TOKOMARU BAY

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2141, 25 July 1907, Page 2

TOKOMARU BAY

(FROM OUR CORRESPONDS NT.) July 20. Despite the threatening weather almost all Tokomaru turned out to see ho senior cup match between two ,'i.siting teams, Tuparoa and j aikea. j’he game was drawn, each side scoi--111/ 3 points (a try). It was mainly 1 forward game, and was fast and card, from the lack-oil to no-side, i'ho backs of botli teams showed poor ittac'king powers, but were powerful i n defence, the tackling being reliable and the kicking first-ciass. j it was a great tussle between tlie opposing forwards, Paikea excelling ill scrums and m following up, unit Tuparoa in loose rushes and m rootwork. At times the piny approached to roughness, due to excitement and the keeness of each team to/wni. but the referee by timely cautions controlled the players well. Some good runs were made, but there was too little passing. One dodgy run by Nenia, wing throe-quarter iorl aikea, was the best yet seen on a lohomaru ground. He was the man whom Tuparoa found the greatest difficulty in collaring, yet in the second sped lie was not given a chance and mignt have been a spectator for all the work lie got. Uotli teams indulged in too much line-kicking, and a study of “centreing” is advised. All the scoring was done in the last ten minutes, Tuparoa scoring first. From a scrum toil yards in front oi Paikea's goal, the ball .was heeled out smartly To Caddy, who pased to Reedy. This player transferred to D. Wakarara. who cleverly got the opposing haems round him and made a fine nass to Watkins who scored easily near the corner flag. No goal resulting. Paikea kicked out and the forwards by smart following took the hall to Tuparoa’s 25. A struggle took place there, and tlio Paikea forwards broke through with hall at toe and took it. over the line, where K. Leach foil on it, scoring a try for Paikea, which not being converted, made, things equal. The whistle soon after sounded for no-side, a good game finishing at the half-way flag. Jlr'A. Matahiki was referee. ' The teams were: Paikea: Wire, Nepia, Hjra, Tamati, Knngi, Hone, Anaru, T. Prince, Joe. Kauri, Kepa, Hoki, Papa, B. Prince, and Riwai; Tuparoa : Hat, Kershaw, D. Wakarara, Watkins, Neill, Pungo. Kecdy, Caddy. Cl mv, Gcrrardv Reedy TCaiwai, Campbell, Grace and Hominia. Hoki and Watkins were the respective captains. After the game the visiting teams and officials sat down to an excellent spread at M. Hori White’s restaurant, provided by the Tokomaru Club. Over the turkeys and “duff” the game was played again; and at the conclusion congratulatory speeches Ivor made by Hira Paenga, Paikca’s secretary, and 1). Wakaarara on behalf of the Tuparoa team; both old To Auto hoys, who expressed the utmost satisfaction with the manner in which football had boon conducted and played along the coast this season. Tlie local club gmur a dance in the evening, and the hall was uncomfortably full. However, an enjoyable evening was spent. Mr. T. Potne was M.C., and Messrs JTari White Neil, Turoa, Erokana, Ki lhaia, and Wi Clarke added to the evening’s enjoyment by contributing songs, cake-walks and sword dances. At 9.30, Mr, Fairlie in the absence of Mr. Bates, President of the Union, announced the names of the team he had selected to do battle with the Poverty Bay reps, on Aug 10th at Gisborne. That the selector' had done liis work well was apparent from the hearty applause he revived when he sat down. The team selected is—Pullback: Piper. (Tokomaru); three-quart-ers: C. Hyland and Newton, (Tokomaru), -Nepia (Paikea): five-eighth: A. Matahiki, (Tokomaru).; half: Him Paenga, (.Paikea); wing-forwards: J. Cockorv, (Tokomaru): and D. Wakarara. (Tuparoa); forwards: Rawhiti, H. Nelson, Tuara Kutin, (Tolaga), Pati, Hoki: Leach (Paikea), S. Grace. (Tuparoa), and Brooking (Tokomaru). Emergencies: hack: King). (Tolaga); forward : A. Caddy (Tuparoa). The team is almost ivhojly composed of natives and half-castes. Nelson and Caddy being the two Europeans out of seventeen selected to make the trip. A few players who undoubtedly would have been chosen are unable to go, hut the team is a good one, and should give the Poverty Bay reps something to do to beat them. It has been selected as a strong team in defence, while the attack will not he weak. ' Seven of

the team have represented the East Coast- on former occasions. The. forwards are a specially good lot, the strongest yet selected to represent us, fast big men of stamina and as bard as nails. The cup match on August 3rd between Tokomaru and: Paikua at Tolyga will decide the East coast, championship, for this season. Paikea’s chances are' considered pretty good, although to win the cup and banner, the team must win the match, a draw giving the championship to the local fifteen. Both teams are confident- of winning, and a good game is expected. On the same date. Tola ga and Tuparoa meet at To'komaru.