FOOTBALL.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 18, 13 September 1912, Page 5

FOOTBALL.

TARANAKI 21 v. CANTERBURY 0

The glorious uncertainty of football has been seldom so much in evidence as it has boen this season, and yesterday's match, coming after that very mediocre exhibition at Itawera, was decidedly ..refreshing. The weather, while most unpromising, at midday cleared off a little for the match, and though showers fell during tne game the ground was less affected than the size of the gate, which otherwise would certainly have been a record one for Stratford. As it was, the attendance was about one thousand. Canterbury, playing against the wind in the first spell, appeared to have a good chance of coming out on top; their backs were a clever lot, they possessed some really good forwards, notably the captain, Maxwell. Taranaki, however, had much the advantage in weight, and the team was in rare form. Tamu ami Pini, especially, played with something like their

old dash, while Roberts was putting ' in good, and, at times, brilliant work at five-eighths. Stohr's kicking, while not particularly accurate, at times was excellent, his pot being a very fine kick. The teams were : Canterbury (Red and Black). A. E. Doell A. McDonald, N. Payne, R. Pylo L. Cade, and H. Taylor, D. Sandman (Wing forward) L. Parsons W. Maxwell, E. Baxter W. Surgison, A. Paterson, W. Cumin ings E. Hasell, C. Hegartj (front row). Taranaki (Amber and Black). Tinney

Don Cameron, Roberts, Stohr, S. Cameron Franklin Brown. (Wing forward) Taylor. Hawkins Whittington Tamu Pini, Kissick Cain Dewar. Taranaki won the toss, and Hasell kicked off against the wind, Roberts finding the line fifty yards down. From a scVum Taranaki picked up, and Franklin kicking, Canterbury were in difficulties, the ball going out at the corner. A nice passing rush by the Canterbury backs took play into Taranaki territory, when the amber and blacks were awarded a free. From loose play Stohr mado an opening, bin Dooll returned nicely to tnucli. Another free to Taranaki for "lifting" in the scrum, and Stohr had a shot from three yards this side of half way, but the kick, though a beauty, failed. Don Cameron returned the kick out in good stylo, but a free to Canterbury put Taranaki on the dotensive, Tamu relieving. Another ] free, and Canterbury gained further' ground. Doell mis-judged the ball, and Taranaki were looking dangerous,j when 'Cade ran round and saved. A \

long run by Don Cameron and some ineffective passing, saw Tinney get the better of Doell in an exchange of kicks. Pini made a grand opening, but Taylor's pass to Stohr was not accepted. Kicking across, Payne saved, but Taranaki continued to pi ess. From a line out Canterbury got away from a dangerous position in splendid style. From a scrum Franklin kicked, and Stohr obtained, but Parson up-endet/ him, Doell ultimately finding touch A free kick to Canterbury and Tinney put in a magnificent line shot. Canterbury forwards pressed, but w free kick took play back to half way. The amber and blacks broke away, but a mark relieved the visitors. Taylor picked up, but his pass to Cade Was intercepted by Franklin, who streaked for the line; Roberts followed up fast, but Franklin's pass was not taken, and a scrum followed. Canterbury were again successful in clearing their line, and good work by Taylor saw Canterbury attacking, a free kick nullifying their efforts. Taranaki set up a great rush, and were nearly over, but a scrum on the line followed. The amber and black carried the scrum, but Brown's pass was a wild one, and Canterbury broke right away, Baxter being in possession. S. Cameron, however, running back, stopped a certain score. From a penalty near the twen-ty-five, Stohr kicked a beautiful goal. Taranaki 3, Canterbury nil.

At this stage Hawkins was forced to retire,-an abscess in ti:o jaw being tho trouble. Ryan filled tho vacancy. Canterbury attacked from the start, but a great kick by Stohr put them on the defensive again, too hard kicking allowing Doell to force. Brown secured from a scrum, but his pass was not accepted, loose play taking the ball back to Canterbury's line, where a touch-in-goal resulted. From a lineout Brown secured, but Taranaki's passing was weak, and tho rush was resultless. Even play followed, in which Canterbury did most of tho attacking, Sandman putting in good work behind the scrum. A hot red and black rush, and Roberts kicked out to touch-in-goal. In jumping a fence for the ball, Tinney, wnO Had been playing a brilliant game, had the misfortune to dislocate his elbow, and left the field, S. Cameron going back to full. Taranaki kept at it, and from loose play right in the middle of the field Stohr potted a fine goal. Taranaki 7, Canterbury nil.

