LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

Huntly Press and District Gazette, Volume XV, 22 September 1931, Page 2

LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

MARIST 20 v HUNTLY 9 A very interesting match was played on the Recreation Ground on Saturday when the above teams tried conclusions. Huntly commenced well and at halftime were leading by 9 to 5; but in the second half better combination and training gave Marist the upper hand. The Play. Marist kicked off, the ball going out. From a scrum play went to Marist territory. A free kick to Huntly gave Raynor an unsuccessful shot at goal. Shortly afterwards, from a scrum near the corner, Scott secured and scored a try which Whorsky failed to convert. Play went to Huntly territory where a free to the defenders relieved the position. Following a short period of midfield play Raynor had a shot at goal which failed. Marist brought the ball out and commenced a passing rush. Smith cleverly intercepted and scored a brilliant try which Raynor failed to convert. Huntly 6, Marist 0. Play swung up and down and Marist took the offensive, but Raynor saved the situation. Marist returned play to Huntly territory and looked like scoring until good work by Raynor and Paki relieved the position. Marist were awarded a free kick, and Clarke goaled. Marist 2, Huntly 6. After a short period of midfield play Marist were given a free kick which sent play to Huntly territory. Offside play gave Huntly a free from which Brisbane secured and made a good run, passing to Campbell who failed to get over. From a scrum in the comer Clarke scored an unenoverted try. Play travelled up and down, each team attacking at intervals. Huntly Icoked dangerous, but the ball went over the dead ball line. From Marist’s kick Huntly secured and attacked, but good defence saved. The ball went out near the corner and from the scrum Smith scored a try which was not converted.

Halftime came with the scores: Huntly 9, Marist 5. Huntly kicked off and Marist attacked. Offside play by Huntly gave Clarke a shot at goal which failed. Smith shifted play to Marist territory, the ball going out. Marist reversed the position and looked like

rcoring, but Raynor saved. Shortly afterwards Marist attacked again, a mark by IJuntly stopping the movement. Huntly attacked and a free kick gave Wilcox a shot at goal which was a failure. Huntly backs started

r. passing movement, but Miki was tco greedy and was grassed with the ball. Play was shifted to Huntly territory and Marist were in a good position to score when a forward pass Flopped the movement. Huntly cleared, but Marist were soon back and from a scrum Campbell secured andrcored. ICarke converted. Marist lbj Huntly 9. Huntly kicked off and play went to Marist territory. Here MacDonald secured and made a great effort, runring frem one end of the field to the ether to score a well-earned try which Clarke converted. Huntly attacked, but the defence proved too strong. Play returned to midfield. Marist took the offensive end from a scrum near Huntly line ged work by the visiting backs resulted in a .try by Campbell which Clarke converted. Marist 20, Huntly 9. W horsky and Paki did good work, carrying play to Marist’s 25. From a scrum Wilcox received and attempted a drop-kick, but failed to increase the score. Marist had a spell of defensive play but the game ended with the score unaltered. Mr. Harlock was referee.

NGARUAWAHIA 3, v HUNTLY 0. The junior match between the above teams resulted in a win for Ngaruawahia. The try was scored by Saunders whose efforts were deservijg of success.

SPECTATORS ON GROUND. Play was considerably hampered by the spectators encroaching on the playing area. This is a dangerous practice and should be stopped. It would be a good thing if a wire were erected along the sidelines so that authorities could control the spectators.

As one who has been reporting icctball matches on the Huntly ground ioi sonic years, the editor can thoroughly endorse the complaints made by our reporter. The plain fact is that it is Impossible to report properly a match on this ground owing to the encroachment of spectators, especially when there is a bit of exciting play on, just the very time a reporter wants to get a look in, and can’t. The side lines require to be wired, or properly patrolled, or both. Editor, “Press.” LEAGUE JOTTINGS. A welcome visitor to Huntly on Saturday was Henry Donovan, the well-known boxing trainer and guide, philosopher, and friend to the sporting section in Auckland. The number of boxing pupils that Henry has put through his hands has been considerable and he is deservedly popular with his charges in the Marist team for he looks after them like a father. His sound advice on all matters pertaining to athletics makes him an indispensable asset in a football club. No less welcome was big Jim O'Brien, hero of many League contests and an All Black at that. Sportsmen both, they renewed old acquaintances in Huntly and expressed great pleasure in the warm reception given And the team whilst in Huntly.