FOOTBALL.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 May 1922, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

THE CUP COMPETITIONS. DETAILS OF SATURDAY’S PLAY, TUKAPA STILL LEAD, NARROWLY DEFEAT OKAIAWA, The Taranaki cup competitions were continued on Saturday in fine weather, but a strong, cold wind made matters unpleasant for spectators, and considerably interfered with the play. At Okalawa the match between Tukapa, the leading team, and Okaiawa, one of the runners-up, created the keenest Interest. There was a large attendance, spectators being present from Hawera as well as all the surrounding districts. Tukapa won by a narrow margin, and maintained their position at the head of the competition. RESULTS AT A GLANCE. SENIOR A. Tukapa 8 v. Okaiawa 6. Hawera 6 v. Walmate 0. Kaponga 6 v. Opunake 3. Clifton 9 v. Stratford 3. B SENIORS. Inglewood 13 v. Eltham 0. Old Boys 17 v. Lepperton 3. Star 15 v. Okato 3. POSITION OF THE TEAMS. After Saturday’s matches the position of the teams is as follows:

A SENIOR. TUKAPA (8) V. OKAIAWA (6). Tukapa and Okaiawa met at Okaiawa. As anticipated, the match was keenly eontrated. providing a great struggle between the Okaiawa pack and the Tukapa rearguard lb« termer played right up to the best “'“’ltlons ot the club, putting Into their work that rim which has made Taranaki packs famous. At one time, during the second spell, they appeared to have Tukapa worn down, and It footed as It they would win; but lack of the finer points of the game, as well as Indifferent attacking support by their backs, assisted t e Tukapa defence in keeping them out, and enabled Tukapa to emerge victors by a very narrow margin. . Tukapa won the toss and opened against tnc wind. Okaiawa al once got going, and from an infringement by Tukapa, R. Roberts landed a fine goal within a couple of minutes of the start Tukapa, both backs and forwards, threw the ball about, but H. Oliver kicked too far and the ball was forced. The Okaiawa pack pressed, and Kingston failed to take the ball, but recovered well. The Okaiawa pack, led by Hurley. Martin and Brien, kept play In Tukapa territory, and Roberts from a penalty failed to land a goal from past hairway, while Johnson also tried to pot. Okaiawa backs also got moving, but W. Roberts hung on A moment later Guy was just collared when close to the ifne. After a further spell at defence, Ennis broke through, but was collared. Then a nice move by Oliver, Hooker and Stohr saw the latter kick high and follow fast, but McClymunt marked. Kingston set Tukapa backs going, but a wide pass by Brown let Okaiawa back, Stohr saving'. Feta made a great opening, but the backs could not take advantage, and Hart was able to clear. MeCiymont tried to put, the ball being forced. Then Brown cleverly fooled the opposition, and with McAllen carried play to Okaiawa’* line; but the local pack changed the scene to midfield. Here McAllen shot the ball to Hooker, who cut in and passed to Hart, and with a great burst of speed the Tukapa flier beat several men and scored a beautiful try alongside the posts. Hooker goaled. Twice in succession Roberts just failed to goal from penalties. Pressing hotly, Okaiawa sorely tried Tukapa’s defence, Hurley, and again J. Johnson and Atkins, making desperate efforts to score. Roberts also spoilt a chance by dropping a pass, but finally, after a great forward rush, J. Johnson scored. Roberts failed to goal. Okaiawa came back, and Kingston falling to check, looked dangerous, but Ennis cleared. McAllum and Hart carried play to half-way, where, after some strenuous work, Roberts again failed to goal from a penalty, and half-time was called with the score: Okaiawa 6; Tukapa 5.

