FOOTBALL.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXVII, Issue 121, 25 May 1903, Page 4

FOOTBALL.

SENIOR CUP.

On Saturday the first round o£ the senior contest was concluded, when the Awarnas played Waitohi and defeated them by the substantial margin of 17 points to nil. The seaside players were not able to place a strong conabioation in the field and the Awarna team included some junior players, but their presence was a help rather than otherwise, for they made the game more open. The Awamas asserted their superiority soon after the start of the game, and tried hard by making use of their baek-3 to cross their opponents' line, but the Waitohis ware playing a plucky game and often invaded the Awarua quar ters. A score did not come until late in the spell, when from a scrum the ball passed throagh the hands of Casey, Mcllale, O'Brien, and Oben, tho latter crossing the lino. No goal was kicked. As soon as the second spell commenced the Awaruas were soon in Waitohi quarters, and Oben again crossed tho line; but the try was not converted. After this the Awaruas crossed the line a number of times, but were called back for breaches. During the spall further tries were gained by Murphy, Ball, and Schwass, the last try being converted by O'Brien. The black and whites, although having much the best of the spell, did not have play all their own way, Waitohi several times invading their quarters, but were not able to cro3s the line.

For Awarua Mm-phy again played a dashing game, a::d Jack O'Dwyer was more like his former self. O'Loary in the pack and on the lino put in much good work. Oben was in better running fettle than before and shove to more advantage. J. O'Brien played his usual reliable game. For Wai tola McMinn at full back played excellently, his kicking aud collaring being especially good. G. Smith played a flne game for his side, putting in an immense amouut of work, and before theseaaon is over we look to see this player much improved. Godfrey was also good. The forwards did not show to advantage, and the pack was the weak part of the team's play.

Mr E. F. Healy referesd in his mual capable manner.