FOOTBALL.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume XXII, Issue 7195, 22 June 1885, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

NAPIER V. PETANE. A match was played on Saturday afternoon on the Recreation Ground between the first fifteens of the above clubs, resulting in a victory for Napier by 9 points to nil. Owing to the threatening aspect of the weather before the game began very few spectators were present. The latter part of the second spell was played in a heavy downpour of rain, and the ground being net made running very difficult, and it j was almost impossible to hold the ball. The game throughout was confined almost exclusively to the Petane 25 yards, that team forcing down in selfdefence no less than six times. Gibbons captained the colors, and played in his usual brilliant style, ably backed by J. Cato, who, until the ground became wet, made several dashing runs—one right through the field to behind the goal posts, from which a goal was secured. George Walker played a hard game, and was chiefly the means of his aide gaining two tries, although the ball was touched down by Staunton, who played a fine fellowing up game. Anderson and Eavenhill also did good service as half and full-back respectively. Amongst the forwards Harrap, A. Kennedy, and Kelly played well. The " mighty Kells " had the post of honor as captain of the bines, and played a fine game. Hedley was a host in himself as back, collaring in fine style, and never missing his man. Trotter was also in good form, and always ready when wanted. D. Oooper did hard work for his side, playing up well, and kicking with great judgment. Amongst the forwards Beale, Mitchell, and Saunders were most prominent, working hard, and always on the ball. Petane played two men short, and it being a Cup match, could not take a member of another club to fill the gap. Taking this into consideration they played a splendid uphill game. The following were the teams : — Napier : Full-back, Ravenhill ; half-backs, J. Cato, Anderson, and White ; quarterbacks, G-ibbons and Sheath ; forwards, Harrap, Hunter, Parker, A. Kennedy, F. Kennedy, Mountfort, Kelly, Staunton, and Weber. Petane, full-back, Hedley; half-backs, Cooper, Iha, and Trotter ; quarter-backs, Kells, and Ngahora ; forwards, Peacock, Saunders, Beale, Bennett, Tylee, Spence, and Mitchell.