Tukapa, with the wind in their were expected to have the better of things in the second half, and at once invaded. Hooker making a weak attempt to goal from a penalty. Atkins and Roberts checked a dangerous Tukapa rush. Alien forced bis way over the line after a passing bout, with three Okaiawa men hanging on. From the scrum the ball went out to Hooker, who handed on to Stohr, the latter scoring a pretty try near the corner, which Kingston failed to goal. Later Kingston tried to pot from over halfway, the ball being forced. Then Okaiawa pressed, and Kingston missed: but Guy overran the bail. A moment later, offside play gave Roberts a shot, which failed. Presently the Okaiawa forwards took charge, and with a rousing rush carried play to Tukapa’s line, where Guy was nearly over. Another hot rush with Martin, Brien and Ike in the van, was stemmed by an infringement, enabling Kingston to line well past half-way. Here Oliver, with a great run, shot the ball to Allen, who forced his way over with three men hanging to him, and from the scrum a free kick let Okaiawa clear. Okaiawa were soon back to the attack, and for several minutes had Tukapa thinking hard. However, over-eagerness and failure by the backs to seize opportunities, as well as lively kicks by the Tukapa backs, kept them out. Okaiawa were keeping Tukapa penned, and their supporters were very enthusiastic; and when, with a great burst, they rushed the nail over the line, there was great excitement; but the referee ordered a scrum. W. Roberts tried to force his way over, but was held up, and a free kick brought relief. Again Okaiawa forwards and backs tried hard to score, Guy being collared on the line, while W. Roberts also hung on too long, and the last chance went as Stohr cut In and gained considerable ground. Tukapa backs then got moving, and Okaiawa were defending, but were able to line at half-way as the final whistle went with the score: — Tukapa 8 Okaiawa 6 Mr. 3. F. Kiley refereed.

HAWERA (6) v. WAIMATE (0). The match between Hawera and Walmate, at Manala, was not responsible for any brilliant play. The forwards were evenly matched, but on the day’# play the Hawera backs were su>

perior to their opponents, and on several occa- I slons were within un ace of scoring. West kicked off for Hawera, and the forwards at once attacked in Waimate’s twentyfive and a free, kick got Walmate out of trouble. The Walmate forwards forced play TO mid-field, and there held their opponents for some time. The Hawera forwards broke through the defence and looked like scoring, but Walmate forced. Hawera again forced their opponents back into their twenty-five and kept up a stubborn attack, Walmate being kept stemming the Hawera forwards’ onslaught close to their goal-line. Presently, by an interchange of kicks, Walmate gained considerable ground. The Hawera backs then got moving, and a piece of good passing was witnessed. Whittington looked like getting through, but McLeod brought him down. Soon after Evans was hurt and left the ground and Daly was put on. Soon the score opened, from a good passing rush Wilkinson getting over. West failed with the kick. Half-time was called with the score: Hawera 3, Walmate 0. From the kick off in the second spell Waimate attacked with force, and Hawera were playing hard defending their goal. The Hawera forwards pressed the opposing forwards back to half-way. and here a keen tussle took place, until a hard kick by Wilkinson found touch in Waimate’s territory. The Waimate van pressed, and had Hawera penned down on their goal-line, where Hawera forced. Soon after Daly marked, but his kick at goal failed. Then just before call of time O. Murphy scored a try, which was not converted, the game ending : Hawera xwwxcwb g Walmate » Mr. A. H. Guy refereed. KAPONGA (6) T. OPUNAKE (3). Kaponga jqurneyed to Opunake, and after a very close contest defeated the coastal men by 6 points to 3. Mr. P. Holmes refereed. CLIFTON (9) V. STRATFORD (3).

Played at Stratford, the Clifton - Stratford match was a disappointing display of football, a good match being expected, as the teams were evenly matched. Stratford kicked ff against a strong, cold southerly wind, and Clifton immediately attacked. From a tight position, Vaughan put in a good run. Hickey, in turn, showed out for Clifton, and, kicking high, was marked by Coulton. Stratford were shortly after counpelled to force. Clifton started a good passing rush, but Stratford collared well. Coleman secured the bail a moment later, and passed to Fryday, who scored Clifton’s first try. Coleman’s kick failed. From a penalty in front of the posts, Coleman kicked a goal. Play then went to the other end of the field, McCulloch breaking away from a line-out, I making a good, straight run, and then passing to Masters, who could not gather the ball up, so a good chance was lost. Continuing to attack, Str '.ford had Cli/ton in difficulties, the latter narrowly saving a score by forcing. Vickers tried a shot from a penalty, but missed, and play immediately changed into Stratford’s ground, Bruce being prominent in a forward rush by Clifton. 'Hie Clifton wing made a great run straight down the line and looked like scoring, but was taken in time. After a long scramble, Vickers had another shot from a penalty, but the wind was too strong. Clifton again attacked strongly, and in a rough and tumble near the line. Fuller managed to score, but failed to convert, and time sounded with the scores: Clifton 9, Stratfor 6.

