FOOTBALL.

Waipa Post, Volume I, Issue 23, 4 July 1911, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

KIHIKIHI V. TE AWAMUTU

Nothing better than the dry, fast turf and the brilliant sunshine which prevailed, could have been desired for the meeting between these two teams at Kihikihi on Saturday last.

Zest was lent to the meeting by reason of recent happenings, which have been the subject of correspondence in the columns of the WAIPA POST.

The play of the competing teams, though marked bv unmistakable keenness and spirit, never degenerated into ill-temper nor assumed the aspect of excessive vigour. When the teams last met at Te Awamutu a timely letter appeared in the POST protesting against the abusive larrikinism of a certain type of onlooker. Unfortunately this detestable adjunct of modern sport forgot to remain quietly at home on Saturday last. There is no palliation whatever for the spectator who has played the game, but who, finding defeat unpalatable, indulges in the reprehensible practice of referee-baiting.

The game itself was a fast and clean exhibition of football. Never, from beginning to end, did the players degenerate to the level of the baser sort of spectator. In the result Kihikihi won by 20 points to 3. From the start they were the better team, and on the day's play only one result was possible. It was felt by some Te Awamutu supporters that the margin of victory was scarcely justified by the character of the play. Against this, however, it must be remembered that for fully threeparts of the game the superiority of the Kihikihi team was plainly manifest. Only for a short time in the third spell did Te Awamutu attain even a semblance of equality, and even at this stage their efforts never seemed seriously to menace the commanding lead which, by that time, the home team had secured.

In front and behind Kihikihi were the better side, and the continuous and steady pressure was fairly reflected in steady and continuous scoring.

Despite this, the game did not degenerate into tameness. Though beaten, Te Awamutu never lost heart. The score went against them, but at last the gloom of defeat was lightened by a brilliant try scored by Archie Kay. No other points fell to their.lot. No scoring took place in the second quarter. In the third quarter Te Awamutu fairly well held their own, but failed to prevent Kihikihi adding 5 points to the score.

The final stage of the game marked scores on both sides. At a time when it seemed as though Te Awamutu would be defeated pointless, A. Kay scored as already described, but in taking the place kick /ailed badly.

On the other hand Kihikihi added 5 points to their score. Jim Kay scored the try, which Wilson converted. The placekicking of Wilson was, indeed, a noteworthy feature of the game. Four tries were scored by Kihikihi, and in no case did he fail to convert.

In apportioning praise to the winners it would be invidious to particularise individuals. From back to front they played a sterling game. For the first time this season the te?m was practically at full strength. On the side of the losers Petley, A. Kay, Cox, Shine, Ryder, Cunningham, and one or two others did much to prevent defeat becoming a debacle. Mr Jos Corboy was in charge of the game, and though he seemingly failed to satisfy some of his infallible but raucous critics, performed his duties with diligence and impartiality. After the contest the Te Awamutu team were entertained at the Alpha Hotel, their performances at this stage of the proceedings giving no indication that defeat had produced any unusual depression of spirits.

The following team will represent Te Awamutu on Saturday next at Ohaupo: Pettly, Kay, Speeres, Keefe, Cox, Shine, Cunningham, Reynolds, Teddy, McConkey, Ryder, McConkey, J. McGovern, Hinton, Humby. Emergencies, Starns, Laurie.