TARANAKI MATCHES

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 14 June 1926, Page 3

TARANAKI MATCHES

HAWERA BEAT OPUNAKE. STAR AND ELTHAM DRAW OLD BOYS BADLY BEATEN The Taranaki Rugby Union competitions were continued under favourable weather conditions on Saturday, and with two exceptions games in the senior divisions were very evenly contested. In the Soutn the Qkaiawa fifteen continued their victorious career by defeating Athletic by a substantial margin. With five matches played and won, they thus head the division with a score of 10 championship points. Hawera secured their second win of the season in a sterling struggle with Opunake. Patea secured a win by default from Waimate who, owing to sickness, were unable to field a team. Tukapa and Clifton were successful in securing two championship points each in the Northern division, while Eltham and Star advanced one point each as the result of the first drawn game of the competition. The day’s play leaves the position of the senior teams as follows: SOUTHERN DIVISION. Pts Pts Ch.

The Score-Board

SOUTHERN DIVISION SENIORS. Okaiawa 22 v. Athletic 3. Hawera 6 v. Opunake 3. Patea won by default from Waimate. FRIENDLY. . Stratford 8 v. Kaponga 3. JUNIORS Waimate 6 v. Kaponga 3. Patea 17 v. Athletic 3. Hawera 9 v. Alton 0. Eltham 8 v. Opunake 6. FOURTHS. Waimate 35 v. Eltham 0. Tech. A 30 v. Hawera 18. Patea 9 v. Tech. B 5. ' Kaponga 10 v. Hawera Central 0, NORTHERN DIVISION. SENIORS. Eltham 6 v. Star 6. Tukapa 18 v. Old Boys 3. Clifton 9 v. Inglewood 3. JUNIORS Tukapa 5 v. Clifton 0. Rahotu 11 v. Star A 8. High School 26 v. Okato 8. THIRDS. Old Boys A 21 v. Okato 8. Tukapa 8 v. High School 0. FOURTHS High School A 21 v. Clifton 4. Star 19 v. High School B 0. Tukapa 21 v. Old Boys A 3. Tech. College 46 v. Old Boys B 0. FIFTHS Stratford Tech A 66 v. N.P. Tech A 0. N.P. High "School A 65 v. N.P. Tech 80. High School B 6 v. Stratford Tech B 3.TAINUI SUB-UNION. Mahoenui 8 v, Awakino 0. Tongaporutu 8 v. TJruti 3.

SENIORS.

HAW ERA (6) v. OPUNAKE (3). At Opunake-, on' a. dry though soft ground, Hawera defeated the home fifteen by six points (a try and a penalty goal) to three (a try). The. fine weather conditions, favouring fast, open-order play, were fully exploited, and the game showed as a pleasing exhibition which left little to choose between the two fifteens. The teams were: ’ Hawera.—Kumball, Hulbert, Hammond, Meuti. 'McAulifte, Barron, Sage, Twist, Henry, Murphy, 'West, R. Paterson, Williams, Malcolm, Robinson (captain). Opunake.—W, Hoiiaia, Brooker (captain), Bayley, R. tusk, Alclvor, Owen, Moiiri, Macßeynoltls, Tippett, J. Rusk, Oraliam, Trotter, Snow. O’Brien, Urudeu. «

The Hawera skipper sent Opunake iu to face the setting sun and; the wind. The greens made the initial in-, va-s-ion, but a penalty allowed Hawera to return play to midfield. From a line-out Paterson sent the leather -to his backs, who opened a pretty passing .bout which looked likely till Hulbert was grassed by R. Lusk. McAuliffo twice made openings and started the yellow backs in attacks which called for sure tackling by the green rearguard. A five minutes' 5 assault was countered when Tippett took the home forwards iu a dash to the Hawera 25, where Twist effected a good smother. A penalty awarded to Hawera between half-way and the 25 gave the All Black West a chance, but the ball fell short. Well placed clearance kicks by W. Hohaia, the liome fullback. relieved two critical situations, and in the ensuing play the green backs flashed into action, a swift bout carrying the ball from their own quarter to midfield. Here McAuliffe- intercepted, and electrified the crowd with a side-stepping dash down the line. Three attempted tackles were evaded, hut close to" the scoring line Brooker made sure of his man. The ball went loose into touch. Again. from the 1; no-out, Hohaia gave relief. Almost .immediately Williams headed a charge by the- yellow forwards, but- booted too hard, and Hohaia marked behind the goal line. .Robinson, charged the kick down, hut Owen pounced on the leather to save with a force. With the return from the kick-out, Graham and J. Lusk put Opunake on the attack, and from half-way Hohaia made a fine attempt to goal with a penalty, the bail! dropping under the bar. Then Mouj-ieJ Owen, and Mclvor essayed- a