With the wind In their favor after changing over, Stratford livened matters up, and Clifton had to force. McKenzie marked In a handy position, but his shot at goal was weak. Vaughan secured the ball and made a great run, beating several men and being collared, when dangerous, by Coleman. Vickers had another shot from an Infringement by Clifton, but the ball fell short, and a minute later Clifton again had to force. Clifton made a willing attack against the wind, and. after a tussle near the line, appeared to score, but a scrum followed, and Stratford were relieved. Hickey was responsible for good tackling at this stage. Stratford madeanother determined attack. but by being penalised lost, a good chance. Court ’marked in a good position, but his kick was charged: down. Vaughan got the ball from the ruck, and, diving through, scored a beautiful try, raising loud applause. Viekems failed to convert. With only a, short time to go, Stratford made the game willing, and .were having the better of things when the whistle sounded, with the scores— Clifton 9 Stratford 3 Mr. L. Goodacre refereed. B SENIOR. INGLEWOOD (13) v. ELTHAM (0). This match was played at Inglewood during a cold southerly wind, which blew with «uch force across the unsheltered sports ground that first-class football was well-nigh impossible. The Inglewood team was slightly superior in both forward and back divisions, and Eltham was beaten when they failed to score during the first spell, with a keen wind in their favor. Inglewood kicked off against the wind. Nichols failed to take a long kick, and Eltham were within a few yards of the line, but the reds defended well, and shortly afterwards Eltham were awarded a penalty, and tried a shot from near half way. Working together, the Inglewood forwards carried the bull up the field, where their backs got going, but the wing missed an awkward pass, and a long return kick by Eltham found them behind their own 2-5 again. A series of scrums on or near the line' kept Eltham hopeful, but Brown and Coutls, by wellplaced line kicks, forced play into the centre. For off-side play, Carlson (Eltham) had an unsuccessful kick at goal, and for the same reason Inglewod gained a free kick, but fhe wind was against Coutts’ attempt. Eltham kept encroaching on the reds’ territory. Stanners got the ball away well, but the gale was against good passing, and the ball was forced. From about half way Carlson had another unsuccessful kick, which Eltham followed up well, and looked like scoring, but kicked too hard and Inglewood forced. Up and down play followed till Brown, who playe a good game throughout, stopped a determined rush by a mark. Eltham were always dangerous, and when Greig followed up a nicely placed kick he should have scored, but lacked support. Fierce scrums followed, but at half time play was back at half-way, with no score on either

Soon after the kick-off Inglewood carried the ball into Eltham’s 25, and there it stayed for most of the spell. In the scrums the red hookers were much superior, and frequently Lumsden set his backs In motion. From one of these rushes Brown cut in. but lost the ball. Inglewood maintained their pressure till Stanners relieved, but Dean marked in a handy position. The kick failog to rise, and was smothered by Eltham forwards. Coutts had hard luck with another kick, which just grazed the bar, but redeemed himself later when, from a penalty, he placed a nice goal. Inglewood came down with the wind, forwards as well as backs participating, and Hobson scored in the corner. Coutts converted. Another passing rush by Inglewood placed Hobson in a handy position, and he dived over, Coutts adding the additional points with a beautiful kick. Inglewood kept up the offensive, and E'ltliam defended strenuously. Several times the ball trickled over and was forced. Stanners and Greig were responsible for a forward movement, which placed Eltham in a likely position, but the wind carried Inglewood's return well back, and Coutts had a good kick from a penalty, but the angle was too fine. Plaj| ended with the reds still on the offensive, the score being:— Inglewood 13 Eltham 0 »Mr. Andrews refereed. J OLD BOYS (17) v. LEPPERTON (3). The match set down for decision at Pukekura Park was between Old Boys and Lepperton, the game being rescued from drabness mainly by the series of bright exchanges the Old Boys’ backs indulged in. Lepperton played a plucky game, especially in the second halfi but were decisively beaten by 17 points to 3. Old Boys had the advantage of a gusty corner to corner wind in the first spell. Lepperton were the first to attack, but Sykes soon relieved. Doll© look a reeuXUeas kick at goal

