwood by 14 to 8. Y.M.C.A. nil; Swift 4 v. Wadestown 3. ASSOCIATION GAME. NORTH v. SOUTH TARANAKI. A TRIAL MATCH. This match was played at Stratford in fine weather. From the kick-off North gained possession, and after a quick exchange Shepherd secured and with a great shot taken near the corner hit the upright. From the rebound South conceded a corner. North again broke away, but when dangerous were pulled up for offside. South now pressed, and a foul against North looked very dangerous. Davies passed to Howarth, who just skimmed the bar. South were now having most of the play, and but for weakness on the right wing should have opened the score, Freakley repeatedly sending In shots which were with great difficulty cleared. North broke away, and a promising effort by Shepherd and Cole was spoilt by Jones, who was playing a great game for South. Pooch secured and passed out to Davis, who nearly got in with an oblique shot, which Trennell just managed to scratch away. South now pressed, and a good shot by Howarth missed by inches. Soon after the whistle went, with no score.

On resuming. North played much better, the halves feeding the wings and breaking up repeated southern attacks. The Northern backs were also clearing well. From a throw-in South secured, and a bout of good combination followed, the ball travelling from the left wing over to the right, and back again to Fitzgerald, who, after a pretty run, beat the Northern defence and scored the first goal of the match. Later the ball was passed out to Thompson, to Jones, and a pass from Jones was Intercepted by Belchin, who, with a travelling ball, equalised for North. Both sides now adopted safe tactics, keeping the ball in midflelxl. Howarth, as the result of an injury, had to retire. South were still pressing for the verdict when the whistle went, with the final score one all. The match was controlled by Mr, P. Dawson, who gave every satisfaction, WANGANUI v. TARANAKF. THE TARANAKI TEAM. The team to represent Taranaki against Wanganui, to be played at Hawera on June 3, was selected after the match. The following men were notified to travel on Saturday next: Johnston (New Plymouth), goal; P. Thompson (Stratford), Jones (Hawera), backs; Pooch, Howarth (llawera), Worthington (New Plymouth), half backs; Freakley (Hawera), Baird, Cole (Stratford), J. Fitzgerald, Shepherd (New Plymouth), forwards. Emergencies: Davis, Butler (Hawera), Woodhead, Belchin (New Plymouth). CITY RESULTS. Christchurch, Last Night. In the Association play, Rangers beat St. Albans by 6 to 2. Western beat Nomads by 4 to 2. Corinthians beat Lyttelton by 3 to 2. Sunnyside beat Ashburton by 2 to 1. Wellington, Last Night. Saturday’s Association games resulted: Hospital 10 v. Island Bay 1; Watersiders 6 v. Gas Company 1; Karori 3 v. Marist 1; Karori 3 v.