Just before half time, Franklin put in a good run, and the Taranaki forwards swept the ball down tho field, Canterbury forcing. Half time went with the scores— •

Taranaki 7, Canterbury nil. From the kick off Canterbury forced the pace, and with the wind at their

backs, kept play in Taranaki territory. A hot rush by the visitors, and Roberts picked up, passing to Don Cameron, who found the lino . An incipient Taranaki rush was nipped in the bud by Doell, who speculated to the line. A free kick to tho red and

blacks and Doell kicked high, but Taranaki secured, and from a great rush by Tamu and Whittingtnn, Taranaki were nearly over, Canterbury kicking into touch in goal. From a penalty Stohr had an ineffectual shot

at goal. A freo to Canterbury and Doell found the line well down. Don Cameron made a foolish kick, and an ob-

struction by Taylor, gave Canterbury a freo, but Hasell's kick failed. Canterbury continued to play with vigour, and were awarded another free in a

good position, Hasell, however, was again unequal to the occasion. From a scrum, Taylor kicked high, but Bob Woods, who came on iii Tin hoy's place, found the line. Canterbury set up another solid rush, only to be penalised right on the line. Stohr'a kickwas a poor one v and the line-out which followed was in a dangerous position, hut from ragged play Don Cameron electrified the crowd bv streaking down the line. Fro unselfishly passed with almost a clear run in, but the pass was not accepted. tneffectual passing by Taranaki, and Stohr kicked over the line, Canterbury forcing. A free kick to Canterbury brought play back to half way, but Fini got away in great style, Dooll saving neatly. Another rush by Taranaki, and Dooll was collared in possession, but Can-

' terbury forced. Prom a line out, Stohr marked in a good position, but I his kick failed. Prom past half way | Taylor made an opening, and Roberts ! obtained. The Taranaki backs were I all lined out ready, but Roberts cut in I twice magnificently and touched down I under the posts. " He took tne kick ! himself, and lauded a goal. Taranaki 12, Canterbury nil.

Taranaki continued to attack, and Pini made a good run, passing to Woods, who again passed in. Robert;. secured, and cutting in half a dozen times, fell over into tiie midst of hah a dozen Canterbury men. Stohr faded with the kick. Taranaki 15, Canterbury nil.

Canterbury took a hand in the at tack, the ball travelling up and dowr the field at a good pace. Pini madt an opening, and the ball went out t< Woods, who centred nicely, but Can terbury forced. Taranaki had a spel; on the defensive, when Sandman madi valiants efforts to score, but had n< luck with his work on the blind. An other good run by Don Cameron, and a dodgy effort by Roberts were events' of note till S. Cameron, following ui> hard, and putting in good work dived on, a hard kick which had taken the ball over the lino. Stohr was unsuccessful with the kick. Taranaki 18, Canterbury nil.

Roberts came to the front again, •and passing to S. Cameron, who ! transferred to Tamu, who, although ihe missed the pass, dribbled over, j Don Cameron touching down. Brown | missed the kick, tne game ending with the scores— Taranaki 21, Canterbury nil. Mr. Noilspn, of Wellington, was re- ; feroe.

THE STRATFORD CLUB

ANNUAL DINNER

A very representative gathering oi ! footballers, well over one hundred : strong, attended in the Town Hall I last night, the occasion being the anI nual dinner of the Stratford Football ' Club. The Club President, Mr. T. C. Fcokes, presided, and with him were the Mayor (Mr. W. P. Kirk wood), Mr. Evans (manager of the Canteriiurj team), Mr. D. J. Malone (of tin-. T.R.IJ.), and the members of both the representative teams. Apologies for absence were received from Mr. McLeod, of the T.R.U., and Mr. Philip Skoglutid, both gentlemen regretting! exceedingly their inability to he presept that evening. After a light repast, the toasi oi I "The King," proposed by the President, was duly honoured. Mr. D. J- Malone, in proposing tin toast of "The Canterbury Rugby Union," said the southern Union had al ways done much to foster Rugby, and Canterbury had always been aide t< put a good team in the field. Mr. Malone spoke feelingly of the Ips. j sustained' by the visitors through tin absence of their manager, Mr. Tom Bain, who was at present in the hospital with a poisoned hand. Speaking of the day's game, Mr. Malone saic! ho must say that Taranaki did not feel very inclined to take much credit for the win, but, while he knew Canterbury wore too good sports to make excuses, it was quite certain thai they (Canterbury) could have put a much hotter team in the held, numbers df prominent playerß being unable to go on tour. In the first spell. he considered Canterbury put up ar, excellent fight, the extra Taranaki "beef" telling the tale in the second half. In conclusion, Mr- Malone re ferred to the pleasure they felt al having Mr. Evans with them; Mr. Evans had been a famous referee, and in that great match between England and New Zealand at Wellington, Mr. Evans controlled the game in magnificent style to the utmost satisfaction of both sides.

