FOOTBALL.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 June 1922, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

WANGANUI DEFEAT TARANAKI. FAST AND OPEN GAME. FAILURE OF TARANAKI BACKS. The first representative match of the season, as far as Taranaki is concerned, was played at Wanganui on Saturday, when the Taranaki representatives were defeated by Wanganui by 12 points to 9, after a fast and interesting game, in which the winning team on the day were undoubtedly the better combination. The match was played on the Cook’s Gardens ground, which was somewhat heavy after the rain of the night before, and that which fell during the match made the ball greasy and difficult to handle. The weather early in the afternoon was warm and fine, and there was an attendance of about 7000, the gate being a record for inter-provincial matches in Wanganui. The public followed the game with interest, the movements being rewarded with applause, particularly when the Wanganui backs got moving, as they frequently did. It was to the superiority of their back division that Wanganui owe their victory. Their rearguard handled the greasy ball splendidly, and showed initiative and enterprise that was in striking contrast to the work of the Taranaki backs, whose exhibition was on the whole a feeble one, their work in attack being weak, whilst their defence was very poor. Though they tackled fairly well, they failed badly in going down to the Wanganui forward rushes, and as a consequence the Taranaki forwards, who stood up well, had a lot of extra work to do. THE PLAY. Wanganui won the toss and defended the north goal, having the advantage of a slight wind, which blew straight down the ground. Almost immediately Wanganui were penalised and Hooker had, a shot, the ball falling short and being lined* by Bellis. Brown was then ■ penalised for kicking out of the scrum, and Jenkins falling to take the resultant kick, the forwards, headed by Bellis and O’Connell, set i up a rousing rush, but an infringement let ' Taranaki line. Then Spratt got off-side and O’Connell had a shot, which failed. West, Fogarty and Masters got moving, and Brown shot the ball out to Hooker, who cut in and passed to Malone, but the latter’s high pass was fumbled. Head failed to take a high ball, and Taranaki was again dangerous. Hooker, Oliver and Spratt being prominent. Then the leather came to Hickey, who was smothered just as he got into position to pot, the ball being forced. Now the Wanganui pack, led by Bellis, Ross and Abbott, assisted by their nippy backs, carried play to the other end of the field. The Taranaki backs made feeble efforts to stem, but the forwards momentarily held up the attack and Vaughan was able to clear. Delves then gathered up smartly and dropped a beautiful goal, the score reading, after ten minutes’ Play:

Wanganui 4 Taranaki Nil. Wanganui were soon back again, and Head tried to pot, Hickey taking and lining well. The Taranaki forwards, led by Fogarty, West, Klssick and Brien, attacked, but Badley marked cleverly, Taranaki were now shaping better, the forwards pressing, but their backs were not helping much with the attack. Brown was not handling well, and occasionally sent out wide passes to Vaughan, who cut in nicely. Peina, Delves and Head kept them out by well-judged kicking, until from an infringement Hooker landed a good goal, and after 18 minutes the score read: Wanganui 4 Taranaki 3 Soon afterwards rain fell, making the ball greasy. Wanganui now pressed hotly, Bellis being always prominent, and, assisted by Sinclair, O’Connell and Co., together with smart work by the backs, who were fed by Badley. ■ handled the ball beautifully and gave Tara- , naki an anxious time. Weir on the one wing and Scott on the other made dashes, but the tackling was solid. Hooker and Hickey being particularly good. Jenkins, who had opened nervously at full-back, was now playing a I solid game, saving his side time and again. I After a period of interchange of kicks, I Wanganui got the upper hand again and ! roused their supporters by throwing the ball 1 about across thg field in front of Taranaki’s goal, but Taranaki was able to check them. . Bellis was here temporarily injured. Then a 1 free kick gave Taranaki relief. Badley, Peina 1 and Potaka were again prominent In a Wanganui attack, but Malone cut in and reached to past half-way, and the Taranaki