| from a fair distance back. Then Little rushed , into a line-out, passed high to Wynyard, who i made a good run before handing on to Me* ' Gregor. The latter almost gained the goal- | line before being stopped, and from a scrami ble Lem picked up and scored. Dolle’s kick at i goal went low. Paul, the Lepperton full- , back, sent the ball well down into Old Boys' twenty-five, X'ggleton and Wynyard retaliat- ! Ing, till Barriball cut In and brought play ■ back again, where it remained It front of Old Boys’ line fur some time. Old Boys marked to save, and Sykes followed up the kick fast, i Paul attempting to line, but Boon, dashing j along the side-line, took the ball on the full j and grounded it in the corner. Dolle’s kick was slightly .wide. Lepperton swept down field i and, securing from a scrum near the line, j the backs tossed the ball round, and things •. looked dangerous for Old Boys till Blundell and Wynyard broke away, and in an exciting chase for the bail as it crossed the line, Blundell touched down. Dolle’s kick went low. James and Smith kept Old Boys on the attack. Then from a scrum Wynyard came round and kicked hard, this giving Little and Lem an opportunity to bring play to the Lepperton line, where after a hot set-to Eggleton forced his way across and scored behind th? i posts. Wynyard converted. Just afterwards i Sykes broke away, Bertrand and Wynyard I coining up abreast, and a pretty passing bout | aunong the three ended In Wynyard scoring. ■ He failed to convert his own try. This aroused Lepperton to renewed efforts, and when the ball came to Bishop shortly after he made a run for it down the line, dodging several opponents and scoring near the corner. Webber failed to convert, and half-time sounded immediately after, the score being: Old Boys 17, Lepperton 3. In the second spell play ranged up and down the field, becoming at. times very exciting, as first one side and then the other tried to force home a vigorous attack. Old Boys on several occasions were within an ace of scoring, but Lepperton invariablj’ managed to force just ahead of them, whilst on two occasions, at least, certain scores were lost by Infringements. Lepperton’s defence proved fairly sound, and the game ended without further score, the final result being: Old Eoyg 17 Lepperton 3 Mr. J. O’Grady refereed. STAR (15) V. OKATO (3). The match between Star and Okato was played on Western Park. Star’s win can be largely attributed to better play among the backs than the opposing team showed. Star opened with the advantage of a strong wind and in the first few minutes compelled Okato to force down. Star backs beat the opposition, the ball travelling out to Patterson, at wing three-quarter, and he notched a try. Dunford’s kick failed. Ensuing play was of an uninteresting character till Roberts and Andrews, with some good kicks, had Star on the defence and compelled them to force down. Roberts had a shot from a penalty 'kick without result. After further play in wiiich Star had the best of it, they again scored. From loose play, when Star was in a good position, Cleaver secured possession and set out for the goal-line. He was supported by Dunford (full-back) to whom he transferred, and the latter touched down. Dunford was unsuccessful with the kick. Okato were soon in difficulties again, and Bridger scored from play. He took the kick at goal, but the ball went wide. The order of play was then reversed, Okato forwards attacking with a lot of vim, and after some hot scrummaging near the line Aylward scored. Roberts did not ■ succeed in converting the try. At half-time j the scores were: Star 9, Okato 3.

