THAMES V. OHINEMURI

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 161, 10 July 1899, Page 3

THAMES V. OHINEMURI

(Thames 6, Paeroa 3.)

(By Telegraph—Own Correspondent.)

PAEROA, Saturday

The above representative match, played at Paeroa thia afternoon, attracted by far the largest crowd ever seen at a football match at Paeroa. The Thames Union had made arrangements for a special train leaving Thames at 1.30 p.m., and not less than 350 football enthusiasts came up by this to see the match. Karangahake and Waitekauri also furnished an unusually large muster, whilst a full coachload was driven in from Waihi by Morris Crimmins from the Waihi Union. Altogether there were probably 2000 spectators present. Mr Campbell, of Auckland Referees' Association, had charge of the whistle, whilst Messrs McGregor and McShane were line umpires. The ground and ball were rendered somewhat slippery as the effect of last night's rain and a shower during the game, but nevertheless some excellent passing was indulged in by both sides. In the first spell Thames kicked off and for some minutes had Ohinemuri on the defence until relief was afforded by a long kick of Gillet's into touch. From a throw-in about half-way Ohinemuri forwards rushed the ball into Thames 25, where it went into touch. Johnston threw in and for a knock-on a scrum was formed. Ohinemuri heeled out and Jim Coote passed the ball smartly to Rockley, and the latter to Gillet, who beat two men and then made a long pass to McLean, who fell over the line, scoringamidst excitement for Ohinemuri. McLean took the kick at goal but the attempt was a failure. Cantley kicked off, and a series of scrums took place in the centre of the field, the Thames men pushing the scrums, but being beaten nearly always in the open and on the line. The Thames backs started several passing rushes but the Ohinemuri team were strong in defence, and scoring was not easy. Finally,, however, from a forward scramble the ball was passed to R. McGregor who got over, making the points 3 all. The try at goal was a failure. Thus the first spell ended, the remaining part of the spell being played near half-way.

In the second spell the battle was even fiercer and more stubborn than in the first. The Ohinemuri forwards played with great dash, being apparently in rather better training than the Thames men, and the former time and again swept down the field into Thames territory, four or five of them on one ocasion getting the ball over the line, but a force only resulted. Near the end of the spell, however, Thames rallied and managed once to force Ohinemuri. From a throw-out of touch in Ohinemuri territory Cunningham got away and when near the line passed to Cameron, who scored within three minutes of time. The kick at goal by Cunningham was unsuccessful. Thames 6 points, Ohinemuri 3 points. Time was called with play in Thames territory. This ended the best contested and finest game of football seen here for a considerable time. NOTES. The game was fast, and open and was marred by very few free kicks arid none of a dangerous nature. Dribbling rushes by the forwards and passing attacks by the backs kept the spectators constantly interested, and the game throughout was of such an even nature that excitement at timea ran high; Coming to individual play amongst the backs on the winning side, EL McGregor was undoubtedly the best, his kicking, taking of a pass, and running being very good, Buckland on the other wing also played well, but C. McLean as centre threequarter was poor. 0. Riley at fiveeights in the first spell and threequarter in the second was not so good as usual, but played fairly well at threequarter. Jack Coote at half was fair, and the same may be said of Jackson at full. Amongst the forwards Cunningham, C. McGregor, Cameron and Swindley played best, and Tiffy Laing1 on the wing did an immense amount of work for Ohinemuri. McKay at full was safe, and Keating1 and W. McLean as wing threequarters did their share. Gillett, in the centre, was the best back on the ground, his defensive play being perfect. He was ably backed up by Bockley at five-eighths, and Jim Coote at half, both of whom played splendidly, the latter is much ahead of hi a brother, who played in the same position for Thames. Parkinson and Baguat, the Ohinemuri wings, both shaped well, and in the forwards, T. Clarkin, McMillan, Trevarthen, MeGuire and Douglas were best, though all played well,