RUGBY FOOTBALL

Auckland Star, Volume LV, Issue 219, 15 September 1924, Page 9

RUGBY FOOTBALL

THAMES V. AUCKLAND B. A. REMARKABLE GAME. j RAPIDLY FLUCTUATING FOBTUXE. ( AUCKLA>"D WIN 31 TO SO. A remarkable game marked the final of the Eugby season at Eden Park on Saturday, when an Auckland B team played Thames. It was a game of tall scoring, in which each side had turn and turn about. The lead alternated in the second spell in quick succession, the score mounting rapidly, and it was a neck and neck contest right to the finish, when il came Auckland's turn for a pena.ty kick. Peters, who had kicked consistently well, found the goal, and robbed Thames of the lead, giving his side a one point victory. The game was more spectacular than brilliant, but there were many bright breakaways among both forward and back divisions, ii which individual rather than combined work was the order. Thames had the lead no less than three times in th;. second half, after wiping off an 18-11 advantage scored by Auckland in the first apell. Excellent goalkicking by G. Winder was partly responsible for the regularity of the visitors' score. It wae a snappy, bright game with which to conclude the representative fistnres of the season. The teams— Thames.—G. Winder, Morriasey,- A. Winder, Buchanan, liook, LocKett, Pratt, Kelly, Smith, Lomas, M. Hay ward (captain j, Bruuion, Crawiorii, Pollock, Strange. Auckland.—O'Brien, WUliama, Pciliam, Jaggs, Sheen, Mcilanus, Lusk, Lynch, Keeb'un, Peters, Bridgemcui, Goodacre, Daiton, Stewart, Hamwaya. Auckland got a chance to handle from the jump, but Sheen dropped a pass when Peters sent the bail across. ileilanus dropped a mark from Thames, and O'Brien lineu, letting Thames past midway. A similar mistake by Morrissey brought Auckland back, only to be tnwarted by an infringement. 'Xhe game "was tame until Auckland backs had a run. Jaggs, on the wing, centring, and the forwards carried the game to the line, but also lost the opportunity by an infringement. Buchanan changed defence to attack by running right to O'Brien, in the twenty-five, but when he transferred his supporter was collared. Juet as quickly, Auckland came back along the line, and then Sheen kkked over the opposing backs'- heads, enabling Williams to bustle Winder, and Sheen to dribble over the line, where Samwaya touched down. Peters converted. Auckland backs were getting opportunities, but the ball usually came across to Jaggs without the defence being broken, ! and the winger was smothtred. McManus made a blunder with a pass from Lusk, and Thames cleared to O'Brien, whose kick was returned, and Buchanan securing in the loose made another tricky run to near the side, the ball passing through several hands across the goalmouth, Hook sending out to Lomas, who scored. Winder converted. Auckland 5, Thames 5. Thames in the Lead. The Thames pack used Its additional weight to force Auckland down their line into the twenty-five, where J. Winder kicked a penalty from an infringement, giving his side the lead. Mcllanua. next time he received from Lusk, tried short kicking again, but these tactics lost the advantage, Winder clearing right into Auckland's twenty-five. Here the Thames backs handled better, and Morrissey dashed for the corner, being thrown out on the flag. Thomas hooked from the scrum, but Hook knocked on. O'Brien failed to clear, end in ragged play the bail came across the field where three Thames men handled, Crawford scoring. The kick failed. At quarter-time the score stood: Thames 11, Auckland 5. Buchanan, fumbling, allowed Pelham to break down the line, and the Auckland backs, in a combined effort, went for a score, but Jaggs again failed to find anyone with a reverse pass. Hook changed the position with a burst and kick to O'Brien, who saved, and the play came back to midfield. Pelham tried short punting, and another chance was lost, Lockett receiving, and malting a good run with A. Winder. Give-and-take play followed. O'Brien marked when he had plenty or time to clear, and essayed a long shot at goal, which went along the ground; but Auckland continued aggressive, Lusk marKing, and essaying unsuccessfully at goai. Then Williams profited by an opponent's mistake, picking up and bnstling his way across, Peters goaling. Pratt dropped a kick from Lusk, and Goodacre, following up quickly, Thames were in trouble until A. Winder saved