FOOTBALL.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LVI, Issue LVI, 22 July 1909, Page 4

FOOTBALL.

RUGBY.

SECOND JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP

WON BY PArEA.

The play-off for the second junior championship between Stratford and Patea teams took place at Bayly Park, Hawera, on Wednesday afternoon in the presence of a good gathering of spectators. The weather was fine, the sun shining brightly, but the recent rains had made the ground heavy and very slippery. Stratford played in the first spell with the wind in their favor. The teams were pretty evenly matched, although Patea had slightly the advantage in weight. The game was a good exhibition of Rugby for a third-class match, and at times there was some really brilliant play on both sides. It was contested in good spirit throughout.

The opening exchanges were much in favor of Patea, and it seemed as if the Southern team were going to have it all their own way. ' But after defending for about six minutes the Stratford players relieved to the centre, and then gradually carried* the game into their opponents' 25. Patea were called upon to defend, and owing to their full-back mulling the ball Liddicoat, of Stratford, scored a simple try. Tichbon did not increase the score, although the kick was a good one. Give-and-take play followed for a long while. There Avas little scrumwork, line-outs being the general order. Stratford found the line better than their opponents. Towards the close of the spell Patea played with better combination than they did in the early stages of the game, and on more than one occasion were within an ace of scoring ; however; they were unable to get past the Stratford backs, and the spell ended without any further score. The second half was contested with some vigor, without either side gaining an advantage, until after 20 minutes' work, when Patea initiated aood passing rushes, and it was from one of these that Broughton managed to cross the line amid prolonged cheering from the Port's supporters, who were present in large numbers. Carey had an excellent kick at goal, but the ball unluckily hit the bar and bounded back. Snurred by their success, Patea continued to play with great determination, and shortly before the call of time had increased their points by another try. which was got by Willis. Carey failed to convert. Stratford then returned to the attack, and although both teams played a stubborn pcame no further score was registered. Result : — Patea ft Stratford 3 Mr Lees was an impartial referee. Okaiawa junior team to play Knnonga next Saturday: Johnstone (2), Pentecost. Paddie, Robinson, Baker, Johns, Radford, Bremer, Vedette. Kingi. Paddie, King, Patterson, Toro. Emergencies: Leydon, Wharerangi, Lennard.