passing rush,, which, was taken up by the home vanguard, and Hawera were defending desperately. A mark by Barron eventually sent the invaders back, and shortly _ after MeAuliffe opened the score with a penalty goal Hawera » 3 Opunake —:—•— 0 Opunake replied with a bustling forward attack, which gave a throw-in close to the objective. In the following scramble, the ball went through three pairs of hands to J. Lusk, who charged over for a try 10. yards .in from- touch. Hohaia’s kick went wide. . Hawera.. 3 Opunake The retaliation came with a Hawera attack, which was developed by the forwards in the home twenty-five, and West dived' for a try, but a scrum on the .line was ruled. Sage, being too eager, was penalised for handling in the scrum, and Hohaia relieved just as half-time sounded. Hawera resumed without Williams, who had received a. bad knock early in the game. Gameron went on as first, five-eighths, Barron dropping to second and MeAuliffe to centre. Twist went to the side of the scrum, while Hu'borb, who was replaced on the wing by Hammond, moved up as rover. In the home team thei only alteration was an exchange of positions by Owen and Mourie, but during the last quarter of an . hour Hohaia and Bayley also exchanged. Openings made by Cameron allowed Hawera to force the pace at -'the outset, but in quick succession movements were held up by infringements. A determined counter- threatened the yellow citadel when Tippetts broke from the nick a. few yards from the line, but a supporter offside' allowed Hawera to relieve. A moment later Macßeynolds was within an ace of scoring, hut again a penalty gave relief. A mark by Melvor at the twenty-five gave Opunake a further chance,- but tire kick at goal fell short. A tremendous pace was maintained in the ensuing fifteen minutes; attack and counter-attack alternating rapidly. An attempt by the Hawera backs appeared dangerous until Brooker v made a clever interception and raced to the other end, where his pass infield went astray. Then, in the. home end, Robin son,-.right in front of the go ah sent a. pass which Twist was unable to field. Both sets of backs repeatedly appeared in swift action, which was stemmed by vigorous spoiling, but results were eventually achieved when Hohaia was collared in possession by MeAuliffe. Robinson booted deaf from the mix-up, and Paterson and. Halbert carried on with a 10 yards dash, which West finished with a trv. MeAuliffe’s kick failed.

Hawera 6 Opunake ; 3 . During the concluding stages, a furious pace was maintained, McAuiiffe and Hammond showing prominently for Hawera and Hohaia and Owen for Opunake, but full time found the scores una’tered. ' . Mr R. St. George was" referee. OKAIAWA (22) v. ATHLETIC (3). After a keen, fast game, in whidhi Athletic, held their redoubtable opponents for half the match, Okaiawa scored a decisive win by a margin of 19 points. The teams took the field as below: — Okaiawa. —Tuki,-. R. Roberts,. B. Cameron, J. Purvis, B. Roberts, D. Johnston (captain), 31. Lynskey, E. Griffen, Birchall, Clarke, Ike, Linn, Rum, M. Parslow, R. Phillips. Athletic.—Lay (captain), 31. Owen, Thomas, Hunter, Underhill, D. Owen, Raigent, D. Ryan, Herbert, Thomas, Greig, S. Hunt, Lawn, Seagar, Crabbe. ■Okaiawa kicked off and went away in a great rush, M. Lynskey and R. Roberts, being associated in a nice passing movement, which took play to the twenty-five. Athletic relieved and came downfield, and Cay gained a. lot of ground with a useful kick. Both sides were playing well. but. the hacks in each, case were throwing away chances by bad passes. Ryan and Hunt headed a good rush, but the former threw away a. good chance by passing when his mate was in no better Eosition. and; Okaiawa sent them hack y .good defensive-play. Again Ryan made a great dash, passing out bad'y and losing, good opportunities. Lay, in a short space of time, bad two shots at goal, but they failed; Then Baigent, getting the ball from the scrum, sent out the hall to Underhill, who made.a capita' run, but R> Roberts took him well. Then Lynskey secured and passed on the blind side to R. Roberts, but a forward pass spoiled a good! opening, and a keen struggle took plac®_on the line. Athletic sent them back, Tnoma.s making a dashing run, arid with Ryan, Hunt and Lay, took play to the opposing twenty-five, where the last-named nearly scored. Lynskey relieved the, pressure, but Athletic came, again and gave Okaiawa a busy time defending. Then Iki and Rum were together in a fine rush, and with R. Roberts took play to the line and nearly scored. Thomas and Owen together relieved the pressure, but once more back came Okaiawa to the centre. Not to be denied, however,-Athletic started a pretty loose rush. Ryan and Hunter both running we'l. and the former again securing dashed across to score a good try. The kick failed. - . *~

