ROUGH FOOTBALL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XLV, Issue 3974, 6 July 1915, Page 7

ROUGH FOOTBALL.

■ A TOKOMARU MATCH. By Telegraph—Special Correspondent TOKOMARU BAY, July 5. The roughest football match that has taken place here tins season was played on Saturday last, when Waima met City in the fourth and final round for the Turnbull Cup. Considerable rivalry exists between these teams. Right from tho start the pace- was fast and furious, and in many instances tho ball appeared to be of only a secondary consideration. Quite early in the game R. Harrison (City) was injured and had to retire. Later on J. Kirwan (City) received a kick just over the eye which left him quite dazed.

In several stages of ■•the game it resolved itself into a sort of a Kilkenny fair—hit or kick where you see a head. The referee (Mr Geo. Pepper) had his hands full and saw the game through without fear or favor. During the course of the game he ordered off the field two of the Waima playersand one of the City and, at one stage, it looked as if he was going to close the game. In these matches the players naturally become excited and carried away, but this would not be so pronounced if it was not for the silly hooting and, screeching of some of tho spectators. Among these on Saturday were some old players from whom one would expect better conduct. Up to half-time Waima had a long way the best of it, the scores being Waima 11, City nil. It looked like a walk-over for Waima, and they also thought so. But right from the commencement of the second half, City took hold of themselves and practically ran over Waima, putting on 14 points, whilst Waima stood still; the final scores being City 14, Waima 11. A conspicuous feature of tho game was tho brilliant football played by Jack Kir wan (City). It, was admitted by the most competent judges that a better exhibition bad not been seen on this ground. Tries for City’ were scored by J. Kirwan, Geo. Scott and Fred and Arthur Hale. One try for City was converted by Morgan. M. Fairlio scored two tries for Waima.

Saturday’s play is likelv to do a deal of injury 7 to football in Tokomaru and the referee is to be commended for the firm stand he took up. A meeting of tho Committee will bo held on Wednesday night to deal with the offenders.