Football

Putaruru Press, Volume XX, Issue 1183, 23 May 1946, Page 4

Football

PINEDALE v. TOKOROA

In glorious football weather Pinedale and Tokoroa met in the hardest fought game of the present oeries. Infringements were far 'too frequent on both sides and one regrettable incident led to a Pinedale player being ordered off.

Pinedale won the toss and from the kick-off it was evident that the game was to be a tuasle between the opposing forwards. Tokoroa took the hall back to halfway where Pickrang scooped it up but failed to clear. Puckey cut in smartly but was well tackled by Little, and again Pickrang gained possession, and with a good run reached Tokcroa’a twenty-ifive. Lack of backing spoilt a good chance and he went down under the Tokoroa pack. In the ensuing scrum' a free kick was awarded Tokoroa Pinedale’s fullback, Petley, cleared with a line kick.

In the lineout offside play gave Tokoroa a free kick which Balfour failed ■ to put over. Following the twenty - five yard kick another infringement by Pinedale gave Balfour another chance which also missed. From the kick offside play by Tokoroa gave a frnekick to Pinedale. A period of lively midfield play followed during which- neither team had the advantage. »’

From a scrum Pinedale’s half, Mihinui, got the ball away to Whetu, who reached Tokoroa’a twenty-five before being tackled by Puckey. Pinedale forwards, using their weight, took the leather to their opjponents’ goal line and Newdick went lover, but he was quickly smothered J toy Tokoroa’forwards and it was impassible to say who had forced the ball. No try. Good following up by Tokoroa put Pinedale’s goal in danger, but a timely, mark by Whetu saved the situation. Play again surged into’ Pinedale’s twenty-five, and Edmond® scrambled over with both packs on top of him. No score. From a scrum the Tokoroa half, Dowling, oet his 'backs in motion and the best combination of the day resulted, but it was short-lived, Whetu intercepting, and in endeavouring to clear was injured and unable to continue. C. Debar replaced him at second five-eighth. A lineout gave the Pinedale first five-eighth, Martin, the ball. He was well tackled on the line, and war ordered off for attempting to strike an opposing player. Tokoroa forwards took command from the scrum and carried play well into Pinedale’s twenty-five. An. infringement iby Pihedale allowedEdmonds a shot at goal which went wide. " '

FYom the kick the ball went put on half-time, No score.

Pickrang secured' the ball from the kick-off but'vtfas too; well marked and in the back a free kick was awarded to Pinedale. C. Debar tried a long shot which fell short. Pinedale again looked dangerous and scrums took place on Tokoroa’s five yards line, Edmonds clearing. Dow!ing secured from -the lineout ana once again his bocks showed a flash of team-work. An unlucky knock-on by Gilbert put the scrum down on the Pinedale five-yard line. A grim tussle took place' before Mihinui cleared for Pinedale. This opened

the play up and both sets of backs indulged in a kicking match. Tokoroa wao caught offside in their own twenty-five, and Petley found the goal. Pinedale 3, Tokoroa 0. Almost immediately a Pinedale infringement gave Puckey an opportunity to even the score with a good place kick.

Tai, Pinedale’s second five-eighth, was hurt from the kick-off and had to retire for a while. The rest of the game was tough, hard wrestling for possession and there was nothing between the teams. The game ended 3-all.

the Pinedale forwards, Pick- * rang and Newdick shone out, but all worked hard. Mihinui, at half, did well for a young player and will improve. Petley, at fullback, made some fine saves and should also improve with experience.

For Tokoroa, Puckey ohowed out in a good pack. Of the backs, Dowling, Edmonds and Gilbert were always to the fore.

The game was in the capable hands of Mr. lan Thomson.

MARAETAI v. UNITED

Both the United senior and junior teams were victorious in their weekend games against the Maraetai senior and junior teams at the Tokoroa football gTound. Juniors The United juniors had a comfortable win of 22 to nil. Pl ay started very even but as the game progressed United gradually gained the ascendency due to better team work. However, the whole game was characterised by too much close play, and oplenddd individual efforts by Maraetai, which were inevitably fruitless for lack of backing up. Lewis* kicked several good penalty goals and converted a try, Beig scored two tries and converted one, and a try was scored by Orsulich.

Maraetai held United in the amiior game to a close and strongly contested decision of 12 9* in United's favour.

United's score was the result of three penalty goafcj aqd one' goal kicked from a mark. Maraetai scored three tries, Porema, Peki King each crossing. the line, for a. try. iMear kicked three penalties for United and Berg a goal from a mark.

United wera well served by their Imw half, Ray Tail,- although- he received a hehvy kick on' the head 'during the first half, which affected his vision /Sightly. H:, a play wakan. example/;fco be Studied iby ding his work ijntrthe first balfy* "being - as the Maraetai forwards were coming through very fast. King in particular was dangerous. Smith played safely at fullback for Maraetai, as <fid Deans for United. The teame were evenly matched, but both showed signs of greenness which might be excused early in- the season. In the loose rushes Maraetai was strongest, but a good goal kicker and a sure halfback saved the position and won the match for United.