FOOTBALL.

Dunstan Times, Issue 3528, 29 June 1931, Page 5

FOOTBALL.

Matakanui 11 v Cromwell 3. The above match, played at Cromwell ou Saturday afternoon, on a good ground and under tine weather conditions, attracted an unusually largo number of spectators, who had to wait until half past three before the game started. Clubs are complaining that the public interest in the game is not as keen as it should be, and while this may be so, it is probable that the reason for the poor attendance at matches is the fact that at nearly all them they do not start until long after the advertised time.

Matakanui kicked-off with the sun in their eyes and with a slight breeze against them- The home team started with a rattle and their backs adopted the right tactics, punting high and following up. The defence was fairly sound, J. Moran and Frank Donnelly doing good work, both getting in hefty line-finders, but it was not surprising, considering the glaring sun, that there was an occasional mull. This was responsible for Cromwell’s try, Colin Nicolson (repeating his effort at Clyde) and scored between the posts. Clark missed an easy kick. Within a minute of this the visitors had scored a try as the result of a fine effort by Frank Donnelly, TomClouston taking a long pass to go over to score. Frank Donnelly converted with a good kick. This reverse liveried ‘Cromwell up and good play by Clark and Nicolson saw Matak. bard pressed and Vic Jolly went within an ace of scoring. Just prior to half time Torn Clouston started a passing rush, the leather passing through the bands of all the backs to Les Foyd, who crossed at the corner* Frank Donnelly just missed with a great kick The second spell consisted of a series of tight scrums with Matak. attacking for the greater part. Colin Nicolson made a couple of slashing runs, and just on time Frank Donnelly kicked a magnificent goal from the touchline. Mr Cox was referee-

Clyde-E. had an enjoyable trip to Wanaka on Saturday, when iri a fast and interesting game, they suffered defeat by 9 points (a converted try and a potted goal) to nil. Clyde, as usual, had several easy opportunities to score, but all went begging, Neil Kinnaird was outstanding in a fine team of forwards, while Harry Annan is entitled to a word of praise for his good game at full-back. In the game against Ranfurly J. McLauchian of the Matakanui team, had the bad luck to have a couple of ribs broken. In B grade football on Saturday Moa Creek and Lowburn drew 3 ail and Alexandra 17 beat Bannockburn 11. The only match in Maniototo on Saturday was that between Becks and Gimmerburn, which the former won by 9 points to qI. Ranfurly has now a four point lead for the premiership.

The following are the fixtures for the second round:— A GRADE. July 4th. Cromwell to Alexandra, Mr Ryan. Clyde to Matakanui, Mr Campbell. Wanaka a bye. July 11th. Matakanui to Alexandra, Mr Cox. Wanaka to Cromwell, Mr Hotop. Clyde a bye. July 18th. Wanaka to Matakanui, Mr Ryan. Alexandra to Clyde, Mr Cox. Cromwell a bye. B GRADE. July 4 th. Alexandra to Moa Creek Mr S. Wraggc. Matakanui to Lowburn, Mr Cox. Raniiockburn a bye. July 11th. Lowburn to Raniiockburn, Mr R. Robertson. Moa Creek to Matakanui, Mr E. Duggan. Alexandra a bye. July 18th, Lowburn to Alexandra, Mr Campbell. Bannockburn to Matakanui, Mr E. Duggan. Moa Creek a bye. Country Week, July 30th to August Ist.

Mauiototr, v Vincent at ilanfurly, on July 25th. Tuapeka v Vincent at Omakau, on August loth. August 22nd.— Maniototo Tournament. August 2Pth.— West Otago tournament. September sth. Vincent tourna' ment. September 12th.— Tuapeka tourna' ment.