cleverly. However. Lusk marked from a line-out and kicked a goal, putting Auckland in front again. The advantage was soon increased. Lynch breaking through. Peters converted. At halftime: Auckland *8 Thames ••• • • n Xhe Scores Alternate. After a punting bout, Goodacre and Samways worked through from the centre, but ■Morgan. Hayward retaliated, Auckland, however, being left on the attack until Thames forwards cleared to halfway. Jaggs gave the spectators a thrill by kicking over the line, but was beaten in the race for the ball. Headed by M. Hayward, the visitors came to the attack, the veteran sending on to Hook, who pushed O'Brien aside, but lost possession. Strange came through and got possession, to score a try, which G. Winder converted. A bout of interchanging between G. Winder and Kelly, and poor tackling by Auckland backs let Thames back to the attack, and G. Winder kicked a penalty goal, again putting the visitors in the lead. A brilliant cut-through by Sheen was arrested by G. Winder, at full-back, but it got Auckland within scoring range. From the scrum the ball came from Lusk across to Williams, whose superior pace got him a try in the corner. Peters goaled well. Hayward was conspicuous in several Thames attacks, but a continued passins movement beat them back until Hook brok« through, and kicking down to the goals, followed up and scored near the posts. G. Winder converted. The visitors' lead was changed a minute later, for on changing round Sheen made another clean breakaway dummying the opposition until he got to the full-back, and then giving Williams an easy try. which Peters a^ain-converted. Yet another try followed to Thames. Hook making another fine opening in his own territory, and beat O'Brien te pass out to Strange, when tackled by Lusk, the forward capping off a consistent game by scoring. G. Winder this time missed the kick and Auckland were still a point in front. Thames worked hard to get the lead and pressed Anckland to their stoal mouth. I Here a penalty came their way ana Gi Winder put it over. Anckland cot into .•« i promising position and sent the ball across, ! but the ball went over Jaggs' head ana j Thames cleared. Penalty Wins Game. Another bout looked certain to materialise for Jaggs gave Williams the ball on tne line, but the winger was pushed out when a dive would have brought a score However, the local side's turn came when their opponents were penalised and Peters kicked another goal. A high punt by Peters say» a Thames back fail to clear, and Auckland attacked in the corner. The concluding stages of the game were higbiy exciting, the game zig-zagging about the ground until Hook threatened to score from a cutthrough at the centre. O'Brien just got him in time, and Auckland cleared as the bell went. The final score was: Auckland 31 Thames - 30 Mr. W. Meredith wa3 referee. THE JUNIOR REPS. BEATEN. PUKEKOHE 14 V. AUCKLAND 5. The Auckland Junior representatives visited Pukekohe on Saturday, to meet the Pukekohe senior representatives, and a hard, fast and cleanly-contested game was witnessed by a big crowd. The Ancklanders made the pace willing from the start, but the defence of the home team was sound, and the visitors were held at bay nntH the home men got into their stride. Auckland were umncky in not scoring , on three occasions, but they have themselves to blame, as their handling was very erratic throughout. J. Lewis. L. Woou <Z> and L. Wilson scored tries for Puiekohe- PerTy converting one. while rijrht on time Nicholls scored a try for Auckland, Baddeley addinjr the major points. The curtain-raiser between the Pukekohe High School cadets and members of the 41st Company senior cadets, resulted la a wia lor (be scholars b j 41 points to %

AUCKLAND V. TARANAKI. LAST INTERPROVINCIAL MATCH. AUCKLAND WIN 17 POINTS TO 12. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) NEW PLYMOUTH, Saturday. The match, Taranaki v. Auckland, was played here to-day lv the presence of a large croud of spectators. The weather was fine and the ground in good condition. The match was not a particularly bright exhibition of the Rugby code, both real divisions lacking finish. The vanguards worked like Trojans, and the game was mostly confined to them. The ''superior weight of the visitors stood them in good stead, and they ran out winners by 17 points to 12. Taranaki openei against a gentle breeze which nffected high-kicking. The sun, which shone fitfully, was a little troublesome. Taranaki had the advantage lri" the opening stages, and clean hooking in the scrum enable* Jeffries to set the backs ir motion several times, but good tackling crippled many promising movements. The first score came to the home side from a penalty kick just inside half-way, Ennl! placing a fine goal. This was followed bj a pretty attacking movement by the visi tors. The ball travelled through the backs very cleanly till Ennis got between Ifwer sen, Charter deflecting the ball and changing the compaction of the game. The advantage was follower up, and from half-way th( local backs set up a counter-attack, whict ended In Ennis scoring at the corner The visitors then began more vigorous for ward rushes, and clever dribbling b: Knight, Batty and McLean carried th( game within striking distance, Batty even tually forced his way over, Ifwersen con verting, the ball striking the post and fall in; inside. A penalty kick for off-side gave Aneklan< a further three points. Ifwersen goalin-i from the twenty-five yaris line. Taranak added a further try Just on half-time fron a fine movement in which several player handled In turn, Lovcridge patting th. finishing touch by scoring near the posts The kick failed as the hell soun<kyJ, witi the score: Taranaki t 9 Auckland 8 Two Quick Tries. Loft retired giving place to Foster. Th visitors set up a hot attack, the forward using weight to advantage. Two trie were scored in quick succession. Kear forced his way over 'in a scramble ani Foster finished off a nice movemen initiated by Ifwersen and Kirwai cleverly cutting in. Neither try was cdh verted. Hard play of an uninterestini character followed both sides pressing hard Some clever saves and clearances wer made by both fullbacks, who piayed wel throughout. Anderson was responsibl for the next score for the visitors, Kirwai giving him an opportunity. A successio; of free kicks gave several chances to botj sides. With one of which Ennis was sut cessful. The concluding stages of th game were in favour of the visitors, bu they were unable to penetrate the defencf The game ended j Auckland 17 I Taranaki 12 | SECOND GRADE. Auckland City Council 3, drew with T Kuiti reps. 3. North Shore journeyed to Swanson an defeated the local team by 17 points to 3. Grafton 13, defeated Marist Bros, i Tries were scored for Grafton by Phillip (2) and Wilkins (1). Ilicklin converted tries. THIRD GRADE. CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI-FINAL. Marist Old Boys 11, beat North Shore i For the winners tries were scored by Culler Lanlgan, and Kelly. Brodie converted on< For the losers, Campbell and Curtagn scored tries, and Stokes converted one. j THIRD INTERMEDIATE FINAL. | The final of the third intermediate grad was won by Ponsonby, who beat Suburt by 24 to O. This is the fourth year i succession that Ponsonby club has won th: grade. 1 FOURTH GRADE. IGrey Lynn 16, beat North Shore 0. Post and Telegraph won from Newton b : default. j OTAKI CUP FINAL. i Auckland Harbour Board 31, beat Cv; toms Agents t>. This was the final lor Lt Otaki Lap. ', | GARAGES CUP. Electrical Construction Co. v. Gillett ; Combined ended in a draw—3 all. HOUSE MATCH, j J. T. Julian and Sons 20, beat Geor; Court's 6. PRIMARY SCHOOLS* GAME. AUCKLAND V. FRANKLIN. The Auckland primary schools' reps, be: Franklin school reps, by 19 to 8. Trii i were scored in the first spell by Daisl McPherson, and Mincham for Aucklan one of them being converted by Minchai and the spell ended with Auckland leadii 11 to 0. Early in the second spell Hassu and McPherson added tries, one of whic McPherson converted. In the last quarti the Franklin boys came to light, az Kewish and Craig scored tries, one i which was converted by Lakeman. | PRIMARY SCHOOLS' KNOCK-OUT. The first week's play In the Prima: School Rugby knock-out competith resulted as follows :— A Grade.—Kowhai A 6, beat Newtc East 0; Richmond Road 11, beat Kowh; B 3 ; Beresford Street a bye. B Grade.—Onehunga 11, beat Cornwa Park 5 : Epsom 11, heat Mount Roskill C »ir»de. —Remuera 34, beat Newto Central 0; Newton West beat Richmor West; Parnell won by default from Gre Lynn. D Grade.