pack, ' carrying on the good work, got close to ■ Wanganui’s line. Masters and Fogarty being prominent. Back came Bellis at the head of the Wanganui pack, right through the local backs to Jenkins, who saved. Then from a Wanganui centre-kick Hooker shot out to Hickey, who set sail, but was well collared. Failure by the Taranaki backs to pick up the ball saw Wanganui again press hotly, throwing the -ball about well in front of the Taranaki goal, but gaining little ground. Head then cross-kicked, and Rye failing badly, matters looked dangerous, but Taranaki for- i wards checked. Weir was here injured, and , was replaced by McAuliffe, who changed places I with Head. Again Jenkins and Hickey fumbled badly, and the Wanganui backs got going, | Peina getting over at the close of a pretty J movement, amidst applause, but the whistle had gone for a prior Infringement. Taranaki, . both back and forward, now took a hand and carried play to Wanganui’s line, where Rye could not reach a wide' pass and a chance went, the ball ultimately being forced. Halftime then sounded with the score: Wanganui 4 Taranaki . 3 THE SECOND SPELL. On resuming, the Taranaki backs tried to open out, but thAmove broke down. Rye failing to take. Deß’es kicked down field, where from an infringement Head had a shot, which . was forced. Taranaki were now shaping bet- j ter, but presently there followed a strong | Wanganui rush, in which Kennedy crosskicked. Bellis and O’Connell rushed the ball over the line. The former, however, collided with the goal-post, and Hickey was able to save; Bellis was out of action for a few moments. From the resultant scrum Badley shot the ball out to Delves, who tried to pot, but Jenkins was able to line. Again the Wanganui backs set up an attack, and the Taranaki forwards counter-attacked, Potaka cleverly checking by marking and dropping at goal, the ball striking the bar and rebounding into the field. Jenkins saved by lining on three occasions, once in the face of the charging pack. Then Bellis, O’Connell and Head were prominent, and the latter centring, Brown failed to take. Smith secured on the bounce and scored an easy, which Badley converted. Wanganui r rrr r .r»-«.-». 9 Taranaki 3 Twenty-five minutes had gone. Vaughan now put in some heady play, and after interchanges between the backs Brown passed to Hooker, who carried play to Wanganui’s territory, and from a free kick landed a good Wanganui • • "• •« 9 Taranaki % 6 Brown then cut In, but Bellis and company returned to the attack. Badley, marking a knock-on, had a shot, but failed to goal. Brown, Oliver, Hooker and Vaughan set up a move that compelled Wanganui to kick over the line to save. From the scrum Taranaki were awarded another free-kick, and Hooker equalised the scores; Wanganui 9 Taranaki 9 It was now anyone’s game, and play became fast. Brown made a good run, but Rye failed to take his pass. Taranaki kept moving, and Malone got over, but was called back for knocking-on. and Wanganui cleared. Both sides were now making the game as open as possible, Wangtfhui araduslly gatalpg the

upper hand; but Jenkins and Hooker saved. Then Malone marked, and, kicking high, Wanganui were placed on the defensive until & bad pass let O’Connell through. Jenkins was smothered with the ball, but Rye saved. McAuliffe, hanging on, let Hooker through, and Brien, Masters and Spratt were prominent in a local rush; but Wanganui were not to be denied, and Badley, keeping his backs going at every opportunity, was finally rewarded. The ball was passed smartly via Delves, Peina, Potaka to Head, and the latter dived over the line just as Jenkins got to him. O’Connell failed to goal. Wanganui ... 12 Taranaki 9 A moment later Hooker had a chance to equalise from a penalty, but the shot failed. Play followed up and down the field, Wanganui having the advantage; but there was no further score. Head marked in a handy position, but his shot was weak. The game ended: Wanganui 12 Taranaki 9 Mr. Atkinson ably controlled the game. SEVEN-A-SIDE TOURNAMENT. SOME INTERESTING GAMES. AN UNSATISFACTORY FINISH. A seven-a-side football tournament was held at Pukekura Park, New Plymouth, on Saturday, the weather being fine for the morning play, but after the heavy rain over*night, the ground was slightly slippery. In the afternoon rain set in. and when the semi-finals -were reached, about 3 p.m., this had developed