FOOTBALL.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 2, 18 August 1911, Page 5

FOOTBALL.

SENIOR PLAY-OFF. OKAIAWA 8, CLIFTON 3. Much interest was displayed in the senior play-off between Clifton and Okaiawa, which took place at the Showgrounds yesterday afternoon, and Y a large number of spectators were pre- \ sent from other centres. The first spell was played in con••ant rain and the ground and the V'l soon became very greasy. As a rt—‘lt tho backs on both sides were • gwtly hindered in their work, and t\m, forwards had most of the play. The rain ceased before the second spell commenced, and the ball became a little more. playable. Throughout the game Okaiawa were always in the best position, their weight having a good deal to do with it. Clifton placed well, but lacked scoring ability. Play ' was fairly rough at tames. J Mr Payne acted as referee. Okaiawa took charge of things when play was started and the ball was kept for a good space, but though they had two shots at goal from penalties they failed to score. Clifton at last worked the ball over the halfway line, and Okaiawa were shortly afterwards compelled to force. From a scrum in Clifton’s territory Okaiawa got the ball smartly, but a good chance to score was spoilt by the ball being dropped. Okaiawa kept play in the enemy’s territory. The ball was kicked down to Clifton’s line, but the backs could not hold the greasy

ball. OkaiaAva followed up quickly ( and got the ball, which after being prettily was grounded over the by Lynskey. McLeod succeeded in converting. Okaiawa ... ... 5 Clifton '... ... 0 Shortly afterwards the ball again went over Clifton’s line, a Clifton man just being in time to kick it over the dead line. Clifton then pressed, and narrowly missed scoring, after some .attractive long passing. After considerablo tight play in mid-field the ball went out just by Okaiawa’s line, but Clifton could not improve the opportunity, and play visited the other ■end of the field before Clifton got dangerously near the enemy’s line. Okaiawa was relieved by a free kick, which |r- .found the line; and then they had a Ft turn at attacking, but were compelled to force as_ the result of a couple of fine kicks by Cplraan. Play again wont to Clifton’s territory, chiefly as a result of difficulty in handling the greasy ball,' but came back again in a short time. Clifton had the ball close to their opponents’ line and got a free kick in an easy position, but the kick was a failure. Half-time was sounded just afterwards. Play was up and down the field for a long time after the game was resumed, neither side having much advantage. At last Okaiawa were awarded a free kick near Clifton’s twentyfive, and Tamu drop-kicked the ball over nicely. OkaiaAva ... 8 jK Clifton ... ... 0 \ Roberts started a nice run for Okai'awa, but Avas nicely grassed by Colman. Clifton took the ball down to the enemy’s line but a force Avas the only result. Near the lino Cl:fton had an unsuccessful shot at goal, and Avere not able to make much impression although given a further tAvo kicks. Tight play near raid-field av is livened up by an open' Okaiawa attack. The Clifton full-back, finding himself in difficulties, kicked toAvards his goal, but Roberts Avas following quickly, and fell on the ball, though it was found to be over the dead line. Play gravitated once more to OkaiAwa’s line, Clifton pressing well. From ■'Mari-free kick near the twenty-live flag ■\(jroodwin succeeded in piloting the oval over the bar from a difficult angle. Okaiawa ... ... 8 Clifton ... ... 3 OkaiaAva noAV attacked strongly and kept the ball in Clifton’s twenty-five, where the play Avas tight and solid. Clifton made strenuous efforts to break through, and though they Avere close to Okaiawa’s lino Avhen time Avas sounded they were unsuccessful. STRATFORD FOOTBALL CLUB. ANNUAL DINNER. The annual dinner of the Stratford Football Club Avas held in Mrs. Brown’s rooms last night, the president of the club, Mr. T. C. Fookes, presiding over a large asseihClago of members. The tasty dinner provided by Mrs. Brown Avas done full justice after which a list of toasts Avas through. . F ' The toast of “The King” was drunk Avith musical honours. In presenting trophies Avon during the year the Chairman said that the presentation consideration had been taken of those avlio had Avon trophies during the previous year, it being decided to present the medals to those who had not previously Avon one. Therefore, those who had Avon previously must not think that they had been overlooked. The medal for best senior back presented by Messrs. Mhllen and Marshall had been aAvarded to , E. H. Kivell, Avho had come out ds a junior player and taken the onerous post of full-back. The medal for the best senior forAvard Avas aAVarded to one avlio Avas not a new player, E. H. Young. This medal A\ - as also presented by Messrs. Mullen and Marshall. Mr. Young, Avho Avas almost a veteran player, thoroughly def'Sjrved the aAvard. The next award 1 be made \v T as for the most consist tyent senior player, the medal having been presented by the late Mr Hugh Richmond. They all regretted the sad occurrence which had deprived them of the presence of Mr. Richmond, who Avas one of the keenest of football enthusiasts. Mr. Richmond’s trophy had been given to another old player—one of the best forwards Taranaki had ever seen, and one Avhom he Avas surprised had never caught the eyes of rep. selectors—N. Melville. * The medal for the best trained senior player Avas presented by him(the speaker). It Avas a pet hob)by of his to present a medal for the purpose. Ho thought a man avlio turned uo regularly to practice Avas worthy of a great deal of credit. This medal was awarded to R. Boon, one

