FOOTBALL.

Wairoa Bell, Volume V, Issue 219, 13 October 1893, Page 7

FOOTBALL.

KOPURU II v. ARATAPU II A very close and interesting contest took place between these two teams on Saturday, and it is described by many as the best game of the season. The teams were so evenly matched that it was thought yet another match would have to be arranged to decide the tie, but just in the last minute of the game the Aratapu towards rushed the ball over the Kopuru line and Higgins scored a try which Walker converted, leaving the red. and blacks winners of the Junior Championship for 1893 just at the the end of time. The ground was in good order and the numerous s pectators were treated to a good display. MV A. E. Harding was referee and gave general satisfaction to both sides as well as spectators. All players worked hard bnt the following are worthy of special mention. Amongst the Kopuru backs W. Lowrie, Cox, and Mellroy did splendid work, the first named being about the pick of the team. Davera at, fullback made very few mistakes, and amongst the marone forwards Matthews, Bartley, Fowler and Hockey were the most brilliant. On the Aratapu side F. Walker and Jamieson were specially brilliant, and Lendrum and Harrison also played fine games in the back division. O’Neill kept bis men well screwed up, and Newman, Harrison and Higgins were (conspicuous amongst the forwards. Some of the maidens present were very emphatic in their applause and not knowingvery much about the game sometimes were jubilant with false hopes, and when politely informed ‘Your sold, this time,’ their mouths speedily closed. When, however, the score really was made the uproar was something terrific and the scene worthy of an artist’s pencil. The Secretary ef the local Rugby Union has received no reply from the Dargaviile Club re a contribution towards the expense of steamer chartered and sent up by the Union for the convenience of the up-river Clubs but which was not used. The Secretary of the Mangawhare Club replied that he had no funds aud there really was no Club, We understand that Mr A. Harding, president of the latter Club, has voluntarily offered to pay thirty shillings (half cost) on behalf of the Mangawhare Club, as he considers the Union’s claim a very fair and reasonable one.