FOOTBALL.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 July 1922, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

CUP COMPETITIONS, CHAMPIONSHIP LEADERS BEATEN. OKAIAWA’3 GOOD POSITION. A 4 the result of the cup competition matches p.ayed in Taranaki on Saturday, under fine ■weather conditions, the position of the A grade championship becomes very interesting. Tukapa sustained their first defeat of the season at the hands of Patea. whilst Okaiawa defeated Hawera. this being the first occasion Hawera has been defeated on their home ground for eight years. The margin of points between Tukapa (the leaders) and Okaiawa has been reduced to one. This will lend added interest to the meeting of Tukapa and Okaiawa at New Plymouth next Saturday. In the B grade competition Old Boys were defeated by Inglewood, and now hold only a one point lead over the country team in the championship. RESULTS AT A GLANCE, The result of the matchesp-'ls as follows: A GRADE. Patea 9 v. Tukapa 3. Okaiawa 9 v. Hawera 6. Kaponga 14 v. Clifton 12. Stratford 21 v. Waimate 6. B GRADE. Inglewood 17 v. Old Boys 5. Etham 17 v. Star 9. Okato 6 v. Lepperton 3. POSITIONS OF THE TEAMS. - A GRADE.

SENIOR A. PATEA (9) v. TUKAPA (3). This match was played at Patea. Tukapa were not at full strength, being weakened by the absence of Hart. Loveridge and Beard, whilst Ennis had not quite recovered from injuries received last week. Patea also were | without the services of Thompson at full-back, j and Scuthcombe, but Tangihou played as one of the substitutes and was very solid in defence. Patea forwards played a great game throughout, and their rushes and fast following up interfered considerably, with the work of the visiting rear division. The game was fast and open, and though mostly confined to the forwards, there were at times some good flashes of passing, particularly on the part of the Tukapa backs, but the local vanguard generally smothered them before they had got far. On the day the better team I won. thanks to the great superiority of their forwards.

After five minutes’ play Tukapa were compelled to force. Later, from a free kick. Sul- j Hvan secured and passed out to Tangipou. who scored in the corner. Wills failed with the kick. The Tukapa forwards now made the game willing, and for a brief spell held i Pate* in their twenty-five, but Wills, by a nice line kick, found touch in Tukapa’s ter- ’ rltory. Prom a penalty Wills took a shot at 1 goal, which fell short. Wills again failed with | * kick from a penalty for off-side play. The Patea vanguard were now putting n lot of dash into the play in Tukapa territory, where Wills marked and kicked a good goal. The Tukapa forwards rallied and made strenuous efforts to break through their opponents’ defence. Laurie Hunt saving what looked like a certain score. Then McLean marked, but his kick was rushed down, and half-time was called with the score Patea 6. Tukapa 0. Attacks were exchanged early in the second spell, and Wills again failed to goal from a penalty. At his stage there was little to choose between the two forward teaims, both in close and open play. Patea backs then opened out. and after the ball had been nicely handled by several players it came out to Wills, who scored in the corner. He again failed to goal. Patea were next penalised for off-side play, and Hooker took the kick, but the ball fell short and was forced. Tukapa continued to press, and after a good passing rash Hooker scored but failed with the kick. The Tukapa forwards were now keeping the opposing forwards on the defensive and put considerable dash into their work, but they were unable to penetrate the defence, and time was called with the score: Patea 9 Tukapa 3 Mr. A. H. Guy reforeed. OKAIAWA (9) v. HAWERA (6). The match between Hawera and Okaiawa, at Hawera. proved somewhat disappointing. Conditions were ideal, the ground being in good order and the weather fine, whilst both d teams contained solid packs of forwards and hacks that should have been above the average on attack. It was. however, very rarely that they got going, play being mostly confined to forward rushes and kicking by the backs It was a hard fought game, being strenuously contested throughout. On the day thr Okaiawa forwards were the better pack, whilst their backs compared more than favorably with those of the home team. who. owing to the absence of Paterson and Osborne, were somewhat disorganised. Okaiawa were al<o without B Roberts and Martin. Hawera had the upper hand for a tfane, aided by failure of the Okaiawa backs to field the ball, but finally Tuke found touch at half-way. Here the ball came to Guv, who made a fine dash for the line, but no one was with him. However, from the resultant play Hawera were penalised and Roberts landed a nice goal. Hawera now livened up and made several dangerous rushes into their opponents’ territory. Johnson made a great opening for Okaiawa. hut Roberts failed to take the pass, and a chance went as the Hawera pack broke through. A little later offside play gave Okaiawa a penalty kick, and Roberts increased the score to six. A couple of penalties gave Hawera an advantage, and their forwards, for a brief spell, gained the upper hand. Roberts failed to take the ball cleanly and matters looked awkward for Okaiawa, but he recovered nicely and lined. Then a weak kick by Tuki saw Hawera, headed by Fogartv and Murphy. Charge down field, and Whittington snapped up the ball and dived over. West failed to goal. With only three points between the teams play became fast, the opposing forwards rushing the ball up and 'town field until it settled in Hawera’s territory. Strenuous play then ensued, Harris (Okaiawa) and Fogarty (Hawera) being temporarily put out of action. The early stages of the second spell saw a keen tussle, play rapidly changing from attack to defence. A fine pie<se of passing was witnessed. The hail travelled smartly through all the Hawera backs to Jenkins, who -made for the line, but Rye, who had been shifted from the other wing during the interval,

