TAURANGA-TE PUKE FOOTBALL MATCH

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume XLVIII, Issue 7425, 9 June 1920, Page 3

TAURANGA-TE PUKE FOOTBALL MATCH

Good Game Expected on Saturday

A noticeable feature of the Te Puke team to play against Tauranga on the local domain on Saturday next is the strong representation of the IVkketu Club. There are no less than three Tapsells selected, and the Tauranga players will find them worthy opponents. P. Tapseli is without'a compeer amongst Bay of Plenty forwards, while Wini Tapseli is a fleet-footed threequarter and plays a sound game. The name of K. Kokiri is familiar He has played excellent games against Tauranga and other teams in the three-quarter line On Saturday he will take the position of full-back, and may be relied upon to discharge his duties in an effective manner. P. Wihapi is a dashing threequarter, who will play his part well, especially if the Te Puke back chain is given many opportunities to handle the leather.

Johnston and G. Asher should be an effective five-eighths combination. The latter is an old Tauranga Rugbyite. well versed in all the finer points of the game. N. Boucher is the sterling half behind the pack, and if the Te Puke vanguard are able to do their part he may be depended upon to make the game spectacular and attractive. Of the Te Puke vanguard/ R. Petherbridge, Tapeta, and G. Gardiner are a great trio whose football is always a treat to watch. Petherbridge plays the Rugby code with a commendable spirit, and many others might well take a leaf out of his book. Gardiner is very speedy, and is amongst the best forwards in the Bay, In the Tauranga fifteen, York, of Te Puna, has boen chosen for the responsible position of fullback. That he will be kept busy goes, without saying, but his powerful kicking and clean fielding should be good assets to his team 'on Saturday.

The three-quarter line is represented by a fast trio. G. lies is a heady player —clever Jin attack and a stonewall in defence. D. Borrell puts dash into his work, and is always worthy of his place- If Tiwara is in form he should be able to fill his position with safety.

R. Rogers and J. Don should act well in concert as five-eighths and if the Tauranga vanguard are able to hold iheir opponents the pair will not lose opportunities in getting the backs in action.

The selectors, in handing the rover commission to Witana Murray, have picked the right man, who will be able to make advantageous use of his speed and weight in the position allotted him.

The Tauranga forwards area hard working lot. Ririnui's reach will be an asset on the line. E. Bidois and Tu Moire are heroes of many a hard tussle, while J. Saunders puts line dash into his play and has a strong disposition for opening up the game when opportunities are presented.

A friendly, close, and interesting game is looked for, and given a dry field'and favourable weather, enthusiasts who journey to the domain on Saturday should be rewarded with an attractive exposition of the Rugby code.

Tauranga Rugby Union A meeting of the Tauranga Rugby Union was held in Mr F. H. Hammond's store on Saturday evening. Present : Messrs F. H. Hammond (chair), J. D. Cullen, C. F, Oliver, J. Robertson, G. Riley, and the Secretary. Representatives of the Tauranga, Te Puna, Matakana, Motiti, and Cadet Football Clubs were also in attendance. The referees reported the re suits of the matches played on the sth. inst. A telegram was read from the secretary of the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union, asking if Tauranga were prepared to play a friendly match with Te Puke at Tauranga, and advising that the Bay of Plenty selector would be present to select players. It was decided to play Te Puke the match commencing at 3 p.m. Mr I. Fallwell will act as referee. Selectors for the year were appointed as follows : Messrs C. F. Oliver, I. Fallwel), and J D. Cullen. ! The question of insurance of players was again considered, and it was 8 decided to insure under thej-ules obtained trom the Matamata Rugby Union. This J matter-is to be taken over by Mr i Riley, as it would mean too much extra work for the secretary. The Cadet delegates were granted permission to play a curtain raiser on Saturday, I2th. inst. Cadets Team The Cadets team to play the Te Puke Tunior representatives, on Saturday, I2th. inst. at Tauranga at 1.30 p.m. on the No. I " ground will be as follows : Full back, D Haskell; three-quarters, J. Burnett (Vice captain), H. Allely (Captain^, W. Kelly ; five-eighths, ERewiti, \V. Turner; half, L. Green ; rover, A. Rowe ; forwards C. Haua, T.Castaing, G. Wright, R. Munro, A. Sorrensen, C. Nichols, B Collins. Emergencies, C. Meikle, W. Denniston, H. George, F. Munro and C. Sorrensen. The players are requested to be on the field at I p.m. sharp.