FOOTBALL.

Northern Advocate, 3 June 1918, Page 4

FOOTBALL.

UNITED v. ATHLETIC. l ______ GOOD WIN FOR THE "BLUES." f „ „ . r ' The first meeting of the two Wha- I ngarei teams this season created a i good deal of interest, and the contest r drew a fairly large attendance at i Kensington Park on Saturday. The c spectators were treated to a good display of football, and whilst there were only occasional flashes of really I good play the game was always of an interesting character, strenuously and cleanly fought The players are to be commended upon the spirit which they displayed, talking amongst the members of the teams being almost , entirely absent; quite a number of minor accidents occurred, but these were only the results of hard, strenuous play, and never caused intentionally or maliciously. One regrettable feature was the lateness in ' the time of commencing play—particularly when it is remembered that . both the town teams were engaged, which therefore necessitated no tra- ' veiling delays The result was that .' on this account, and owing to the many temporary stoppages during 1 the afternoon, the game finished in \ semi-darkness, and it was difficult to distinguish the players before the game had ended. Punctuality in starting is a matter that should engage the attention of the Rugby Union and players alike. THE PLAY. Athletic (blue) defended the eastern goal and faced a bright sun. From the kick-off United (red) became aggressive, but play settled down at centre. Here Revell had a ■ fruitless shot at goal from a penalty awarded to the blues. United pressed again and gradually pushed their opponents back, close play following in Athletic 25. Browne smartly saved and transferred play to the centre. A very fine kick by Hunt" (United) brought trouble to the blues, for the red forwards got to the full-back preventing his return. Determined dashes on the line by Beehre, Brydon, and Lupton just failed in their objective. In one of these onslaughts Browne re-opened an old injury and had to leave the field, Storey replacing him. W. Lamb and Day were mainly instrumental in shifting the scene of operations, and a kick which went into touch-in-goal brought further Relief. Good marks by Edmonds and W. ■ Lamb helped Athletic, but the reds maintained the pressure and again Evaded the blue line. Here Beehre picked up the ball, dashed through and made a good opening, sending tfie leather on to Steadman who raced . cross with a good try. Pope failed vith the kick, and United had 3 oints to nil to their credit. Soon iter the kick-off, Steedman by quick 'ollowing-up tackled W. Lamb in possession, but the latter got his kick ■vnd saved. Ends were soon after changed. Play- had only been in progress a minute or two, when Athletic scored. S. Hutchings gathered up the ball and sent it on to Harrison who spurted and finally gave it to Edmonds who outpaced the opposition and scored a fine try. This was one of the brightest incidents in the match. Revell missed the goal and the score was 3 all. This success heartened the blues for they persistently attacked. S. Hutchings and Millen toed the ball through to the line, where Munro picked it up and threw himself across, but was recalled for an infringement. Hot work ensued on the line, Brydon, Beehre, Allan Lamb, Steadman and Hunt defending ■veil. Lamb eventually picked up ..ft-side .right at the goal posts but \V. Lamb missed what should have been an .easy three points for his side. United had their backs to the wall, ■Md presently Athletic showed another nice piece of combination. Securing from a scrum S. Hutchings sent a long pass to Harrison, to McLean, to 'Edmonds who, when blocked, kicked and McMillan was rather lucky to save. Hunt was proving a reck of defence for United and time after time got his side out of difficulty. McGregor was prominent for the blues, and then Carmichael neatly marked in front of goal on the 25. Revell landed the goal and Athletic supporters were jubilant. Half time: Athletic 6, United 3. Immediately after resumption United became aggressive and a nice opening was made by McMillan who tent the ball on to Steadman. The latter improved tihe position and then gave it to Pope who ran strongly bvrt foolishly hung on when v/ithin a few yards of the line. Had Pope sent it on to one of his supporters who were particularly numerous about him a sure try would have been the outcome. Athletic determinedly, cleared their lines and play v/ont to United territory. However, the reds returned to attack, Steadtnan putting in a good run and then passed to Beehre who gave it to N. Hutchings who was downed in the corner. Athletic pushed the invaders back to the 25, when Hunt had a pot at goal but missed. The reds kept up a constant pressure and it looked as if they would get in, but a sudden change came o'er the scene. Edmonds secured possession and ran strongly through the opposition but was brought down and lost the ball. Mason, however, was handy and put in a fine run, only to be grassed from behind. Carmichael was on the spot and fielding the ball shot over v/ilb a try. Edmonds' kick failed to add the points, and Athletic led by 9 to 3 when ends were changed.

In tlic final quarter United made S several plucky efforts to score, but rhese were'frustrated by good defence notably W. Lamb and Day. Touards the close Athletic registered ar other score, Edmonds kicking a ptnrJty goal. In the gathering gloom Un-ted made a desperate effort and in a forward rush Allan Lamb just missed putting on a try by the narrowest of margins. The game thus ended with the scores Athletic 12 United 3 Mr W. Tucker was referee.