threw him to touch at the corner. Smart following up by Anderson bustled Tuki, whose kick rebounded. Robinson picked up and lost the ball, but regained possession and dived over. West failed to goal. With the scores equal play travelled fast up and down field, Hawera forwards asserting their superiority. Okaiawa worked play back, and after a quiet period their backs suddenly livened up, and the ball travelled along the line to Rye, who put on full pace and grounded the ball as he was collared by Wilkinson. Roberts failed to goal. Hawera tried hard to score, but Okaiawa withstood the attack, and time was called with ’the score : Okaiawa 9 Hawera 6 Mr. F. Hooker refereed. KAPONGA (14) v. CLIFTON (12). The above teams met at Waitara. The play was not of a very high standard, but was fast and full of incident. Clifton attacked for the greater part of the game, but their backs lacked scoring ability. Kaponga made better use of their opportunities, their backs playing a sound defensive game and showing up well on attack when the ball came their way. Clifton Immediately had Kaponga defending, and keeping up the pressure, their forwards charged down a kick by Malone and rushed the ball over the line. Fuller scoring. Colman’s kick failed. A rebound off Campbell almost let Clifton over again, but Stewart ran round and cleared. Kaponga invaded their opponents’ twenty-fire for the first time, and a spirited passing bout saw Briggs get over at the corner, but he touched the corner flag. A moment later a Clifton back failed to gather up the ball from a free kick, and McCarty picked up and ran round behind the posts. Malone converted. Colman brought «iff a tricky run, being held up right on the line. The visitors retaliated with a passing run which gained much ground. Clifton forwards carried the ball Into their opponents’ twentyfive, where Bruce and Colman had resultless shots at goal. Kaponga cleared their line and rushed the leather to the other end, where Malone added three points from a penalty kick. The home forwards worked back again, and Ross goaled from a .free kick. Malone brought temporary relief to his side by a good run and kick. Just on half-time Ross kicked another penalty goal, making the score : Clifton 9, Kaponga 8.

