FOOTBALL.

Waipa Post, Volume I, Issue 11, 23 May 1911, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

The first match of the season in connection with the Te Awamutu Football Club was played at Alexandra Park on Saturday, when the Kihi Kihi players met the local team. Both clubs had the best possible team in the field, and the game throughout was a well-contested one. Messrs D. Thomson and W. G. Abbott were captains of the Kihi Kihi and Te Awamutu teams respectively. Shine kicked off for the local team, and after some give-and-take play the ball went out close to the Kihi Rihi line. From the throw-in which followed, Maunder secured the ball and dashed over the line. Shortly after the kick-off Cox was penalised for off-side play, Thomson kicking a goal.

For the second half the home team had the advantage of having the sun at their backs. By a good strong forward rush headed by Ryder, Shine got possession, and after' some good passing between Cox and Abbot, Spears crossed the line. The kick at goal failed. Some loose play followed, when Abbott picked up the ball, transferred to Kay, who scored. The kick was again unsuccessful. The game now became exciting, as Te Awamutu were leading by one. Kihi Kihi forwards rallied, and tried hard to score, but the defence of the ■local backs was too strong. F. McConkey headed a forward rush to the home team’s line, but the ball was forced out, and from the throw-in Cox got possession, passed to Abbott, who passed in nick of time to A. Kay, the latter scoring. Shortly after the whistle sounded, with the scores —Te Awamutu 9 points(3 tries) to 5 (1 try and penalty goal). 'The game throughout was a very friendly one, and was equally enjoyable to spectator and player.

After the match the visitors were entertained at the Commercial Hotel by the home team.