FOOTBALL

Greymouth Evening Star, 29 June 1914, Page 3

FOOTBALL

I RESULTS AT A GLANCE. SENIOR. > Kohinoors 6. istars 5. j Marist 12, Blackball 8. j JUNIOR. Marist 0. Stars 0. 1 N ku.. Creek 13. Hokitika 0. I FOURTH GRADE. .Marist 10, Stars 0. KOHINOORS (6), STARS (3). During the past week it was evident I that there was an unusual amount of interest being taken in the senior match between Stars and Kohinoors. It is many vears since we have seen anything approaching this year's senior cup contest for sustained interest, and never before have so many teams been so evenly ; matched in their play. For last Satur- | day's game it was well known that there i was an extraordinary amount of keenness i abroad amongst the players in the two ' teams, and everything looked promising ; for a rousing struggle. Kohinoor, on form seemed to have much the better prospects, but there was an idea prevalent that the amber and blacks were going to put up a ' game that we have not seen from them | this season. Kohinoors were bound to exert themselves to their utmost to win. i Paton, their sheet-anchor man from the scoring point of view, is leaving Greyi mouth on .Monday, and their future prosj pects are much more uncertain; on the J other hand, Stars have had such a buffeting in the cup games this season that every game is now a matter of vital importance. They are not near enough to the top to stand a loss. These are factors which pointed to an unusually keen match, and apart from this these two teams were expected to give a fine display, of fast open play. Fortunately the weather conditions were perfect, but the western side of the ground in one large patch was heavy, and the foothold on this ■•vas treacherous. Stars had very bad luck in having Hall and Reid absent from their backs, but they had a piece of good luck in getting McPherson, who played a very fine game indeed, as long as his condition lasted. Kohinoors were fortunate in having their full team, qnd there is no doubt but that their forwards bore a hardy, well-trained appearance, which was wel. backed up by their work right through the game. For a good period in the earlypart of the game the element of luck was with the Kohinoors, but in the second spell matters in this way balanced themselves and Stars had their turn.

THE GAME. Stars ('amber and blacks] lost the toss, and their opponents (red and black) elected to play with the sun behind them. From the kick-off the play was of that sharp, business-like nature which showed that both sides were in. deadly earnest The forwards were getting into the work eagerly and gleefully, and the spectators settled . down to see a solid, determined game, and they were not a whit disapi pointed. From the first scrum the ball shot out cleanly to the Star half (Erick6en), but he made very little progress, as the opposing forwards were over him in a twinkling. The ball was then rushed up the field by the Kohinoors, but it was coon brought back again by a counter rush and the Stars were making determined attempts to open up the game, Mcintosh and McPherson being very conspicuous, but the tackling was of the deadly order, and no one got very far. Stars still continued to get the ball in the scrums, but their half seemed to have only one desire, and that was to charge blindly into the thick of the opposition, with the inevitable result. Very even play for a short period, with A. Brown making some dan gerous looking dashes; then Stars came back with a clip, McPherson making a splendid straight rim fight down the middle, transferred to Mcintosh, and thence to' Nelson and Morris, but the latter spoiled a splendid piece of play by attempting to cut in instead of going straight for the goal line, with the result that he ran straight into the arms of an opponent, and a certain score was lost. Kohinoors now came away with a fine rush, and Paton, Brown (forward) and Hannam were responsible for some good play, the ball being taken right up the field, and Stars were hard at it defending, but Smith (full back) by good play shifted the scene of play once more, and again Stars after a loose forward rush, in which White and Pring were prominent, were within an ace of scoring, the ball happening to bounce favourably for a Kohinoor back, and he quickly got it away into safe territory. Kohinoors again took a hand in forcing and A. Brown intercepting was off like a shot and a try seemed inevitable, but Smith was after him hot-foot, and he grassed his man in good style. Play was now fast and furious, first one side threatening to score and then the other. The Stars tried desperately to get their backs going, but neither Nelson or Morris were running in a convincing manner, and in Saturday's game it was genuinely a case of "he who hesitates is lost/' as the tackling was most whole-hearted, and just about this period of the game there were five men tackled and brought down in as I many seconds. The first twenty minutes of this spell saw Stars playing with an advantage, but after this Kohinoors came at their opponents most determinedly, and Stars on the defence gave a penalty, and though it was well out Patbn's trusty boot drove it well over the bar, and Kohinoors j now i e d—3 to nil. Stars were roused by the reverse, and*"they came strongly at their opponents, but Dempsey (full back) was too cool, and he easily got his side out of difficulties. Stars now had a shot at "oal from a penalty kick, but the kick went wide. Shortly after Kohinoors came back with a good rush, and the ball was kicked hard over the Star line, and though the full back had plenty of time to force the ball he slipped, and A. Bruhn, as usual was tearing up and being ready for any mistake he promptly pounced on the ball and scored. This was the only try of the match. The kick went wide, Kohinoors 6, Stars nil. Kohinoors were now playing with great vim, and Brown was making determined efforts to open up the play, and from one passing rush the ball came out to Foord, and he made a goo ddash for -the corner, but Nelson making a good tackle brought him down, and the ball being kicked out Stars got out of a tight corner. Play was now very even, and the I bell for half-time went without further I addition to the score.