—Devonport 7, beat Vanxhall P. AND T. V. TAKANINI. A very interesting game was played <i the Devonport Rugby ground on Sacurds between teams representing Post and Tel graph and TakaninL As this was a retui match, the teams were very keen, and a enjoyable game was wintessed. The matt ended with the P. and T. winning by tl small margin of three poijits. The seori were: P. and T. 18, Takanini 15. • BINNEY CUP. RETAINED BY HAMILTON CITT. The City team on Satnrday at Haml ton played off the second challenge for tl Binney Cup, when Leamington (Car bridge) met them. The attendance w; only fair, and the game could not be call* brilliant. The local hacks were superior I the visitors', Mac Johnston playing a gre: game. The visiting forwards held the own. The game ended In City's favour, I to 0. Tries were scored by Courtney (. and Johnston (1), and the latter ah kicked a penalty goal. COUNTRY MATCHES. HAMILTON. The Hamilton thirds and Piako thin drew 3 all. ROTORCA. The Walklte Juniors, holders of the M ffntosb Shield, were challenged by tl Cadet Old Eoys (Tauranga) on Saturday, th match" taking place at Arawa Park bright weather. Waiklte were the betti team throughout. The result was: Waiki: i 13, Cadet Old Boys 3. PAEROA. ! The final for the Sharehrokers' Cup w: played on Saturday in the presence < a large number of spectators. East d cisively beating West by 10 points to n; Tries were scored by R. Smith and Neil, H. Thorp converting both. Third Grade.—Paeroa High School be: East by 17 to nil. WAIHI. In the final of the Cup Waikife beat Mataura 3. Tries were scored 1 Price and McDermot for the winners. Smi: scored for the losers. District High School 13, heat Third Grai reps. 3. TE AROHA. Hamilton thirds defeated Piaio thirds 1 11 points to 3. OHAKUNE. The Ohakune Returned Soldiers plav< a match with the Kaetihi Returned -Sc diers and won by 8 to 3. Xhe gat takini l yeie for injured niajer*

I AUCKLAND V. NORTHERN WAIROA. ' WIN FOB HOME TEAM. I I An Auckland representative team met Northern Wairoa reps., the holders of the Harding shield, and were defeated by 13 | points to 0, after a good exposition of football. There was a strong wind blowing, " and the sun was shining brightly, and the local team opened up against both these disadvantages. Play opened up at halfway, until Keary obtained possession and ' raced up the held, but Harding stopped him * nrid returned play to half. Fast following " up by Faulkner, Warmington. and Downer * smothered Gray's return kick, and the «• visitors (blues) were put *>n the defence. » Bachelor, Culpan, Abel, nnd McDonald g . headed a rush to the yellow line. Wade ,"> I marking and saving a dangerous position. I : Warmington, Humphries, and Rika trans- ■ fcrred play to half. William, Faulkner, « and Downer carried on to the blue twenty- •' ] live, where Ho]>kins relieved to half. From <■ ■ a scrum Batchelor heeled out nicely to •> ! Earlly, who raced away, then passed to « ' McGregor, who was grassed by Wade near J j the home line. I r Shortly after the kick-out in the second I quarter, Earlly started his bucks going, j but the run was stopped by Harding at the ! yellow twenty-five. The blue backs got " l going again, when Simonsen relieved to , j half. Warmington followed up very fast, | ] which saw the bines defending. From a » scrum Morrish obtained possession. He I passed to Pearce, who raced over the line v I and scored. Harding made a good attempt , * but failed at goal. Northern Wairoa 3, |* Auckland 0. * The home team kept on the attack near the line, until Hopkins relieved to his twenty-five." Keary, Abel, Stewart, and Wakcrly took play to near the yellow line, Wade saving a dangerous position, with no { further score before half-time. , The second half opened with an inter- i I change of marks, four being recorded, j | Warmington followed a kick up fast, and ' j ' smothered Gray's return at the blue . twenty-Uve. William and Pearce carried on to the blue line, a touch in goal result- I ( ing. The blue forwards attacked, but Wade relieved to half with a big kick. The blue \ forwards again charged the yellow line, ; and Wade again came to the rescue. Mor- I rish started his backs going, but Pearce ' passed forward, and spoilt a chance of a , score. The home forwards carried play to the blue twenty-five, where Hopkins stopped J : them for a while. Downer, Rika, Hum- ; phries and Warmington carried on to the blue line. The yellows kept the blues pinned - .i up until Harding marked, but his kick at ' goal was fruitless. The bell then sounded : for change over. ' i. I From