Athletic * Okaiawa 0 Stirred by this reverse, Okaiawa put more dash into their play, and the ball came out from Lynskey to Ruru, to Phillips and to Purvis, but a passi forward .spoilt the opening. Thomas got away* and made a brilliant dash downfield,- but short-kicked and - lost the ball. Bad fielding by Tuki gave them, another opening, but then Ruru and Ike went away at the head of a forward rush. Tile ball came out and went From R. Roberts to Clarke, to Ike, to Ruru, who ran and passed again to Ike, and the later scored first try for .Okaiawa-. No* goal resulted. Athletic 3 Okaiawa -.- 3 Shortly after the first -spell ended. Okaiawa opened the ‘ second spell in great style, the forwards getting' all over. Athletic. The ball coming out, Griffin took and clashed’ across, Ruru goaling finely. . ’ Okaiawa.; Athletic , 3 . Once again Okaiawa attacked, and the backs mulling. Purvis following up fast, scored a good try. The kick failed. Okaiawa 11 Athletic ......... 3 Thenex t score was not delayed, R/uru charging over from a line-out. The kick failed. Dkaiawa 14 Athletic .... 3 Immediately afterwards the (home forwards swarmed down on the opposing backs and Purvis, following up fast, scored again.. No goal resulted. Okaiawa Athletic Athletic with .fine . dash attacked strongly, but again Okaiawa forwards came downfield, Ike Ruru, and Purvis handling well. A mulled pass stopped them, and, as the result of a long kick, Blues forced. Play went up and down field in vigorous rushes, but neither side could put the finishing touch to the combined movements which each in

tuni brought into 'play. At length the ball came out to Lynskoy, and' he sent it on to B; Roberts, who finished a brilliant;run by eluding all Opposition, and scoring a. capital try. Johnston Okaiawa .....1.22 Athletic ...b..._’’3 . The rest of the game was-mainly a stories of . O'kaia-wa. forward , yttack-s, and, save for a few dashes, Blues were defending most of . the. time, and the whistle went ..for norskle leaving the final scores:' / _•. .. ... ... Okaiawa •& l ■ .*.u. •.%.........., •- 22 . Athletic : '3 . . Mr. H Whittington was referee. STRATFORD (SO v. KAPONGA (3). A ihoderatc exposition of the Rugby oode was witnessed on’ the-eboWgrounds at Stratford 'on Saturday, when tn© senior teams pf- Stratford and Kaponga Clubs met in friendly contest? each having drawn .a i bye in theiT respective divisions. b ' : 7 - :i The teams' were:— b Kaponga.—G. Paterspn,.- Blaibon,! C. Eater-soil,-'L. Whalen, A. Guy,; Williams, B. li3.nuners.ley, 'Espin (2), Kissick,,J„ Hammersley,- Eddie; Scott,, r. Hammersley, Erpie Soott, J. Paterson. Stratford. —Songster.,; Fryday, Collins, Newall, Brooking, Algar, Walinhurst, ypung, Hinton, Smith, Walter,.. Coleman, Laurence, , Burns, O’Keefe. .. . , The weather was fine, though a. light rain threatened,,. 4nd , the; \ ground * was rough and tufty. v / Kaponga played without the services of .McCarty in the backs and Guthrie apd'T.houniine in the forwards. Two spells of thirty-five minutes each , were played. Kaponga won arid elected to take advantage of a lightb'wind. The Reds’ first Hammersley marking. Little aclvanattacking movement was checked by B. ,-tagc was gained and Stratford carried the game to the twenty-live fiag, whence C. Paterson transferred to yvelPdown the field witli'.a/long punt. Play centred for a time,, during -which a lengthy .stoppage occurred on account of an injury to Elaison..A. iroif dribbling rush by the Red forwards was stopped by Eddie ScOtt,. arid Guy kicked to centre, where Kappnga . secure j from , the line-out and engaged in a good passing bout among the backs, C, Paterson being forced out at the Reds’ twenty-five. Honours were. easy-for a while until Kissick booted ..w.elL down and -C. Paterson and Whalen were almost over. From an infringement the former made a good but unsuccessful attempt to goal. Stratford were hard,, pressed . under their goal, but Algar relieved and the Kaponga quarters-;-were invaded, and Sangster atteriipted a shot’ at goal from near the half-way flag. Kissick was prominent in loose forward dashes, and the game 'opened’ out; but attempts at passing bouts by the backs of either side were nullified by the fact that, nearly all the passes’; were'taten "standing In stem'imiig a; Black, forward rush, Stratford were penalised Arid &. Paterson eon-verted.’.frith a 1 fine kick.y' Kaponga. ... .. T *.. .J. .3 c. Stratford....... 0 Guy received from the‘kick-off and initiated a 'pasisng- rusli in which Kis; sick, who was playing' a fine game, Paterson, Whalen and B. Hammersley participated, fixe iridvemerit efidipg with an infringement. Stratford at once at-. tacked and Young, following up, secured aad would probably have crossed the Blacks’ line had he been supported. Half-time was called with play at midfield. Kaponga’s opening of the second spell was short kicked, and the resultant scrum went in favour of Stratford, but their onward progress was stayed by Eliason, who sent his forwards away to force The Reds. Following the kick-out, Fryday essayed a run, and was thrown into touch. The Reds continued the pressure, and Young, dribbling through and over the line, lost possession, and Kaponga forced. Stratford 'backs here put in their best passing effort of the game, which, however, failed in its objective, Young being pushed out. Not to he denied, Young headed a rush to the Kaponga line;: . and: a series;, of •''determined . attacks' were imade, eventually ending in a mark) which' Algar failed; to improve upon. The game shifted to the Stratford e'ndVrgndLa dribbling rush headed by Ernie Scott- and Guy was checked just in-time-bv Sangster kicking to touch. The Reds immediately transferred ..operations •: >■ toy the other end. and from a scrum on the line Wilmhurst set his backs in motion, and a succession of short, passes saw Collins over. Kaponga’s line for the first try o.f the match. Stratford 3 Kaponga 3