A few minutes after resuming Star had to force, and it appeared as if the spell vyould be Okato's. However, their opponents, both backs and forwards, met the challenge and ehangedxdefence to attack. Cleaver set the backs going on several occasions, but the passing was faulty. After some minutes in Okato territory Patterson scored after receiving the ball from Hogan. Dunford did not convert. Eustace led the Okato forwards to the attack again, and the two packs had a big tussle. Whittaker, securing the leather, put Star In a good position near the Okato line by kicking to the centre. From some scrambling play Cleaver shot the ball to Whittaker. and the latter transferred to Patterson, who again touched down. Sims’ kick at goal did not add to the scores. Time was called with the scores:— Star 15 Okato .. 3 Mr. A. J. Papps refereed. NORTHERN DIVISION. SECOND GRADE, Tukapa (21) defeated Old Boys (0)< THIRD GRADE. Star (17) defeated Tukapa (0). Tries were scored by McKenzie, Stroud, Morris and Berge. Morris converted his try and kicked a penalty goal. FOURTH GRADE. Star (9) defeated Old Boys (G). Tukapa beat Clifton by 3 points to nil. CENTRAL DIVISION. THIRD GRADE. Inglewood beat Toko, at Toko, by 15 points to 3. Stratford beat Midhirst, at Midhirst, by 25 points to 3. SOUTHERN DIVISION, SECOND GRADE. At Hawera, Okaiawa and Hawera juniors drew. 3 all. Eltham defeated Kaponga at Eltham by 12 points to 5. Kaponga elected to play with the strong wind which was blowing in their favor, and shortly after the commencement of play, McGuinness kicked a penaltj’ goal for Eltham. Later, Pepperell, for Kaponga, scored a try, Kilpatrick 7 converting, the score at half ttaie being: Kaponga 5. Eltham 3. On resuming, the wind died down considerably, hut -Eltham forwards played a good game, and McGuinness got over, the kick failing. Later Sinclair, following up fast, again scored for Eltham, the kick again failing. From nice piece of work, May picked up and put in a tricky run, scoring behind the posts. The kick again failed, and the game ended: Eltham 12, Kaponga 5. Mr. B. Fearon refereed. THIRD GRADE. At Okaiawa Kaponga thirds defeated the local thirds by 5 points to 3. For the winners Abbot scored and converted, whilst Castles scored a try for the losers which Ward failed to convert. Walmate thirds (6) beat Patea thirds (0). Bittier and Jackson scored tries for Walmate. FOURTH GRADE. At Normanby, Okaiawa fourths and Hawera Technical School drew, each scoring 3 points. White scored a try for Okaiawa and Pol kicked" a penalty goal for Hawera Technical School. TARANAKI “REP.” TEAM. ’ x '*’ The selectors of the Taranaki representative team (Messrs. D. J. Malone, A. L. Humphries and W. A. Guy) were present at the Tu-kapa-Okalawa match on Saturday. They will meet in New Plymouth to-nlglit to select the team to play Wanganui on Saturday, PRIMARY SCHOOLS FOOTBALL. The Eltham district schools will be grouped as follows*—Eltham 11. ; Ngaere and Rawhitiroa; Te Roti and Eltham Convent; Mangatoki and Finnerty Road, making four teams in the competition. Fixtures to be played on or during the weeks ending with the dates below:— First Round. June 3.—Eltham 11. v. Mangatoki; Te Roti v. Ngaere. June 17. —Te Roti v. Eltham 11., Mangatoki v. Ngaere. July I—Ngaere v. Eltham IL, Mangatoki V. i Te JtoUr

