LUMSDEN NOTES

Southland Times, Issue 21428, 24 June 1931, Page 9

LUMSDEN NOTES

(From Our Correspondent.) Cold frosty weather was experienced for the football matches in the Northern District on Saturday. The most important match was played at Athol between Lumsden and Country Pirates. Until Saturday neither team had suffered defeat in the club competition and great interest was centred on the meeting of the two teams. The result of the game was a win for Country Pirates by six points to nil, giving the winners a two point lead in the competition, at the end of the first round. This is the first occasion for a number of years on which the Lumsden team has not held the leading position during the competition. Last year Lumsden led until the Country Pirates evened up matters in the second match and in the play off Lumsden was successful. This year, however, the position has been reversed and Country Pirates assume the lead after the first meeting. There was a large attendance at the match, the spectators being treated to a hard forward game. The points were secured by Pirates in the first spell. Lindo Soper scored a try as a result of a passing rush, and R. Sutherland kicked a penalty goal. The Country Pirates thoroughly deserved their win and did most of the attacking. Their forwards proved to be better than the Lumsden pack, securing the ball from the scrums and line-outs. W. and J. Gibson, ex-Waikiwi players, made their first appearance for the Athol side, and proved to be a tower of strength to the team. W. Gibr son was the outstanding forward on the day’s play. Bushnell is another player who showed promise. In the backs Harold Soper as half, received plenty of ball and played a useful game. Clem Walker made his first appearance as five-eighths and gave a good

display. His line kicking was excellent. R. I Sutherland, as full back, was not called on | to do much defensive work, but did all that was required creditably. Williamson, as wing three-quarter, was patchy. He was not given many opportunities during the game. The Lumsden forwards did not play up to their usual standard and were outclassed on the day’s play by their heavier opponents. Tomlin was the outstanding player in the pack with B. Sims a close follower. Sherriff played his usual solid game, but the remaining players appeared to have a day off. In the Lumsden backs, A. Johnson, as half, did not see much of the ball, but put in much useful defensive work. Wellman also, did not get many opportunities, but made the most of those offering. Baillie showed improvement, on previous games. Richards filled the position of centre early in the game, but owing to an injury to his ankle, retired to full-back, allowing W. Patterson to come up. L. Tom- | lin was tried as wing three-quarter and showed promise. His tackling and fielding were sound and he may probably be called on for more senior matches as the season advances. The Lumsden backs did not show any combination and, as this is generally the team's method of attack, it was not expected that the forwards would carry the day. The game resolved itself into a struggle between the forwards with honours in favour of the Country Pirates. On the run of play, the score in favour of the winners should have been larger and the chances of the Pirates team annexing the shield this year appear to be very bright. A keen tussle is expected when the teams meet in the second round, the draw for which will be announced during the week, when definite advice is received regarding the date of the first Sports Trust Cup match. The match on Saturday was controlled by Mr J. Curran. By defeating Riversdale at Waikaia on Saturday the Waikaia team secured their first victory. The position of the teams is as follows:—

In the junior competition Balfour defeated Country Pirates on Saturday and Riversdale defeated Waikaia. The competition promises to be an interesting one. Rivers-1 dale and Balfour are equal with four points and Lumsden and Country Pirates are second, equal, with two points each. There were no hockey matches in the Northern District on Saturday owing to the Tournament at Lumsden on Wednesday. On Monday evening a welcome home social was held in honour of Mr and Mrs M. A. Reidy in the Radio Hall. There was a large attendance and a most enjoyable evening w-as spent. At a suitable interval Mr A. Johnson, on behalf of the Lumsden football team, made a presentation to Mr and Mrs Reidy and wished them future happiness. Mr Reidy suitably replied. On Friday evening an entertainment in

aid of the Lumsden Library was given by a Winton Concert party. The audience showed their appreciation of the items by calling constantly for encores. At the conclusion of the entertainment a hearty vote of thanks was accorded the visitors for their efforts on behalf of the library funds. A short dance, which proved to be most enjoyable, was held after the concert. The euchre party conducted by the Lumsden Tennis Club was well attended on' Thursday when eight tables were occupied. The prizes were won by Miss Mullan and Mr J. McAlister. Exceptionally hard frosts have been experienced during the past few days and frozen pipes have been causing residents great concern. The Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union have made arrangements for a lecture by Misses Macmillan and Reid, Home Science Extension Bureau, at Lumsden on Wednesday and nn invitation to attend is extended to women and girls in the district. .

P. W. L. Pts, Pts. T. F. A. Pts. Country Pirates 4 4 — 39 6 8 Lumsden 4 3 1 78 25 6 Riversdale 4 1 3 26 49 2 Balfour 4 1 3 11 38 2 Waikaia 4 1 3 15 51 2