Attack arid -coifriteriattack followed m quick succession, and Kissick and Eddie Scott wound up a dribbling rash in the Beds’ twenty-five. Beturning t-o the attack, the Beds with an irresistible rush carried the ball downfield and over the? .line, ' Walter • securing Stratford’s second try. Sangster converted. ■ ••;; - 7- , ; : , ■!.' ■

Stratford ’ 8 Kaponga -'i 3 is Othiiig. daunted, , the Blacks carried the battle into the enemy’s territory and Guy, single-handed., dribbled .to n lthin striking .distance, where be was, joined by J. Paterson, but their, united efforts failed to increase the, score. .Desultory up-and-down conditions conturned to no-side, with no, variation in tbe tally.' Mr F. Bowler Was referee. PAT,BA,, v WAIMATE.;.-. ’ Waimate defaulted. to Patea, in r . the . fixture that.-was to have been.played on the southern , ground-, Several ,of. the Waimate seniors are laid up with colds, and the selectors, not washing to weaken the junior side further, -were reluctantly obliged to forfeit, • : TUKA.IBV'O S). v. ODD BO YS;.‘ (3). ; ■ The game''between Tukapafond Old Boys was somewhat disappointing. ■ It did not display that degree of enterprise and skill among the backs for which botlv foams' are ' Akfih'lly footed, and much of the kicking was wanting in judgment. For the greater part, the game was kept tight aniofigstfotfobdeks, but when backs did begin to operate they had not the- dash "to’make the .game spectacular; for. .' kto.aput; the . .finishing touches to movements ■ .■ which if;?, were partly developed. Tukapa ran »■ out winners by 18 points (four tries, three being converted) to three (a try). Tukapa. had all the best of the opening stages of ; . -the'- game. fob fit-': faulty handling spoilt their chances. However, R. Oliver, in trying to pot a goal, accidentally sent- the ball out to Halt on the AViitgp who was iinni'arked. He scored near the corner, and Hooker converted with a fine kick. Tukapa''-5 Old. Boys: >gsfovS...v.v.V, ,0 Old Roys \Vere tlieit bn' the' offensive} /and' a free kiek-gave Brownfo. which, however, was not taken advami-