into a steadj’ downpour, most uncomfortable for players and spectators alike, while it considerably spoilt interest in the games. The weather cleared as the teams lined out for the final, and some exciting play was witnessed till the game was brought to an unsatisfactory conclusion owing to a dispute over the referee’s ruling. On the whole play in the various games was of an interesting nature. As there was a holiday on account of the King’s birthday, there was a large attendance of the public, nil the terraces being crowded till the heavy rain compelled some to leave. The gate takings were in the vicinity of £B5, which must be considered very satisfactory. This money will be divided between the sports grounds committee's funds and a fund for erecting a gymnasium at the Boys’ High School. Details of the play are:— FIRST ROUND. INGLEWOOD A (8) v. TUKAPA A (%). Inglewood A (Cheyne. Wright, Lumsden, Bishell, Dean, Coutts and Hopson) beat Tukapa A (H. Oliver, R. Morrison, Anderson, Ennis, Malcolmson, Stohr and Linn) by S points to half a point. Inglewood opened their scoring when Malcolmson (Tukapa) lost the ball over the line, and Deane. being very handy, touched down. Coutts converted. 11. Oliver had two unsuccessful shots at goal. Hopson scored the second try after securing from Coutts. The latter failed to convert. Tukapa attacked, und H. Oliver, following up fast, compelled Coutts to force, giving Tukapa half a point. Mr. Page refereed.

TUKAPA B (6) V. STRATFORD A (0). » Tukapa B (George, Jury, Baird, Allen, Andrews, F. Stohr and Pascoe) beat Stratford A (Johnston, Harlson, P. Casey, W. Casey, D. N. Anderson, M. Thorpe and Collins) by 6 points to nil. In the first stage of the game Stratford got into Tukapa territory. Thorpe, following up fast, had Tukapa in difficulties. Collins marked in a handy position, but his kick was charged down. Just afterwards, Collins, in getting rid of the ball, kicked into the hands of Andrews. A race down the tine ensued between this player and Thorpe. Andrews was not caught till he was over the line, and he touched down. Jury’s kick failed. Early in the second spell Tukapa were awarded a penalty kick in front of the goal, and Jury was successful. Mr. Andrew's refereed. STRATFORD B (13) v. STAR B ((11). Stratford B (Cameron, Sharrock, Vickers, Court, Wilson, Gray and Cathro) beat Star B (Sturmey, Smith, Hoskin, Pollock, Simm, Hurley and Morris) by 13 points to 11, after an interesting finish. Star scored the first try as the result of a good opening made by Morris. After gaining some ground be threw out to Sims, the latter transferring to Sturmey, who grounded the leather between the posts. Sturmey failed to convert after being given a no-charge. Gray (Stratford) was close to scoring, but went into touch. Then Morris and Hoskin broke through, the former beating most of the opposition, and passed to Hoskin, who scored. Morris failed to convert. Just after the second spell opened Pollock scored for Star, and Sturmey converted. Stratford attacked, and Court scored from loose play, Vickers converting. After another piece of passing between the Stratford team, Wilson scored. The try was not converted. Star was attacking when the bell sounded no-side, but as the ball was still in play the game proceeded. Stratford turned defence into attack after Star was unlucky not to score. The Stratford men carried play right to the Star territory, and the movement ended in Gray scoring. Sharrock converted, leaving Stratford the winners. Mr. J. Connell refereed. HIGH SCHOOL A (8) v. STAR A (3). High School A (Patterson, Brewster, Brodie, Alexander, Shaw, Brown and Foden) defeated Star A by 6 to 3. Tries were scored for the School by Brown (2), one being converted by him. OLD BOYS (8) v. INGLEWOOD B (3%). Old Boys (Drader, Renaud, A. Bayly, Valentine, Ridge, Williams and Boon) beat Inglewood B (Huckstep, Burkhardt, Ward, Davis, Sutherland, Langlands and Nicholls), by 8 points to 3%. HIGH SCHOOL B (6) v. TECHNICAL COLLEGE (3). High School B (Rickard, Revell, Petty, Morey, Taylor, Abbott and Knuckey) beat Technical College (Dickson, Loveridge, Elgar, Southcombe, Rumball, Taylor and Lobb) by 6 points to 3. The two school teams provided an interesting match. Technical Col- , liege scored first, Runnball getting across. Revell missed with the kick. High School then evened up when Morey scored between the posts after