the kick out three marks were .' recorded, then Simonsen with a good kick, ' i I and Gray returning badly, saw the blues J ! defending Faulkner obtained possession of '• the leather, passed to Brydon, who caught i j the ball on his back, having to run some . j yards before he could get it in his arm, at . \ the same time having to beat some of his • opponents. He then passed to Gould, who : I raced up the field, then passed to Harding, : the latter scoring behind the posts. The latter player also converted the try. making the scores: Northern Wairoa 8, Auckland 0. The visiting forwards then took charge' and carried play to the home twenty-five, but Humphries, Kifca and Jones relieved to half-way. Uhen the visiting forwards kept the home team busy defending for > a time, nntil Harding broke away with the ball at his feet, Gray stopping him I at the blue twenty-five. Wade followed up a kick and started a passing rush, which was stopped by Hamilton. Morrish obtained I ! possession, passed to Bryden, then the ball : went to Gould, who sent it on to Harding, and the latter raced to the line, -where . Gray was waiting for him, then threw the leather out to Simonsen, who had no opposition, and raced round behind the goal posts and scored. Harding added the . points. Northern Wairoa 13, Auckland 0. Mr. T. C. Webb gave every satisfaction as referee. . As a curtain-raiser the wnangarei T.M.C.A. played the Northern Wairoa Third Grade Reps., and won by 14 points to C. Mr. Chipman was referee. > At Te Kopuru the Southern Juniors 3 (holders) defeated United fo rthe Harding l Challenge Cup by 21 points to 5. WIN FOR HAWKE'S BAY. IN LAST QUARTER OF AN HOUR. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) GISBORNE, Saturday. Hawke's Bay played Poverty Bay before • a record attendance of between 2000 and - 3000 .people. Poverty Bay's good smothering tactics had a great effect upon the visitors' speedy backs, whose spectacular passing was seen on but few occasions. . Poverty Bay led in the first spell by 11 points to 6, and retained an advantage until within the last quarter of an hour. The visitors' final try was scored on the point of time, giving them a win by a margin of B five points, the score being:— Hawke's Bay 22 Poverty Bay 1' WAIRARAPA V. KING COUNTRY. (By Telegraph.—Special to "Star.") 1 MASTERTON, Saturday. ', The last senior rep. match of the season !, was playe* this afternoon at Carterton, i, when Wairarapa met King Country in fine g weather. At half-time Wairarapa led by i a 8 points to 3, and in the second spell I b. walked over the visitors, finally running j r out the winners by 26 points to 3. 1 i The rep. matches played this season by ' f I the Wairarapa senior team have resulted. las follows:—Lost to Hawke's Bay (Ranfurly Shield match), 14 to 30; beat Wellington, 1$ points to 9; beat Bush, 43 to 3; beat Nelson, 49 to 5; drew with Hawke's Bay (return I match), 13 all; beot Bush (return match), y'l" to nil; lo3t to Auckland, 15 to 18; beat n Taranaki, 20 to 8: beat Manawatu, 21 to I 3; beat King Country, X to 3. a ! ij MARLBOROUGH V. WELLINGTON. II >. ! A DRAWN GAME. » J i WELLINGTON, Saturday. ' I The touring Marlborough team met a ' i Wellington team at Athletic Park to-day, ': in dull weather. There was at attendance of about 3500. Playing with the advantage of a strong northerly wind in the first I spell, Marlborough made numerous loose | rushes, in which control of the ball was poor. Their first score came from a freei kick, O'Brien piloting the ball accurately I • from nearly half-way. Wellington retaila ated, though play was patchy. Hawkins, (j however, made a brilliant ran from halter way, and scored a try for Wellington. Near s the close of the spell McDonald made a similar successful dash, his try being converted by O'Brien. The half-time score was—Marlborough S, Wellington 3. The visitors rearranged their backs for the second spell, the alterations appearing to be beneficial, as Marlborough made a ! • | succession of attacks, from one of which | . . McHugh scored and Adams converted. c The visitors continued on the aggressive, • . showing more dash than in the first speii, ' s but nothing further came of their efforts, i When Wellington exerted pressure, Hawo kins scored from a scrum near the line, and t Malcolm converted. r Later the Wellington backs engaged in a 2 fine passing bout, from which Hickling ) scored. There was no conversion. 