PLAY IN THE CITIES. RESULTS OF SATURDAY’S GAMES. Wellington.—Petone 26 v. Wellington 0: 'Varsity 15 v. Berhampore 5; Marlst 3 v. Athletic 0: Poneke 14 v. Selwyn 0, Oriental 14 v. Old Boys 8. Auckland.—College Rifles 6 v. Ponsonby 0; Grafton 8 v. Marlst Brothers 0: North Shore 17 v. Newton 10 ; University 38 v. Eden 0. Christchurch.—Old Boys 36 beat Albion nil; Marlsts 14 beat Linwood 6; Sydenham-Lyttel-ton 14 beat. Christchurch 9. Dunedin.—Zingari-Richmond 3 v. Alhambra nil; Talcrl Rovers 12 v. Port Chalmers 3; Kaikoral 39 v. Union 3; Southern 14. v. Dunedin 10. THE LEAGUE GAME. MAORIS’ AUSTRALIAN TOUR. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright; Received May 28, 5.5 p.m. London, May 27. The Rugby League team selected to meet the Maoris on Saturday next is: Ligney, Herder, Vest, Rule, Blinkhorn, Hodgins, Thompson, Schultz, Prentice, Burge, Latta, Gray, Watkins. ; THE ASSOCIATION GAME. Ar' AUSTRALIAN TOUR OPENS. WANGANUI DEFEATED BY 3 TO 1. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wanganui, May 27. The Australian Association football team opened its tour here to-day by defeating Wanganui by three goals to one. The weather was fine, but bitterly cold, which affected the attendance, there being only about 2000 spectators. The Australian team was as follows• Goal, Cartwright; backs, Fisher and D. Cumberford ; halves, Gibb, ~Bteuton, Doyle; forwards, Brown, Bratton, Maundet, J. Cumberiord, Thomson. The Wanganui team was:—Goal, Thomas; backs, Healey and O’Neill; halves, McGorram, Mitchell, Barker; forwards, Mackley, Beckett, Richards, McKechie, Cooper. The visitors won the toss, plaiyed with a strong wind behind them. _ They immediately set up a hard attack, Thomas, on several occasions, being called on to clear. The game was even in the early stages, but the visitors showed fine speed and better combination. With the® exception of occasional incursions into the Australians’ territory, the haine side were repeatedly defending. The Australians kept up a systematic attack, and after Thomas had brilliantly stopped a lightning shot by • Maunder, J. Cumberford got in a beauty, which bent the home custodian all the way, and. Incidentally won a gold medal presented by a local enthusiast for the first goal of the tour. Play continued bright and attractive, the cleverness of the visitors' forwards being neutralised by the fine defence of the home backs. The Australians had several scoring opportunities, which were spoiled by overeagerness. The score at half time was: Australia 1 to nil. On resuming, Wanganui attacked strongly. Mackley made' a fine opening, and sent to Beckett, then to Cooper. The latter sent In a hard shot, and, although Cartwright touched the ball. It finished in the net. The scojc nroved a stimulant to the home side, life into their play. A eorjier?oeautlfully placed, gave Cooper -another chance, but he headed the ball just outside. Thomson made a couple of fine openj ings for Australia, but the home defence was sound. Mitchell, with clever play, set his forwards going, and a beautiful passing effort saw the Australians fighting hard on the defence. Mitchell missed by the narrowest margin, and then the visitors turned their defence into attack, Fisher sending in a long shot, which Thomas just managed to clear, and finally O’Neill, with a fine kick, sent play back to the neutral area. A couple of scoring chances came to the home side, but the workmanship was Inaccurate. In the concluding stages of the game the home side started to tire. With five minutes to go, combined play by Maunder and Bratten gave the latter a great opening, and he made no mistake with the shot. Wanganui rallied temporarily, but, just on the call of time, Brown got away and sent to Thompson; the outside left dribbled into range, and then passed back to J. Cumberford, who scored and put Australia two goals in the lead. On the day the visitors were much the better side, although faulty shooting lost several good opportunities. The defence of the backs was sound, while the forwards showed fine dash, the speed of Maunder and Thomson being exceptional. Sberton, Gibb and Fisher were the best of the Australian backs, while Maunder and Thomson were the outstanding forwards. The team should improve as a combination as the tour proceeds. Mitchell, at centre half, was the best of the home backs, although others were sound. Thomas gave a fine display in goal, and repeatedly saved his side. The forwards were not equal to the visitors' vanguard, Mackley and Cooper being the best in attack.

At Wellington the senior A games resulted: Watersiders 3 v. Hospital 0; Karori 2 v. Y.M.C.A. (B) 1; Thistle 3 v. Diamonds 0; Marist 3 v. Y.M.C.A. (A) 0. The Wellington “Soccer” team to play the Australians will be: Goal, Wing; backs, McKenzie, Taylor, McArthur, Brownley, Jones; forwards, Thomas, Gilbertson, Bollard, Palmer, Campbell. Reserves: Goal, Porteous; backs. Jackson, McGlrr; forwards, McLeam

• SENIOR A. • ■6 s s £ £ 1 a £ 6 G — —■ 4 1 — 4 2 —« s 3 1 1 6 Stratford •> 1 4 —• t 6 6 6 0 SENIOR B. Old Boys c 5 1 10 Inglewood G 2 6 Star .... Eltham Okato ■ • • Lvpperton « <■•••••■_« ** 4 2 2