receiving the ball from Mackay. Petty’s kick failed. In the second spell Petty missed from a penalty, but Revell put High School ahead by scoring after dribbling the ball over the line. Petty did not succeed in converting. Mr. L. Hughes refereed. -SECOND ROUND. INGLEWOOD A (3) V. TUKAPA B (0). Inglewood were strong on the attack, and there was sqrne lively scrummaging in front of the Tukapa goal till a penalty gave relief. Coutts (Inglewood) had a resultless kick at goal from a penalty. In the second half, Jury (Tukapa) had an unsuccessful kick at goal from a penalty. Both sides battled hard. Inglewood was within scoring distance as the bell sounded "time,” but. before the | ball went out Wright scored for Inglewood. Coutts failed to convert. Mr. Hughes refereed. HIGH SCHOOL A (15) v. HIGH SCHOOL B (Nil). | High School A beat High School B by 1" to nil. Brown made an opening in mid-field and passed to Brodie, who sent Shaw for the line to score behind the cnaw-

converting. The ”B” team attacked, but a passing bout started in "A’s” twenty-fives, in which most of the team took part, ending in Foden scoring a try, which Brown converted, and the teams changed over with the score 10—0 in favor of "A.” The leaders again attacked, Shaw scoring another try. Brown again added the extra, points. The "B’s”, playing with great dash, nearly scored, Brown saving just in time. Honors were evenly divided for the remainder of the spell, and the game ended: High School A 15, High School B nil. Mr. F. Roberts refereed. STRATFORD B (8) v. OLD BOYS (%). Stratford B defeated Old Boys by S points to %. Stratford, did most of the attacking in the early stages, Sharrock scoring from a passing movement, and converting his own try. Valentine led a rush to Stratford’s goal line, Stratford forcing just in time, and the spell ended: Stratford 5, Old Boys Exciting play followed the kick-off, Old Boys attacking first, but Stratford retaliated, and from an infringement Sharrock kicked a goal. Heavy rain set in, and the game developed into a scramble, no further score resulting, the game ending: Stratford 8, Old Boys Mr. J. O’Grady refereed. SEMI-FINAL. INGLEWOOD (4) v. STRATFORD (3). Inglewood defeated Stratford by 4 to 3. Inglewood kept Stratford busy from the start, and Stratford had to force twice. Coutts had a shot from the half-way mark, but a good kick went slightly wide. Inglewood were awarded a free kick shortly after, Coutts placing the ball fairly between the posts. Inglewood were leading by 4—o on changing over, but Sharrock scored in the corner early in tho second spell. The angle was against his kick at goal. Time sounded, and the ball went out of touch shortly after, with the score: Inglewood 4, Stratford 3. Mr. F. Webb refereed. THE FINAL UNFINISHED. High School and Inglewood were loudly applauded on lining, out for the final, the High School boys especially according their representatives a great ovation. Inglewood kicked off. Brown, with a long kick, set School on the attack, the ball being potted out in Inglewood’s twenty-five. Brodie then set his backs going, but Coutts stopped the movement and kicked, Wright following up well. Foden, however, was there, and lined well. Brodie "dummied” on receiving from a sertun, and Mater let the ball out Ito Shaw, Coutts, however, bringing him down, 1 and play was brought into School territory. I Wright just missed scoring. School forcing I ahead of him. Hopson, on the wing, broke away, a five yards’ scrum resulting. Coutts marked an "up and under” by School, and kicked a good goal. Brown, Brodie and Shaw then combined in a pretty- passing movement, which was just robbed of success on the Inglewood line. From resulting play Inglewood forced. Inglewood cleared, but Alexander and Brown brought play back, till Coutts, with a long kick, sent the ball into School’s twenty-five. Play returned to near half-way, where Foden rushed into a lineout, secured the ball, and made a good run, down the field. Dean tried to stop him, but Foden made towards the corner and slid across the line with the ball, making the score 3% arf. Brown took the kick, which appeared to strike the bar and fall back into the field. The referee (Mr. F. Roberts), however, awarded a goal, and, on this being challenged by the Inglewood team, and the referee adhering to his decision, the Inglewood team left the field (as reported elsewhere) .