tag© of. From tight play near Tubapa’s line, Jones emerged, with -the ball, to the surprise of both teams, and dived over near the corner. Brown made a good but unsuccessful attempt •to goal. Tukapa. ••• 5 Old Boys 3 Old Boys were now pressing, and offside play gave them another free kick, which failed. G. Taylor led Tukapa to the attack. Then play went back and. from a scrum near Tukapa’s line. Jeffries secured and ran right up the line to place Tukapa. in a good position: They were then awarded three free kicks, with which Hooker did riot score. Half-time was then sounded. Soon after the kick-off, a scramble in front of Old Boys’ gaol saw O’Dowda, pass to Hammersley. who scored under the posts. Hooker converted. Tukapa. 10 Old Boys 3 1 Tukapa. kept up. the pressure till play swung back after a .good passing rush by the whites. Old Boys made a great bid for a try from a. back passing rush ■which,- however, broke down when Clarke failed to accept Brown’s, pass. Hart was, penalised for obstructing Dinniss. Brown’s kick just falling short-. Oliver cut clean through the. Old Boys’ defence, the movement ending in a force by Old Boys. Tukapa. were now confining play Within their opponents! territory, and the game was resolving itself into a tight forward straggle. Stevens made a dash dowir the centre of the. field; but Tukapa. were soon back and, from a. quick line'-out which found the white’ backs out of position, O’Dowda secured and scored under the posts. Hooker converted. Tukapa 15 Old Boys 3 Newell fended off Brown and ran down the field,, to lie thrown out near the corner by Dykes. Tight uninteresting play followed till Hooker got past:;, a- feeble tackle by Clarke, and cut in to the posts to score. The kick failed, leaving the final score: Tukapa. 18 Old, Boys 3 Mr F. Julian was referee. STAR (6) v. ELTHAM (6). Star played a, drawn, gamp against E Ith am to-day at New' Plymouth. From the kick-off the home backs swung into action, and Wolfe made a great -dash down the line before being taken, by Harris. Roy Penniall, with a short kick, took play right to the other end of the field; Eltham were penalised for holding the hall and Star- saved. Sturmey led Star back, and from a line-out the ball flashed right through their back division with-, out a mistake, Wolfe dashing over , near, /.the corner. Morris failed to eon vert,;' : ;. . ■ • • •• .' ‘Star’ 1..... 3Eltham- 0

Tipiady came through in a dribbling rush, to'be stopped by Ross, who took a quick; mark. Ross secured from a scrum and handed on to Lemon, who cut right through. His pass to Court ivas blocked. Star pressed till Harris relieved With a good'line: kick. A kick by Lemon placed Star on the attack 'again, but their passing moves were smothered. Half-time was then sounded}, with the score' — Star 5 Eltham 0 After a scrum Roy Penniall shot the ball out to Page, whose kick was marked by Jenkins, but he failed to clear, iand a struggle on Star’s line: ended in a five-yard scrum. The home forwards worked their way out of danger, but Eltham were awarded a free kick, and amidst applause Leu Peppereli landed a fine goal from near half-way. Star 3 Eltham ~... - 3 Eltham rushed down the field, 'and from a rebound kick by Jenkins off Forster, Thomas snapped up and dived over near the* corner. Len Peppereli JiadYio luek with the'kick. Eltljaui (5. , , Star , . '3 Morris made a good attempt to land a goal from a long way out. Forster suddenly broke away from. loose play, hut knocked on with a clear field ahead. Falwasser and Gernhoeffer were having a great duel on one wing, with honours even. Star opened up .their play, and Page, while off-side, tried' to : intercept, a pass, and Morris, amidst great enthusiasm, landed a fine goal, making, the scores even. Eltli am • 6 Star 7 <5 Both teams were now going at top speed ia an endeavour to score. Falwasser, after >a great dash, was only, grassed a few feet from the line. Jenkins secured 1 and attempted to pot a goal. It was a beautiful shot, which struck the goal post and fell outside. Time was sounded with Star on the attack, the game ending— Eltham 6 Star •• • 6 ■CLIFTON (9) v. INGLEWOOD (0) Playing on .their own ground at Waitara, Clifton disposed of Inglewood by 9 points (three unconverted tries) to nil. The game was open and full, oi incident, but- both teams lacked the combination and finish that turns chances' into points. Ail the scoring was done in the second half,. Clifton’s superiority, which was confined to the backs, being about equal to the margin of points. The fir#?(excitement.' .'hi the -game came when McKay burst through for Inglewood from half-way-and dribbled through to Jacobs, who found touch nicely \vhen a mistake .would have cost .a.try. Neither side showed much skill as a team, most of the efforts being ‘one-man’’ affairs that "collapsed for want ol support. N. Boss showed speed when lie burst through on the felt, but he was nicely stopped by Coutts, and the Clifton backs attacked on the other wing, Jonas making a. determined effort. Soffe broke through finely down the centre, being grassed by Coutts just in front of the. posts., where Taylor nearly thrust over. A cut-in by Sutton, after Crowe had started the backs going, gave Ing'.ewpod another fright, but the movement was blocked right under the posts. A good run by E. Chard put Clifton on the defensive. Inglewood had another chance when Coutts tackled Jacobs in. possession. Clifton were attacking at half-time, but no score had. been registered when the spell arrived. Bain fell during the interval. On resumption of play, from a scrum Inglewood wore penalised for off-side. Telfar took the kick but the ball struck the, post. By a good individual rush’. Coutts; did great work .for his team, but he did not outshine Jacobs, the opposing full-back.; Inglewood played determinedly, and Clifton had ;to Soft’e was responsible 7Or 7 .L A ■