In response, Mr. Evans said it had given him much pleasure to be in Stratford that day, as he had verj pleasant recollections of "old times" in Taranaki. Their relations with the Taranaki Rugby Union had always been most cordial, and they hoped "to play Taranaki every second year, when they journeyed to Wellington! (Applause.) Speaking of the game. Mr. Evans said they gave way to the better side, and on behalf of "the boys," he congratulated tho Taranak' players on their victory. Although they were taking away a good beating, they were still carrying with them every pleasant recollection of Stratford and the Taranaki footballers. (Applause.) Mr. Maxwell, the captain, also re plied briefly. He assured those present that his team knew how to take v

boating, and referred to the good spirit in which the game had beer played. The toast of "The Taranaki Rugby Union" was proposed by Mr. Evans Tho manager of the visiting team spoke of last year's match ar/ains' Christchurch, and characterised tin Taranaki team's play as sparkling, good, fine passing football, of a kind which would certainly prevent the "creeping in" of tho League game. Mr. Evans said he recognised tin many difficulties under which the Taranaki Union laboured as regards football, and hoped that every prosperity would attend them in the future. (Applause.) In reply, Mr. "Don" Cameron, who captained the Taranaki team, returned thanks for the manner in which the toast had boen_drunk, and referred to the glorious uncertainties of the game as evinced by the big matches thi; sea son.

Mr. I). J. Malone, who also responded, said .that he hoped the re marks made by Mr. Evans would bear fruit in bringing the teams together more often. He referred to difficulties in which Taranaki Rugby Union was placed, especially as regards population, and tho scattered homes of the players, however, made it exceedingly difficult for tho Union to finance a tour. Last year tho tour had put tin Onion back a few hundred pounds ii their finances, and this year they had had had luck as regards weather, so that they would probably end tho sea son with a debit balance. Mr. Malon: referred especially to the support given the T.R.U. by the players, who had in several cases gone as far as paying their own travelling expanses his remarks being received with applause.

Mr. George Morrison (Toko) propos ed the toast of the Stratford Football Club, and said Stratford had always had some "star" footballers, and that the Stratford Club had always been a leading one. He hoped that it would become even more prominent in tin future. (Applause.)

Mr. E. B. Stohr. in reply, thanked Mr. Morrison for his remarks. Fie very much regretted that rain had fallen yesterday, otherwise the gate would have been a record one. In conclusion, Mr. Stohr asked the Strat ford Club members to rise and drink the health of the visitors, this being done with enthusiasm.

.Mi'. Young, the club captain, said the past season had been a peculiar one, in that they had only played six matches. However, the club had managed to "rake up" a fairly good team and had had bad luck in not being that evening the holders of the ban-

nor. (Applause.) Mr. Young also referred to the -Juniors, as containing some very promising players. Medals were then presented to the members of the Stratford Club as follows:—Medal for most consistent attendance at practice (presented uy Mr T. C. Pookes;, Mr. "Bob" Woods; Mrs. Richmond's prize for best allround player, P. Sheahan; Mr. C. Jackson's prize for most promising junior, C. Kennie.

The President (Mr. T. C. Pookes), in presenting the medals to the club players, congratulated the club on ivhat it had accomplished this season. fhey had had bad luck, but He hoped next year they would have better luck

and bring the "banner" to Stratford. (Applause.) Mr. Pookes referred also to the patriotism of the club members, and their loyalty to the game, he was. pleased to think that the Stratford Club still maintained its good name, and hoped this would lonji, continue. (Applause.) The health of "The three Medai Winners'' was then drunk amidst musical honours.

The toast of "The Old Players" was proposed by Mr. Don Cameron, who congratulated the Rugby Union on initiating that excellent proposal, whore by the old representative players wenmade life members of the liugoy Union.

Oil behalf of the old players, Mr. Robert Masters responded, and onbered a plea for school football. The players, ne said, had to come from the schools, and tnere was nothing like "catching them young." (Applause.) Mr. .Joe Thomas also responded. Other toasts honoured were "The Referee," responded to by Air. Neil son (Wellington), and the u&ual complimentary toasts. During the evening an enjoyabh musical programme was rendered, M.essi'3. Taylor and Murray surging songs, while Mr. VVilkio gave sfeverai nne recitations. Mr. W. H. Robinson officiated at the piano. »

IMITATION TO ENGLISH* TEAM

By Electric Telegraph.-—Copyright.) (United Press Association.) Sydney, September 12. The Rugby League invites an English team to visit Australia next season. (Per Press A,ssociatioa.> Wellington, September 13. A special committee of the New Zealand Rugby Union comprising Mossrc Galbraitli, Wylie, and Cromhie conferred with Dr. Bohrsmann and Mr W. Hill, of the New South Wales Union, and adjusted the financial d.fferencci

which had occurred over tlie trip oi the California!! University team thre< years ago. The result is "that tin New South Wales Union will pay New Zealand £SO, and this will settle all claims and counter claims between the two unions.

At a complimentary dinner last night, Mr Campbell, who . presided, said that New South Wales were going as missionaries to America, and he felt sure they would uphold their traditions: | Mr Hill, hesponding, said now thai the financial-dispute had been settled interstate matches between New Zealand and New,,South Wales would be resumed.