On resuming Clifton kept up the attack. They secured the ball in the majority of the scrums, but their passing lacked sting, and the Kaponga men were tackling well. Briggs got the blacks out of trouble and transferred play to Clifton territory. Malone took a mark and potted a fine goal. The game was fast . and open, both sides taking a turn in attack. A Kaponga rust, overwhelmed Ross, and Lynskey, snapping up the leather, outpaced the Clifton men and grounded the ball behind the posts. Malone’s kick was poor. Clifton returned to the attack and were rewarded by a try, Taylor scoring from a forward rush. Ross failed to convert. The yelI low forwards took charge of the gaitne at this stage, and had the blacks penned in their twenty-five for the remainder of the spell. . Some hot work ensued on the Kaponga line, i but the blacks' defence was sound, and they succeeded in keeping thejr- line clear removed play to half-way, when time was called with the scores : Kaponga 14 Clifton 12 STRATFORD (21) v. WAIMATE (5). Stratford gained a fairly easy victory over Waimate at Stratford by 21 to 5, although the scores perhaps do not fairly indicate the respective strength of the teams. Winters and Birchall on the Waimate side were injured, only one man being replaced, while Sharrock. on the other side, was injured early in the first spell and was replaced by Boon. With the sun behind them Stratford made the game fairly willing, Fissington getting over. His try was not converted. Following a Waimate attack Sandford scored, Phillipa neatly converting. Vaughan scored a moment later, Ginner Collins converting. Just before the end of the spell Ginner Collins, who was playing a great game, potted a good goal, making the scores: Stratford 12, Waimate 5. The second spell was not particularly interesting, but was relieved, however, by bright flashes. A pretty run by Vaughan was followed by good passing. Court appearing to get over. From a scrum Court secured and , just got over. Collins' loick went a little wide. A wild speculator by Waimate’s fullback brought the Stratford pack down, and the ball came out to Vaughan, who scored. Collins’ kick again narrowly'*missed. Just on ■ the call of time Vickers kicked a good goal : from a penalty, unaking the scores:— Stratford 21 Waimate 5 J Mr. C. A. Gray refereed. SENIOR B. ELTHAM (17) ¥. STAR (9). The Eltham v. Star match at Pukekura Park was not a brilliant exhibition, but was not lacking in interest and excitement. As the game progressed it resolved itself into a goal-kicking duel between King (Eltham) and Dunford (Star). Eltham, however, had the earlier advantage of two tries, and ran out winners by 17 points to 9. Eltham played eleven juniors, but their backs gave a very fair display. Loveridge, who played a good game throughout, made a tricky swerving run soon after the kick-off. and though he could not reach the line, PennialX scored a minute later from a scrum near the line. King failed , with the kick. Loveridge was instrumental in another score soon afterwards, a pretty passing bout ending in Page crossing the line. King’s kick was unsuccessful. Dunford tried an unsuccessful kick at goal, which Patterson followed up well and touched down, hut the try was disallowed for a prior Infringement. A kick by King from just inside half-way hit the post, but another shot from a similar distance back sailed over the bar. An infringement, gave Dunford an opportunity with a penalty kick, and from a long way back he placed a fine goal. Half-time came with the score: Eltham 9, Star 3.

Early in the second spell Dunford had another shot froen near the half-way mark, the ball hitting the post and falling over the bar. dashed over after a strenuous tusi sle on Star’s goal-line, and converted Ins own I try. From following play Dunford got another opportunity to kicic a penalty goal from a long distance back, but a second good attempt a little later fell short. Loveridge I broke away and looked like scoring, but Falwasser, who had replaced Hurley, who had [ suffered injury, overhauled him and smother•ed the ball. Play brightened up, the honors being evenly divided till towards the end. when E*ltham pressed Star and from an infringement King placed another goal, the final score being:— , Eltham 17 j Mr. F. Webb refereed in the early stages, hut retired injured, when Mr. E- Gilmour took charge. OKATO (6) v. LEPPERTON (3). This match was played in Western Park. Playing against the sun, Okato kicked off and I immediately assumed the offensive. Some clever work by Fussell temporarily relieved, but i Lepperton had to force before effectually I clearing. Shortly afterwards Okato were in , difficulties, and kicks off twice in succession I from quarter-way failed to extricate them. Lepperton had hard luck when Rophia was I recalled after breaking through in front of the ! goal. A combined movement, executed with j great energy, saw O’Sullivan gather up smart--IHy and score,near the posts. Paul and Grayling were conspicuous for Lepperton. Following up gave Rowe a chance, and he touched 1 down in the corner. Grayling’s kick, though a good one, went just outside. On the commencement of the second spell neither team was prominent, though both sides had opjjortunities. Okato drew first blood, when from the loose Roebuck dived over. The kick hit the post. No, other scores were added, and the game ended: — ( Okato i; Lepperton 3 Mr. McLean refereed,