for changing the scone, sending the ball . clean through, with one mighty kick. A little later Soffe again, got Coutts into trouble, but Inglewood full-back found touch just as ike was dragged down close to the line.. Jacobs kicked through, aud Boss outstripped his opponents and was firstto fall on the ball. Telfar’s kick was charged down. Clifton 3 Inglewood 0 Clifton kept up the attack, and eoon afterwards Cotter scored near tb© posts; Telfar failed to convert. ..Clifton 6 Inglewood 0 Inglewood l attacked for a while, when Young kicked to Jonas on the wing. During a . scramble Fussell touched down for Clifton’s third try. Telfar failed to; convert. Clifton ? 9 Inglewood 0 The game ended soon after without any further score. JUNIORS. Saturday’s play in South Taranaki junior competition leaves the positions of the team as follows: — SOUTH GROUP. Pts Pts Ch.

NORTH GROUP. Pts Pts Ch.

PATEAi (17) v. ATHLETIC (3). The Athletic junior telaan journeyed 'to' Plateai and met the local .tealnx on the domain. In the laibisenoe of a teeaiiotr- iniabrih. due ta the forfeiture of Waniniate, the junior fixtupa vacs the only one of the afternoon. There was 'a good) crowd and the conditions were favourable for fast, football. The first Spelt opened with the Astliletic side 'displavnig its best form. Tllieir backs 'were tnssocdtaited in fast cmieeited back moi’eauents, which taxed the bonne defence severely. The ball went through all the 'backs l to Church. who got- over 'in the corner after a strong sprint. 'From, then on Pla.tea .secured more of tlie ball and the game veered in. their favour. Bourke got laemass from a 'scramble on. the line. The try was 1 n iwAnyertod. The fittst Kipeil'l ended with Hie isoore 3 all. In tilie' second half tlie Pla.tea- side 'showed much improved form. With their forwards getting the ball, Burke 'at half slaw plenty of the game, and fed MArchaint liberally. The latter played 1 the ' best game on the field, 'scored two tries and bad a band in Others.. W. Coriipton was the, final ’scorer. Alarcbant converted one of bis own tries. For the winners Stanford 'and Orawfoid in tlie fonvards were the ‘most pominent-. For Athletic A. Blair was the best- back, his kicking, and taking being almost equal to Burke’s. Simpson, at fuil-iback, played wed, and m did Dawdle, until atm injury neeessita.ted hi.s retirement. Athletic’s chief failures were faulty cackling and Speculation s. The final score Was 17 to- 3 in favour of Pteutea. Mr. W. P. Mionaghan was the referee

HAWFRiA (9) v. ABTOiN (0), Tlhe junior clash between. Alton add Hawera, played at Haiwera, resulted, after awhaird-foughlt game in conditions 'by no means ideal, in a win for the 'home team by nine points (two penality goals and an umooaverted try) to nail. Play was willing -and hard, and wihiat Ail,ton possessed in amippiness, Hiawera more than made up in scientific play. T!h.e Alton team was eager, but 'lacked the necessary combination for welkbalianced play. Barfly in the first spell the Hawera patch: attacked, and when within striking; distance was .awarded a., penalty kick, ■ but a strong gusty wind caused ‘the ball to graze the outside of the posts. After' mote mediocre forward play, Busing opened the .score in Howerahs favour with a. good penalty goal from the twenty-five line. An exchange of punts followed, and from a good Alton kick, the- ball -went out within a few yards of the Hawera line. In the hard ensuing, play Hawera. were awarded a tree-kick. lor off-side, and the situation was relieved, half-time sounding soon after with the score: Hawera 3 Alton, 0. Following a scrum near the centre line, Alton advanced and were almost clear, but Stone, with a bright tackle,, saved Hawera backs were, for a; period called to tackle strongly to stop* the Alton one-man. rushes which * characterised the game. Walker, securing the ball from a scrum, made a rrood, run and was clear, but stumbled a few yards before the poets, giving Alton the opportunity to relieve. Following close midfield play. Hawera were awarded a penalty and Mundy, with a good long kick, realised on it. A good vanguard rush, in which Mundy was. .prominent, ended in Stone slipping across at the corner, completing Hawera’s score. A bright run by Hodge (Alton) came almost., immediately, but Crutch. making a good tackle, saved. Th/s game ended shortly afterwards with the score: Hawera 9. Alton 0. All* F. Atkins was referee.