J the club’s oldest and best forwards, ■lessis. Mullen and Marshall had presented a modal for the . best - junior Jack. This had been awarded to a aombor of a family which had always been well known in Taranaki ootball. It had been awarded to

Dud Cameron, and he was glad to see that the younger members of tho family wore going in tho direction of upholding its traditions. Tho modal for the best junior forward, presented by Messrs. Mullen and Marshall, had men awarded to W. Sullivan. Ho (Mr Fookos) had not seen much of tho junior play, but he understood Sullivan was a tower of strength to the team. The medal for the best all-

ound third-grade players, had been presented by Mr. Campbell Jackson, who had a warm spot in his heart for tho thirds. He thought tho thirds should receive consideration from everybody who had the interests of football at heart. The team md been generally recognised as the >est third team m Taranaki. Tho excellence of the thirds indicate that

there was an ample reserve for the ;oniors. The thirds had won in tho ■lorthorn division, and had only boon oeaten in the play-off by what might >g called a fluko. He thought the thirds could teach the seniors how to play the game. This medal had been jrosented to F. Collins. In connection with the thirds, he had a pleasing duty to perform—he had boon isked by' the third team to make a presentation to Mr. Harkness. He thought it was because of the care >f Mr. Harkness that the team had ichioved the success it had. The club lad to thank Mr. Harkness for tho

;are he displayed in training the thirds, who were to bo tho future seniors. While they had men like dr. Harkness they could depend on die standard of the game being kept ip. He then presented Mr. Harkless with an enlarged photograph of die third team. Mr. Harkness, in reply, said he was isappointed that the thirds had not won the championships, but when he saw tho team they had to meet, ho felt sure, they could never heat them. It was a very important tiling to keep die thirds going strongly. The Chairman proposed the toast of ‘The Rugby Union.” Tho union, ho said, had a largo number of teams under its jurisdiction, and the number was improving all the time. Tho members of tho management committee were all men in business, and they bad to sacrifice a lot of their time for the good of the game. In view of tho scattered nature of the district he thought tho union’s work was as successful as that of any other union in the Dominion. Mr. Skoglund had boon secretary for a good time. Mr Malone was a member of the Manigemont Committee. And ho doubted i either of them could very well be bettered.

Mr. Malone, in reply, said ho Fought they could all understand the lifficultics under Avhich the union lorkcd. Sometimes they made mis:akos, but that avus common to cvery)ody, and the success of football in ■die district Avas the best recommonlation for the union. The rop. team .as going on tour, and lie hoped they would prove good enough for any team they might meet. The touring team as chosen Avas as follows: Bill, Cameron, Roberts, Stohr, Prince," BroAvn, Colman, Taylor, foung, Smith, Tamu, Hawkins, Devar, Ward, Whittington, Paterson, •vissick, Sheahan, McLeod, Mynott, Osborne, and Cain. Some of these players would not bo able to leave wi,th the team, but promised to join t at.various places. It Avas doubtful ;f Tamu could make the trip. Hill md Stohr Avould join the team in Wellington, but Hill would leave it .gain after playing Otago Mr.-Skoglund said that in the future as in the past the union Avould t’xert its best endeavours on behalf •f tho game. Mr. Skoglund proposed “The Stratford Football Club.” The club •iad been very successful, though the seconds did not seem to do Avell. The success Of tho club seemed to bo due r,o the members sticking together, without Avhich no club could succeed. For the past six or seven years no Stratford player had been brought up 'or unseemly behaviour. This spoke . olumos for tho chib. Members seem'd always to recognise that they belonged to the club, and to be desirous of upholding the traditions of the club.