0 I The visitors replied with strong, loose rushes, and eventually Aldridge scored, and soon afterwards O'Brien further improved Marlborough's leaa with a penalty goal— ! In subsequent play Wellington's efforts ' brought ahout an important change, tries s by Fitgerald and Pringle. and one converj sion by O'Regan. making the scores level. ' At this the game ended:— Marlborougn .'", ]f) V/ellington \\\ 19 c Mr. J. Moffit was referee. a TE AWAMTJTU V. OTOROHANGA. : c J (From Our Own Correspondent.) TE AWAMUTU. Saturday. j A Rugby match between teams represent- ? ing Otorohanga and Te Awamuru Terri- • torials was played on Albert Park this : afternoon. Otorohanga held the upper hand '• lin the first spell, which ended C to 3 In • : their favour. Although Te Awamutu scored t 8 points to the visitors 3 in the second 1 ! half, the play was always even and fast. I the final score being: Te Awamutu 11,' I Otorohanga 0. For Te Awamutu TickleI penny (2), and Mrßae scored tries, Qnin 1. converting one; and for Otorohanga Towny send. Belcher and Cuilen scored unconh verted tries. Mr. G. Blair refereed. *i MOASCAR CUP. CHALLENGE FROM AUCKLAND. i The Mount Albert Grammar School first fifteen, winners of the secondary school banner this year, are to Journey to New Plymouth to play New Plymouth High i School for the Moascar Cnp, whicb the - latter team at present holds. The game s will be played on September 27. Saturday jweei. - -— . ;

WELLINGTON V. OTAGO. WIN FOR WELLINGTON. (By Telegraph.—Special to "Star."') ' DUNEDIN, Saturday. The Wellington-Otago match was played . . at Carisbrook before 8000 spectators. The < weather was sultry, and the ground was 1 in perfect order. Otago kicked off against I < a strong sun. Fumbling by the home j team's backs saw the visitors pressing, but a free kick relieved temporarily. Johnson J broke awny twice, and Smith made a dash j for the line, but was pushed out at the , corner. A minute later J. Shearer got over after splendid work by Walter and Smith. S. Shearer converted: Wellington, 5 ; Otago, 0 ; Wellington returned to the attack. Dickin- j son put in a dash dowufield, but play was j ■ soon back again. Otago forwards now | j brightened up considerably, and worried . the visitors' backs. From a good opening made by Johnson and AVlse, Townscnd dashed in from near halfway, and registered a magnificent try. Dickinson's kick failed: Wellington. 5: Otago. 3. A good sprint by Dickinson put his side on the offensive, the same player having an ineffectual shot at goal. The home side continued to press, and Monro scored under the posts: Otago, 8; Wellington, 0. i Nearly all the Wellington backs 1 patcd in a passing bout, Algar hitting the comer flag when a try looked a certainty. Gibson staved off an Otago rush, but Immediately afterwards Williams scored ifrom an opening made by Munro. Dickinson failed with the kick: Otago L \ Wellington ° The sun was obscured on the resumption of play, and the visitors immediate y set up an attack. Smith diving over. Gibson S kick missed: Otago, 11: Wellington, 8. 1 | A movement initiated Dy Befldeli ended , in Algar getting home The kick again | failed- Otago. 11; Wellington, 11. i /The homlW attacked spiritedly, and Owen cot over from the ruck. . DlcKinson Sd'an easy kick: Otago, 14; Wellington, ! n btago continued to have the better of ! the game, the backs handling far more accurately, and showing more enterprise WaUMSi the visitors' fullback, continually SM. side from trouble^a^ng dun nltjA -iridint: to the mucks cLiracuiiit;s. EBfi=s,x'«wfK? c 'X into his arms: Wellington, 19. Otago, x*. i Wellington returned to tne iraj, » kick relieving. The game ended shortly afterwards, with the scores. 19 Wellington 14 Otago THE SEDDON SHIELD. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.} MOTUEKA, Saturday. Tho third Seddon Shield match was plJved at Motueka to-day. and resulted in Golden Bay-Motueka (holders) defeating Nelson (challengers) by 14 points to 12. In the first half Morris and Grigg secured a try each for the winners, and Bowers converted yC one Kinzett scored tor N?l80n and Snodgrass kicked a penalty goal. In the second spell Soil and Grigg each scored for the winners, and Wallace and Challies for * Thf'weath'er was excellent, there was a large crowd and the game was the fastest and hardest of the Seddon Shield matches.