SECOND SPELL. Soon after the opening of the second spell Stars commenced to attack, and their forwards were now playing splendidly, White coming through with a hue bit of work, but he was brought up by the whistle. Kohinoors were now getting more of the ball from the scrums, and the Star backs were not getting so many chances. Give-and-take play which was characterised by bad lino-kicking, was a feature at tins particular period, and there was a short lull in the strenuous battle. It was only temporary, however, as Stars set up a fierce attack, and one of the red backs getting off side, Nelson had a shot, which just missed the goal. Reds came away with the kick out, and Paton gave a fine exhibition of footwork, as he took the ball right through to the full back before he lost control by kicking hard past the last line of defence, but some of the Star backs came round, and the ball went into touch. Kohinoors now became very aggressive, and there was a terrific struggle right under the Star goal, A. Brown just imssing a try. A force down gave welcome relief Stars, as if to signalise their joy at the relief, now came right away, and their opponents were hard pressed-in turn, so much so that a red forward made an infringement right in front of the bar, and Nelson goaled, Kohinoors 6, Stars 3, I he game was now flying all over the field and Kohinoors were down again in the Star territory, and Paton getting possession

I made a most determine dattempt to score, but a live yards' scrum was ordered. An other desperate struggle took place near the Star line, but the defence was most dogged, and again red.s were driven back, and shortly after a free kick within easy range was awarded Stars, but through some misunderstanding the kick was bungled. Kohinoors by good forward play, in which Paton was prominent, took the ball right through to the opposing twenty-fives, and when a passing bout looked bad for Stars, Morri ssuddenly intercepted and the scene was once more changed, play going right up to the Kohinoor line. Dempsey relieved', and though both sides were now showing signs of the severe strain, TTohinoors were lasting best, and through the closing stages were pretty even. The reds had a shade the better of it, and for the last few minutes Stars were unable to make much of an impression, and at the call of time Kohinoors left the field victorious by 6pts to 3pts in one of the finest, if not the finest, club contest ever seen in Greymouth. I Mr A. Morris as referee. j

GENERAL REMARKS. Both sides deserve credit for the splendid form shown in the match; no one who was not well trained could last out such a strenuous contest. For the victors Paton, Brown, and Han nam were conspicuous in a pack that were workers to a man. A. Brown, as usual, played a Stirling game in the backs. Of the other KolTinoor backs Mathieson did well as half, and Dempsey for such a young player is a very fine full back. Foord as wing is a young player with promise. For Stars, White, McKechnie, Pring, and Laird played splendidly in a fine pack of forwards. In the back division McPherson (while his form held out), and Mcintosh played well. Nelson played well in the first spell, but he was very uncertain in the second. Smith is full back played well, but Morris was out of his place on the wing.

MARISTS (12J BLACKBALL-(8). Blackball ere again defeated on Saturday by the Marists by 12pts (four tries) to Jpts (one converted try and one try). Both iides were well represented, and turned >ut sharp to time. Marists won the toss, .vand Blackball kicked off. As usual, the :eds started very slowly, and in a few ninutes the greens were swarming down hi their goal line. Williams at last reieved by a nice sprint down the 'field', but he relief was only temporary, as Marists >vere soon back again. A free kick right n front of the posts was well charged lown by Mclvor, and the reds again beared, but the greens came again and liter some scrambling near the corner rlogan scored a try. O'Callaghan failed vith the kick. Give-and-take play folowed with the greens having the best of natters, but they were playing with no ombination whatever. O'Callaghan had several shots from penalty kicks, but his •ttempts were very poor. Blackball were naking desperate efforts to keep the ,'rcens out, and their defence was taxed to he utmost. Paine at last got clear away nd made a good run, but the green spriners caught him, and the advantage was ost. Half-time sounded with the ball in Blackballs twenty-five. On resuming the play was at once fast ■.-nd furious, the reds at last getting down o the green's line. Some desperate play 'ollowed, and from a loose rush the ball vas kicked over the line, and McGirr, Thorpe, and Kirk raced for it. The first wo missed the ball, and Kirk scored. Foser was unsuccessful with the kick. Marists ), Blackball 3. The greens now came with i vengeance and got right up to the reds' line, where O'Callaghan picked up and treaked over. The kick at goal failed. Marists 6, Blackball 3. Shortly after a rtrong forward rush again Tiad the reds in rouble, and McCirr kicked over the line md Harnett scored by the posts. The kick .vent wide. Marists 9, Blackball 3. The .eds were now temporarily disorganised, ind on' resuming the greens rushed up to their line, where from a scrum the ball .vas sent out to the backs, and McMillan :ut in and scored under the bar. The kick

