FOOTBALL.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3773, 31 March 1891, Page 2

FOOTBALL.

Efcotahuna r. P&ilatua. (From Our Own Correspondent) On Easter Monday, favored with glorious weather, tbe natives of Eketahuna held high holiday, and pic-nics and parties were the order of the day. The principal attraction was the annual match between the Eketahuna and Pahiatua Football Clubs. Owing to the number of young men now congregated in the bush both clubs were able to put strong teams in the field. Eketahuna, however, had a Blight advantage, as, although the Pahiatua men were quite as heavy and perhaps more scientific, they were three men short, a very considerable handicap. That it was thoroughly well contested ws* proved by the fact that only one paint w*3 scored throughout the game, viz—a splendid try obtained amidst applause by Duboi<?, who, from a very tricky pass, landed the ball safely in touch. The teamß were as follows : Pahiatua—T. Hodgins (skipper), D. Puckle, fullback; H. Perry and F. Morris, halves, Broughton and Hodgins, three-quarters ; and F. Vile, F T. Sail, McOardle (8), flail and Knight/ forwards. Eketa-■ka-F. Pellius (ekipper); Dubois;,

Ross, J. Pellinsr, Ashdown, Dowsetti Carroll, Fogden, Henderson, Jones, forwards j Backs ; Priest (full); Atkinson and Francis, halves ; arid W. Dowsett and Ross, three-quarters. Eketahuna won the toss and elected to play with the wind, and during the first spell succeeded .in keeping the ball well in their oppouents twenty fives. On one occasion J. McCardle, with a desperate rush, succeeded in getting the leather over the Eketahuna line, but the try was disputed and disallowed by the referee. Half time was called without any score being made, and on resuming work the game became fast and furious. Strenuous efforts were made by F. D. Polling and Francis to score for the home team, and for the visitors Hodgins and F. Perry proved a whole host. Just within ten minutes of time a scrum resulted in the Pahia. tua twenty-five, through an unfortunate hand ball. The Eketahuna men then made a firm stand, and the opportunity occurring, Dubois used it to advantage and succeeded in scoring the only try of the day, which, however, Pelling failed to convert, A few minutes afterwards time was called. The duties of umpire were kindly undertaken by Messrs J. Godfrey and F. Wilson, Mr F. 0. Tumor acting as referee. The match between the Ponekes and Bast Christchurch, played at Wellington on Saturday, resulted in a draw, neither side scoring.