High School did not accept the shield and medals under the circumstances, and the game was thus left, in what can only be described as a most unsatisfactory and regretable position. A BANKS' MATCH. At Wanganui a team representing Hawera banks defeated Wanganui banks by 36 points to 3 points. i A POSTAL MATCH. A match played at Western Park on Saturday between teams representing the New Plymouth and Hawera post offices resulted in favour of New Plymouth by 3 points to nil. PLAY IN THE CITIES. SATURDAY’S RESULTS. Wellington.—Petone drew with Poneke. 3 points each. Great interest was taken in the match and there was a large attendance. The ground was heavy, rain being continuous. Auckland.—Marist Old Boys beat Newton 3-0; College Rifles beat University, 11-3; Grammar Old Boys beat Grafton, 9-3; North Shore beat Eden, 29-0. Dunedin, June 3. Dunedin. —Kaikorai 19 v. Alhambra 6, University A 22 v. Taieri Rovers 11; Richmond 6 v. Sutherno 5; Dunedin 8 v. Port Chalmers 3; Pirates 4 v. Union 3. HAWKE’S BAY (14) v. WAIRARAPA (12.) By Telegraph.—Press Association. Napier, June 3. The representative match, W&irarapa v. Hawke’s Bay, was played to-day, in the presence of about 3500 spectators. An even, though somewhat ragged, game was relieved by a few bright flashes, Hawke’s Bay winning by 14 to 12. Tries for the winners were scored by Nepia, Grenside and Barclay, all being the outcome of good passing. Akuira converted one try, and Kirkpatrick goalee from a mark. J. Donald and Cook secured tries for the visitors, one being converted by Knowles, while Southgate potted a goal. The weather was fine and the ground in good order. Mr. F. Tyne was referee. THE LEAGUE GAME. MAORIS OPEN THEIR TOUR. BADLY BEATEN IN SYDNEY. By Telegraph.- -Press Assn.—Copyright. Received June 4, 5.5 p.m. Sydney, June 3. At League football the Metropolis beat the Maoris by 77 points to 13 in the presence of forty thousand people. The weather was fine. The visitors were outclassed throughout, their defence scattering like chaff before the storm whenever the Metropolis set their backs moving. With the exception of three, the local side were practically the Kangaroo combination which recently returned from England, and on the day’s play they would have beaten any team. The Maoris’ forwards were clever and determined, but the threequarter line was weak and patchy, though in fairness to them it must be said they were pitted against a team of greyhounds. Metropolis led by 31 to 10 at. half-time. Tewhata retired hurt shortly afterwards, the visitors playing a man short to the end. The Metropolis scored twenty-one tries, seven being converted. The Maoris scored three tries, Paki getting two and Yates, who replaced Ahomiro, one. Duffy and Gardiner kicked a goal each.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

THE ASSOCIATION GAME. WANGANUI V. TARANAKI. VICTORY TO WANGANUI. Taranaki met Wanganui at Hawera on Saturday, in fair weather and before about 500 spectators. The game at the outset was fairly fast, the ball travelling up and down. Taranaki had the best of the play, obtaining two goal kicks in quick succession. A foul against Wanganui looked very dangerous, but Worthington put behind. Play was still confined to the visitors’ half. Shepherd having a try at goal, but Johnston was very safe and the shots lacked sting. From a free-kick Taranaki obtained, and Howeth getting the ball and going through on his own, shot wide. Wanganui then came through, but their effort was spoilt by Jones, who was playing a great game. Play was still confined in the Taranaki area, and the home team was having a very anxious time. A good combined effort bj’ Wanganui resulted in a beautiful header by