was charged down. Marists 12 Black5. With only ton minutes to go Blackbull set out to stave off defeat, and with i great forward rush took the ball the ength of the field, Foster touching down jetween the posts. He converted the try ind the score stood Marists 12, Blackball J. For the remainder of the game the-reds .nade desperate efforts to score, but their luck was out, and the game ended in a .vin for the Marists. The game was strictly confined to the forwards and both packs had a very heavy afternoon's work. The backs on both les were well tested in defence, but their ittack was very weak, any attempt at passing invariably ending in disaster, The game was very willing throughout, several slayers on both sides being temporarily disabled. Mr Jerry Church was referee. Marists are now half a point ahead of Blackball, and it is still hard to say who will go out at the end of the second round. The Domain was very sloppy, and there is still a lot to be done before it will be in good condition. A match lias been arranged between the seniors and juniors on the first available Saturday, the funds to go towards further improving the playing area.

RANFURLY SHIELD MATCH. W TKLEGIIAPH—PER TP.EBS ASSOCIATION HAWERA, June 27. Taranaki successfully staved off a .•hallenge by Wanganui for possession of the Ranfurly Shield. During the first spell play was pretty irdinary, Stohr converting a penalty and Taylor getting over at the corner. In the second spell there were fine bouts of passing amongst the Taranaki backs, Coleman and Whitiington scoring tries, the former being converted by Stohr, who also scored a goal from a penalty. Tha Taranaki backs threw the ball ibout well in the secord spall, and a series of pretty passing rushes ensued. Wanganui scored one try as the result if passing between O'Donnell and Smith. but it was not converted, the game ending ina victory for the home team by 17 point.4l to three. Mr W. J. Meredith referred.

NORTHERN LEAGUE GAME. ENGLAND v. AUSTRALIA. [PER PRKS3 ASSOCIATION —COPYRIGHT.I SYDNEY, Juno 28. After a successfui country tour, the English Northern Union team played the first of three test matches against Australia in. dull weather. Rain which fell overnight softened the ground in the visitor's favour. It was quickly noticeable that the country matches had improved the Englander's form. Playing with great dash and splendid combination they effectually stopped the Australians' opening rush. The visitors' first goal came from a free kick brilliantly taken by Longstai'f. Even play followed until the Englanders' threequarters got away, and after a fast, brilliant passing run Moorhouse scored between the posts. Jarman failed to convert. A few moments later play settled down in the Englanders' half, and close play followed. England were making persistent attempts to get their backs going, but failed. Uninteresting play for some time remaining in the Englanders' half, until a forward rush took the ball to the Australians' territory, but they were unable to cross the line. At half time the scores were: England 5, Australia nil. Exercising play marked the opening rushes in the second half, the Englanders again showing a determination to reverse previous tteieats, and although the game centred dangerously near the visitors' goal the Australians failed to score. After some fast and clever three-quarter

FOOTBALL

Work. Clarke notcliod another point for England. Robinson converting. The Englanders continued to press, when Longstaff added a brilliant penalty goal from the half-way line. After some open play in the centre the Australians followed up the ball across the Englanders' line, but the Englanders forced down. Australia pressed hard, but • the Englanders got going, and by Brilliant passing Robinson was enabled to score. Jjongstaff failing to convert. Tackling keenly, the Englaiiders broke down the Australians' defence, and Holland scored an easy try, j Robinson converting. Play now became fast and furious, and |\loorhouse added a further try, which spurred the Australians to mal<e a final effort, resulting in Norman slipping over and scoring Australia's only try. Bolewski concerted. The final scores were:— England 20, Australia 5. The third fcotball tc:;t match originally fixed for Saturday next, will be played in Melbourne at a later date. Received this day at 9.25 a.m. SYDNEY, This Day. . The papers offer no excuses for Australia's defeat at football on Saturday, and admit that it was solidly trounced by a team which excelled in every department The Englanders held their own in the scrimmages, being bunched together excellently, and supported their backs con sic'erably. They were equal to the Australian? individually and infinitely superior collectively.