Football

Putaruru Press, Volume XXI, Issue 1234, 12 June 1947, Page 8

Football

JUNIORS

Te Whetu v. Athletic Athletic journeyed to Te Whetu on Saturday to play the latter team in the second round! of the junior competition. The weather was not all that might have been desired, but both teams gave an exhibition of good clean football. Athletic won by 11 point® to six, but were lucky to hove that margin. at the finish, the Te Whetu forwards, playing with dash and their backs handling the greasy ball well. The Athletic pack worked well but have been seen to 'better advantage. Morris, whose hooking for Athletic was not up to its usual standard, worked well in the loose. Olf the Athletic backs Haworth and Sherlock (a newcomer to the - ranks) were probably the best, but the tendency of both sets of backs was to go “high”; both the tries scored toy Te Whetu could have been stopped had the opposite 'number grassed his man. Te Whetu attacked from the kickoff and with a great .burst carried play well into Athletic territory, where Deanls had an unsuccessful attempt at goal from a penalty. Te Whetu kept Athletic on the defence for some time until the Athletic forwards worked play to halfway, where .from a ruck the ball went smoothly to Griokett on the wing, who outstripped the opposition to score under the posts, Haworth missed the kick. Athletic 3, Te Whetu #.

Athletic now attempted to open nip play, several good movements, in which. Sherlock iwas .prominent, failing through the player® being unable to handle the greasy ball. From play near midlfteld Birse gathered in the ball for Athletic and sent on to his backs,, and Burke, on the wing, when blocked, centrekicked nicely to catch the defence out of position, and Birse gathered the ball again to score under the posts. Haworth added the points. Athletic 8, Te Whetu 0.

Te Whetu rallied and took play to Athletic twenty-five where after a determined effort H. Simmonds scored wide out, Deans’ kick failing. Half-time sounded with the score Athletic 8, Te Whetu 3.

A» rain was falling heavily at this stage the teams changed over and carried on the game. Te Whetu dominated 1 play for some time, their backs toeing seen in some good movements. They were unlucky at this stage in , that a player after crossing the line was unalble to ground' the toall. Shortly after Te Whetu twice narrowly failed l to touch down.' They were not to be denied, however, and from good passing among the backs Simmonds crossed near the comer, the kick •again failing. Athletic 8, Te Whetu 6.

Athletic livened up and took play to Te Whetu goal line, where the bounce of the ball robbed Graham of a try. Then Athletic forwards kicked too hard, a force down resulting. Athletic continued to press and from an infringement by Te Whetu between the twenty-five and halfway Dunn kicked a beautiful goal. Athletic 11, Te Whetu 6. The game continued to travel up and down field until the final whistle with no further score. The game was ably controlled by Mr. Power. After the match Te Whetu ladies entertained the Athletic team and their few supporters who braved the elements to witness the game to afternoon tea, andi their action was greatly appreciated by one and all, bringing, as it did, a fitting end to a clean friendly game.

THIRD GRADE Toltoroa v. School Tokoroa had to turn out last Saturday without the services of seven or eight of it's regular players and this', combined with the fact that the School team is just beginning to settle down to true form, helped to account for Tolcoroa’s first defeat cf the season. The conditions were ideal for wetday football and the game early became a struggle between two good sets' of forward's, School having a slight superiority over the weakened' Tokoroa pack. The backs on both sides saw little of the ball on attack, but did! most of their work on defence. In this respect there was little to choose between the opposing halves, G. Newbold and Jackson, both of whom were called

upon to stop frequent forward rushes. The best backs on the field were the two fullbacks, Dehar and Dommeft. Both were safe on defence, while Dommett kicked two good penalty goals. Tokoroa’® points came from a try by the second five-eighth, Hamilton, the only back on the field to show much initiative on attack. Taking .advantage of mishandling by the School backs, he went over in the corner for a good try. The School forwards were ably led by Howland, who was awarded a try, while Waldon, Ireland and Blen norhassett played soundly in the Tokoroa pack. Although Tokoroa fought every inch of the way, School are to (be congratulated on their first win of the season, toy nine points to three. The game was ably controlled by Mr. J. Vcrran. The third grade competition, which is an innovation this season, is producing some good football and seme excellent material is available for a team to represent the union. WEEK-END RESULTS Third Grade: School 9, Tokoroa 3. Juniors; Maraetai 18, Tokoroa 3; Forest Products. 14, United 8; Athletic 11, Te Whetu 6. Seniors: Mangiakino 14, Maraetai 3; United 8, Forest Products 3. TRIAL MATCH Third Grade Representatives The following third grade- players have been selected to play in a trial game at Karl’s paddock on Saturday next: Dommett, Howland, Wellfase,. W. Tomalin, D. Tomalln,

Bergquist, Ngatai, Te Tamo* (School), Harland, White, Bayley,. D. Smith, .Logan, Grange, Long,, Scott, King, Warrender, Murray,. Williams (Athletic), Dehar, G. Newbold, Waldon, J. Newbold, Hamilton, Flavell, Shallcross, Cockhead, Kirkman, A. Schuler, Blennerhasseitt, Ireland, E. Schuler, Ashworth, Hunt, Thom and Manly (Tokcroa). All players must bring own jersey, shorts, socks and boots.