Mr. Young, in reply, said the position of the club Avas liighly satisfactory both as regards finances and playing members. He thought the club Avould compare favourably Avith any club in Taranaki. During The past year they had kept three teams in the field, Avhich they had not done for some time. In regard to finances it AA'as only necessary to go back a feAV years to find the club in a bankrupt condition, Avhile to-dav they had a credit balance of £SO. This result had been achieved by studying economy. The committee had Avorked avoll together. They had moved to' a new playing ground, and the result to date had been very satisfactory. Mr. BroAvn briefly replied, endorsing the. remarks of Mr. Young. Mr. E. B. Stohr propos cd the toast of “The Donors of Medals.” The club should be proud of having such a number of Avell-Avisliers avlio Aver© prepared to slioav their practical sympathy for the club by donating ’trophies. Since the club had a credit of £•SO ho thought they should make a move in the direction of getting a gymnasium—-matches could not be won Avithout training. Tho Chairman, in reply, said old members of the club should make an endeavour to encourage those avlio wore at present in tho active part of tho game. Ho had to apologise for the absence,of Mr. Mercer, who had given tho club a football during the season. He Avas pleased to see present that evening Mr. Ryan, who had been closely connected Avith the game for manv vears.

Mr. C. Jackson said he intended to make an annual presentation to the thirds. He thought it was desirable that medals should be presented to the best man, no matter whether or not he had Avon the previous year. He believed Collins had thoroughly deserved to Avin his medal, though he believed he had had a strong runnerup in Loveridge. Mr. T. P. James proposed “Tho Ladies.” In his reply Mr. Don Cameron commented on the more consistent attendance of late of ladies at matches in the town. '■

Mr. D. J. Malone proposed the toast of “Tho President.” Sir Fookes, he said, had made an excellent president for several years. It was not usual for a gentleman in Mr. Fookes’ position to continue to slioav an active interest in the game in tho manner Mr. Fookes had. As a general rule, old players Avould attend matches, but would do nothing further for the good of the game. This Avas not the case Avith Mr. Fookes, to whom the thanks of the dub and of football supporters generally Avere due. In reply, Mr. Fookes said he would always take a keen interest inßugby football, and could never fall in with, any movement to substitute anything else for the good old Rugby’ game. An endeavour had been made to decoy him into playing golf in tho football season, hut it had - been unsuccessful. He liked to sec the game

played by amateurs who played the game for its own sake, and were Irec from the professional spirit which had made sucli inroads on Rugby. He was pleased to say that there was no suggestion of professionalism having crept into the Stratford Club, and lie hoped it would be many years before it did. As president of the club lie had been preceded by gentlemen whoso names wore familiar in connection with football. For instance, there was tho Into Mr. Alf. iiayly, and to have played for a club under his direction was a signal honour. He (tho speaker) had played tor other unions and had represented Wanganui, but tho honour of being associated with Mr. Bayly was the greatest lie had known. Mr. W. G. Malone was also connected with the club in days gone by, being the best forward 'laranaki ever produced, and would probably bo tho same to-day, as he did not seem to have lost his vigour. Mr. Tyrer was another old member, __ having been a member of the original Manganui Club, from which the Stratford Club had sprung. If young players kept up to the standards sen up by sucu gentlemen the Stratford Cluu would never have anything to be ashamed of. ,

Mr. J. H. Thomson proposed “The Selectors.” The work of a selector was, ho said, far from pleasant, and the endeavour to get men to practice was heart-breaking. The nonsuccess of the club’s senior team this season was not due entirely to want of training, but several little things would have been improved by it. Mr. Harkness, in reply, said he was exceedingly proud of the thirds. They had scored 116 points during tiic season, and only nine had been scored against them. Training had been very lax. He had attended at the shed every night, and it was usual to see one or two senior men and a large number of thirds. He did not think the present practice shed was tlio most suitable possible. He had to thank the two junior teams, for whom ho was selector, for their excellent behaviour, there not having been a single complaint as to their conduct. Altogether lie thought the club was the best behaved iu the Dominion.

Other toasts honoured were:— “Kindred Sports,” proposed by Mr. C. Jackson and responded to by Messrs. Fahey and Thompson “The Press,” proposed by Mr. E. H. Young; and “The Hostess,” proposed by Mr. Harkness. During the evening songs were given by Messrs. Skoglund, Everiss, J. H. Thompson, and Wilkie, and recitations were given by Mr. Wilkie.