WAiCMArPEI (6) v. KAPONGA (3). Kaponga- juniors - t-navelled to Manaia. to- go down 3—S -to theM aimate team in a; .-ragged game. The visitors -set- the bail! An motion and Waama-te pressed hard for a, time. Bobinsson '(AYa.imate) last <a good chance of scaring by knocking on. Then a wild pass by Blaniiptcm let Kaponga- down Wailnate’s line and eventually, from a- sud'det- forward rush, they -scored. The kick failed. FoUlowiiig one unsudeeasful 'attempt. Mold gaa.led from -a. free kick to Waiimate. Play wais very ragged now, with neither side getting i«>uoh .advantage. Waima.te set up a The extent to which the Wellington Acclimatisation Society has thinned, out its "deer herds is shown in. the. following- figures:—•Tararuas : Paraparaumu ,75. Ohau 20, Tiritea 10, Bketahuna 30, Tauherenikau 33; total 168. Ruahine:. Mqwlianga 20. Wairarapa : Whakatomotomo 500, Whatarangi 223, Hinakural2o, Te Awaiti 150, White Rock 210, Rough River 73, Cape River 83, Lagoon Hill 214, Te Wharau 132, Haurangi Forest 200; total 1993. Wai_ nui-o-mat-a.: 50. The district total is 2143. —Evening Post.. passing . rush in which Langford got well drani field, but Ka.pongja. returnod and. omlv a lucky tonch-in-goal kick saved Wadnvaite. From this until half-

time -bli© game was -more am.utsi.ng than ■ Aib the opening rat the second spell, »Jay •'■con/ti nuwi Tagged ,u.n.ta:l, Wiainniate made a, .surprise forward rusk anicl a Wd kick .by the Kaiptmgai fuliUbiack let 'W Bourke score near the corner. ’Altos, iinisiicc.o'-vsl'u.l kick was a. swlen'dkl attempt, and immediately -atter-•vr-aaxfe he. nearly goated front, a mark. Ivianonfflai I'aQlied. and a. nice panning looked likely. The ball was now very greaisy and neither .side wa« gamW much ,ad\ta.ntaigo froun .concerted movements. Waimate pressed strongly In 'the closing stages, but .the Kaponga defence, was sound and -tar© gam* ended: Wei.mate 6, Ivaponga 3. Mr. W. -Hadley was referee. ' -.ELTHAM (8) v. OPUNAKE (6). ElLham juniors journeyed to Op unask© and defeated the home juniors by eight pod nits co six, the visitors rearguard proving superior in the conclud'ing stages. Owing to. the late arrival of lilthiam. the period of play had to 'be res.lu.eed to twenty-five muinte spells. 'Elthaan faced the wind in. the first, spell xu ixl t>lio Opunnke forwards- opened \vith 'a. .series of determined attacks. Adams opened the scxm'c dor Opininko witth penalty goal from 30 yards, out. Jhe 'Opunaike backs showed -in. some prom•i.'siu.g movements, which iresul-ted in Filth am forcing. The attack was pressed and ©rentmlilv -a rush ..st-aalted by 'Mar’tin tiaw the ‘ball g» through several pairs of hands and MeCullnm allowed Mauriri. to regi-ster a- try. No goal resulted. , EL'thain forced the pace m the second spell -and, after 15 minutes’ willing rwiay, Flayed erosised the Opunake line For'a. try which. MiadD’onakl converted. ’Ensuing' stages repeatedly found the home team in difficulties, and five minutes before time a. passing bout resulted .in a. further score- .for Eilthani by 'Gower. The kick failed, making the hrial score as indicated. Air. 4\ . H. Tip-perns refereed.

FOURTHS.

Fourth grade teams in South Taranaki, after to-day’s play, stand thus: — Pts Pts Ch. P. W. L. For Agst Pts

H.S. B 6 -AVAJLMATE (35) v. EILTHAM (01. AVa.iuvate’s da.s&y fourth grade team •ran. through n. gallant Eithaan defence at Mjaaiaia. The home hoys, wo-n the toss, and Eltham kicked off. Play ’hung about ihe centre for a/ time, the Elithami boys being conspicuous for 'clean fielding. East following up by McDonald, and a good cross- kick by Hickey, looked dangerous for Eltham, ’but they cleared Deimp'palaaiily. Then TK Shaw, for .AVaiimaibe, cleverly intercepted .ai pass. He was tackled by tlhe 'fml-back, hut R. Shaw snapped up the ibali and! Scored /between thfe paste. 'From <n< Waimate .l'c.iwarcl ruish M. Burke secured! and, going clean thiougHi 'the opposition, scored another ,tiy ibeneatk the bar. C. Rpurko converted. 'Eoflowing the kick-out, Cl Boaurke se'cu>red in midi field, ra.n right through, Is'bored) lagjaiin in the best of prasiitio.ns, -and he himself graailed. -Date followed with a splendid opening, which J. Kitt ifinished with a. try. At hailf-tiime the 1 score wins 16—0 in AYai mate's- favour. • Joyce mia,de the first opening of the second speilil, Hickey .scaring from a pass. Cate go ailed with a, splendid kick,' right from tlie touch-line. AViaimialte were now .pressing hardi -and soon ’Ainsley notched -a try. Next, from a. good passing rush, Kitt cleverly sidesteppe.;! mud scored his second try. Not content with, this, lie. repeated; the jmjtfomiaaree almost .immediately. Presently O. Bourke .took the ball from a 'long ‘throw-in. anti transferred to Cafe, 'wh.o> scored the last try. O. Bouirke goale-J. making the tally 35 —0 for 'Waimate. The Eltham boys stuck to it doggedly and played game- fciotba.il to the end. They had really good; hacks and deserved -a. share of the Success; but. the Waimate forwards- were too good. Mr. B. Hurley was referee.