Mackey, which just missed the bar. Straight A way from the kick-off the ball went out io the left. Freackley obtained, and by an individual effort beat the defence, putting in a very hot shot which gave the goalie no chance, thus opening the scoring in favor of Taranaki. Soon afterwards Wanganui again broke away, but were brought up by Lands. Wanganui again obtained, Mitchell sending out to Beckett, who In turn passed to Mackey, who made no mistake in equalising. Taranaki were at this stage playing a great game, time and again breaking up dangerous attacks. Twice Wanganui failed to goal after good attacks. Then Taranaki took a hand at attack, and two good chances were lost by high kicking. Play was now fairly evenly contested. Both side were brought up for offside, Wanganui being the chief offenders in this respect. From a free kick against Taranaki Becketts obtained and, beating Thompson, put in a shot which Brown was unable to get to, putting Wanganui in the lead, 2—l. This position was unchanged at half-time. On resuming, Wanganui attacked. Then Pooch managed to clear with a great punt, starting Howeth In a forward movement. The ball went to Fitzgerald, then back to Howeth, who equalised for Taranaki. Wanganui got in some good passing, the ball eventually going to Richards, who easily beat Brown. Another breakaway by Taranaki was spoilt by Fitzgerald being given off-side. Wanganui were now pressing strongly. Mackey got possession, and passed out to Beckett, who headed through, registering the fourth goal for Wanganui. Play now slackened off, but remained in home territory, and the home defence was very hard pressed. Taranaki now broke away, and a foul against Wanganui in the penalty area gave Taranaki a penalty kick, which was taken by Fitzgerald, who beat Johnstone by a good ground shot. Then Wanganui again pressed, Beckett again beating Brown with an easy shot. From the kick-off Fitzgerald got away, but a foul against Taranaki stopped their progress, the ball going back from the free-kick. From now on the game was very tame, time coming with evident relief to both sides and with the score: Wanganui 6 goals, Taranaki 3. Mr. Dawson refereed. WELLINGTON BEAT AUSTRALIANS. THREE GOALS TO NIL. Bj- Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. The "Soccer” game, Wellington against Australia, was played at the Basin Reserve on Saturday afternoon. The ground was ex ceptionally heavy and rain fell throughout play. The visitors were severely handicapped by the weather conditions, but put up an excellent showing. The local team was aggressive early, but could not break down the defence, which was solid. The Australians attackd for n while, several shots being made without result. There was no score at half-time. On resumption the rain increased, as also did the wind. Wellington had the advantage half-way through the second spell- A cleve/ centre by Jones ended in Campbell goaling, making the score: Wellington I, Australia nil. Just before the call of time Bollard gave Thomas an opportunity, which he made the best, use of. Then Gilbertson secured Wellington’s third goal from an opening by Cartwright. The game ended: Wellington 3 Australians 0 The exhibition pvas the finest seen in Wellington for many years. It was witnessed by 4000 spectators. PLAYER PAID TOO MUCH. Received June 4, 5.5 p.m. London, June 3. The Footpall League decided that Doolan was paid a secret £lOO In addition to the £5OO to which he was entitled when transferred to Preston North End front Bradford City. Doolan has been ordered to repay the £lOO. The Preston North End club was fined £5OO and Bradford City £250, while six of the Preston directors were suspended for a year.