FOOTBALL.

Patea Mail, Volume XXXIX, 20 July 1914, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

Patea I v Alton I. The Patea Seniors 1 forfeited to Alton on Saturday, thus placing the Patea team third on the list of senior teams in the Wairoa Union. TBE LEAGUE GAME. Wanganui Union's Decision. General disappointment was felt in local football circles on Saturday when it became known that the Wanganui Eugby Union at its meeting on Friday night had decided to award the recent Patea y Ball Road senior match to the latter team on acconnt of Patea having played an ex-League player. The action of the Onion is felt to be somewhat harsh as the members of the Patea Club acted lit is stated on the advice of a J prominent member of the New Zealand Eugby Union and with the full consent of their opponents. Whilst it is essential that the interests

of sport, should be conserved is seems rather more than a pity that the Union could not have seen its way clear to point out the exact position to the Patea Olub and have allowed the matter to rait there. With but four clubs in the Union it is necessary that a certain amount of forbearance be shown provided the interests of the game are conserved otherwise one of two things must happen—either the game will be killed outright in the distriot or the League system introduced. In the present instance the Patea Club acted in a perfectly open manner, playing the ex-League member with the full consent of the opposing team and in the full belief that it was not contravening the rules of the Union. Had it been a oiee of directly flouting the authority of the Union tbe case would have been entirely different. Under the circumstances we would suggest that the Union be osked to re-consider their decision in the matter and that the case be fully explained by a deputation from the Club to the Union at its next meeting.

Patea II v Waitotara 11. The Fatea team won by default, Waitotara failing to put a team in the field. Waverley I v Waitotara I. The Waverley seniors journeyed to Waitotara and played a match with the .Waitotara team which resulted in an easy victory for Waverley by 21 points to nil. Mr Hunter controlled the game in a most satisfactory manner. Ball Road It v Waverley 11. The Ball Road II team journeyed to Waverley on Saturday defeating the local team by five points to nil. The game whioh was played in the friendliest of spirit was fast throughout, the visitors doing most of the attacking, though up to half time there was no score on either eide. Shortly after changing over Oouchman kicked high and following up well scored in a good position, Harold Hodge' making ro mistake with the kick. The local men made desperate efforts to'equalise matters but no side was called with no addition to the score. . For the winners W. Tayler played well on the wing and B. Neilson showed to advantage as half, getting in,several pieces of good play. Mr Southoombe refereed in his usual capable manper. School Football. Waverley Convent beat Fatea State. Following ia the draw for' next Saturday : Waverley State v Fatea State at Waverley.