HIGH SCHOOL A (30) v. HAWERA (18). A very fast game, in which bright passing was a feature, was witnessed when High School A defeated Hawera fourths by 30 points to 18. Tries were scored for School by Dymond (3), Walsiie (2), Gower (2), and Standish. Ngaia, who was in good! kicking form, despite a strong breeze, converted three. The Hawera score was made up of tries by Dvkek, .Loader, and Fleming, and Foster kicking a penalty goal and converting the three tries. Mr. Webb was the referee. PATEA (9) v. HIGH SCHOOL B (5). The closely contested and even game .which resulted from the fourth grade clash between Patea and High School B at Hawera ended in the visiting team’s favour. During the first spell School had the advantage, Rodie scoring a meat try that Petersen converted. Paten countered towards the close of the spell and Clarkson scored. The position was reversed, however, in the second spell, Cousins and Christensen each .scoring tries for Patea. Cousins, the Patea wing three-quarter, was prominent throughout the game for bright play, while Petersen in the backs, and Herbert in the forwards, played well for School. Mr. P. J. Mullan refereed KAPONGA (10) v. HAWERA CENTRAL (0). The Hawera Central Fourths travelled to , Kapon; # n.The home team won the toss and played with the wind. From the kick Kaponga forwards took the ball into th P Hawera twenty-five, when, after a hard straggle, they scored. Kaponga increased its lead by a successful clrop-kick. The first .spell ended with the score : Kaponga 7, Hawera 0. From the kick-off TTawera secured, and after a. splendid s)how of passing, tok the ball into* the home twenty-live, but- were very unlucky in not scoring. Shortly after Kaponga was forced) to touch. The game then became, a '‘rough and tumble,” and Kaponga sevtwed the ba’l to score. From the kick Kirk secured and: passed out to Cheevers, Li minim and Nolan, who had hard luck in not crossing the line. Kaponga had a fine set of backs, superior for fourth grade play. Hawera forwards, although lighter, played well •against their heavy opponents. The game ended: Kaponga 10. Hawera 0. Air J. Kissick coutroMed the game.

P. w. L. For Agst Pts Okaiawa .. 5 5 .— 101 14 10 Kaponga .. 5 4 1 50 23 8 Patea (y 3 3 33 51 ■6 Hawera. . . . 4 o 2 17 10 4 Opunake .. 5 2 3 42 41 4 Athletic. ... 4 1 3 30 40 2 Waimate . . r> — 5 15 101 0 NORTHERN DIVISION.

*Sfcar .... 5 ■4 — 48 15 9 Tultapa .. . 5 4 1 6G 20 8 *Elthani 5 3 1 41 25 7 Stratford .. 4 o o 30 34 4 Clifton .... 6 2 4 18 38 4 Old Boys . . 5 1 4 31 54 2 Inglewood . 4 4 3 47 0 * Star and Eltliam drew.

P. W. L. For Agst Pts. Patea .. . 6 , S6 12 12 Havrera . . . 6 4 2 50 38 S Alton .. . _2_ 23 65 4 Waver ley . o i 4 46 50 2 Athletic . .. 5 l 4 .12 52 2

P. W. L. For Agst Pts Okaiawa .. 5 5 — 50 16 10 Eltham .. . 4 1 27 26 8 W aimate .... 6 3 ' 3 47 32 6 Kaponga .. 6 1 5 22 ' 44r 2 Opunako . . 4 — •± 19 47 —

Waimate .. 6 G — 02 8 12 Okaiawa .. 5 4 i VO JO S Central .... Cv 1 2 74 22 8 Kaponga .. 5 4 o 71 25 $ H.S. A 6 3 3 75 50 6 E 1th am ... 7 4 73 6 Pa tea G o 4 24 77 4 Haw era ... G T 5 GO 3S -