INGLEWOOD (17) v. OLD BOYS (5), I This game was played at Inglewood, and the home team had the best of the game throughout. Inglewood assumed the aggressive imhiediately, off-side play giving Old Boys a chance to clear. The relief. was only mo-’ mentary, for Coutts returned with a good kick. A scramble ensued Ou Old Boys’ line, until Lumsden secured the ball and transferred it to (Dean, who scored in a good position. The major points were not added. Play then hung aroimd mid-field for some time. Inglewood’s forwards slowing up. Shortly . afterwards Old Boys carried the ball down the field, and a neat bout of passing ende’d in Boon getting across just under the posts. Doyle convert- 1 ed. From the kick off *nglewood attacked and pressed Old Boys hard. A series of ■ scrums ,and line-outs followed. Inglewood be- ' ing twice penalised for off-side play. From I the second kick Inglewood got the ball and j carried it to Old Boys’ line, where Bishell ; gathered it up and scored. The kick at goal again failed. At half-time the scores were: Inglewood 6. Old Boys !J. On resuming Inglewood attacked hard, and the game became strenuous. Ward had to retire for a few minutes as the result of a knock on the side of the head. Old Boys were penalised for off-side play, and- L. Ross kicked a fine goal. At this stage the home forwards were getting the better of the gaane in the scrums and were quickly on to the visitors’ backs. From loose play Dean secured, and a good run ended in a try near the corner. Once again the kick failed. With a deficit of seven points Old Boys became aggressive, but Inglewood's defence was solid, and they quickly turned the tables, a free kick bringing relief. Smith marked after a succession of kicks, and shortly afterwards Doyle had a shot at goal, but the ball fell a long way short, Inglewood returning play to half-way. Old Boys attacked, but bad passing and fumbling spoilt their chances. From a line-out Wynyard secured the ball and transferred it to Marks, who made a great run and.' then passed to Eggleton, who was brought down near the line. Again Old Boys attacked and again and again tried hard to score, but from a line-out\ Sutherland secured the ball, and running practically the length of the field, scored near the posts. L. Ross converted. The game ended: — Inglewood 17 Oid Boys 5 Mr. Spurdie refereed. NORTHERN DIVISION. SECOND GRADE. Clifton (9) defeated Tukapa (3). THIRD GRADE. Old Boys (16) defeated Star (3). For the winners Newell (2) and Drader scored tries, two of which were converted, one by Newell and the other by McHardy, whilst Drader kicked' a penalty goal. For Star Morris kicked a penafty goal. This match places Old Boys in ihe lead, a point ahead of Star. Clifton (19) defeated Tukapa (3). Technical College (17) defeated Lepperton (3). FOURTH GRADE. High School C (24) defeated Star (3). High School D (8) defeated Old Boys (6). SOUTHERN DIVISION. FOURTH GRADE. At Hawera, Waimate defeated Hawera by G points to 3. Mr. Day refereed. At Patea Hawera Technical School defeated Patea by 5 points to 3. Hammond scored a try and Griffin converted for school, and Lusk scored a try for Patea. MAORI TEAM v. AUCKLAND. A WIN FOR AUCKLAND. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, July 22. Tlie Rugby match between Auckland and the Maori touring team was played in ideal conditions, the attendance being 10,000. In the first h' If the Maoris had the better of the game, but play was disappointing, there being a lot of tight, close work, with little of a high standard. In the second half there was a decided improvement generally, both sides opening up -and throwing the ball about well. Auckland predominated, but play throughout was rather ragged, the combination of the Maoris apt being what might have been expected, though there was much individual brilliancy in tight work. The Maori forwards were the better, getting the ball more frequently than their opponents, but in the loose [Auckland had the advantage. Auckland kicked off facing the sun. the I. Maoris at once attacking, and Auckland being ! forced twice in quick succession. Then a j loose rush carried play from Auckland’s twenty-five, followed by passing by both '•divisions. which ended in Bruhsden scoring between the posts. Ifwerson converted. The Maoris attacked strongly with a series of passing rushes, but Auckland cleared several times. The Maoris continued their pressure, and from a fine loose forward rush Gemmell scored, Akuira converting. Shortly after, Akuira landed a penalty goal. Auckland attacked, but faulty handling let the Maoris back, and at half-time they had Auckland penned on the line. The Maoris attacked on resuming, but the Auckland forwards, by good work, kept them at hay. Eai’l set his backs going in a series of rushes until at last the ball went out to Williams pi) -the wing, and the latter showing pace and •_ beating his opponents, scored an unconverted try. Fast plaj* followed, and the Maoris, by a strong rally in their own twenty-five, started .- a series of passing, which resulted in Phil- I lips scoring, but Akuira failed with the kick. ! Immediately after Auckland swept down the ! field, and a clever passing bojit ended in Wiseman scoring near the Corner. Ifwerson failed to convert. Play them became exciting, each side makiif& determined efforts to obtain the deciding points. The ball travelled up and down the field, Auckland being in the ascendancy. Finally Karl, after a series of attacks, crossed the line, Ifwerson converting. The game ended Auckland 16 Maorip JI PLAYER’S FINE PERFORMANCE. Palmerston N., Last Night. A return match between Horowhenua. and Manawatu resulted in the signal defeat of Horowhenua by 32 points to 16. A feature of the game was Swainson’s kicking, and this player contributed 17 points to Manawatu’s score by kicking three penalty goals out of three shots and converting four of five tries. IN THE CENTRES. RESULTS OF SATURDAY’S PLAY. Wellington.—Oriental 12 v. Petone G; Berhampore. G •v. Selwyn 3; jPoneke 10 v. University 5; Marist 25 v. Wellington 0; Athletic 6’ v. Old Boys 5. Dunedin.—University A IS v. Zingari-Rich-fnond 12; Kaikorai 15 v. Pirates 5; Alhambra 13 v. University B »: Taieri r.overs S v. Union 0; Dunedin 12 v. Port Chalmers 6. The flag points are as follows: University A 20, Kaikorai and Pirates 18. Zingari-Riehmond 16, Alhambra 12, Dunedin and University P» 10, Southern 8, Taieri Rovers G, Port Chalmers 2, ; ’Union 0. Christchurch.—Marlsts 14 v. Merivale 7. The winners thus assured themselves of the championship shield. 'Varsity 30 v. Christchurch 12; Linwood 38 v. Albion 7: Old Boys and Sydenhahi-Lytteltdn drew with 3 points each. The championship points are: Marists 12, Linwood 10%, Merivale 3, Christchurch 7%, 'Varsity 6%.

THE LEAGUE GAME. Christchurch, Last Nifht. League results are : Sydenham 16 v. Addington 13, thus winning the championship; Linwood 11 v. Federal 3, THE ASSOCIATION GAME. MATCH IN AUSTRALIA. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received July 23, 5.5 p.m. Sydney, July 23. The Australian “Soccer” team which recently toured New Zealand played a drawn match with New South Wales, one all.

£ s i Q a Tnkapa 12 10 1 1 21 Okaiawa 12 10 9 20 Patea 12 8 4 — 16 TT $ wpr’ 11 6 3 2 14 Clifton 11 £» 6 10 Kaponga ... 11 5 6 10 Stratford ... 12 4 e 9 Opunake ... 11 1 8 2 4 Waimate ... 12 . — B GRADE. 12 — 0 Old Boys ... 10 9 20 Inglewood .. 12 9 9 19 Eltham ... 12 5 5 2 12 Okato 12 4 6 2 10 Star 12 3 » 2 8 Lepperton .. 12 — 9 3 3