FOOTBALL

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 1, 26 June 1911, Page 7

FOOTBALL

t ROVERS (11) v. OKATO (fl). On tlie Recreation Sports Ground on Saturday Hovers defeated Okato by 11 points to C. Neither team was at full strength, but Okato were tbc greater sufferers, playing seven substitutes, their backs only containing two of the •riginal selection. The match was not, a very brilliant one, ibut was interesting at times. The country forwards were better than the local men, but their backs, with two or three exceptions, were very weak. From the kick-off, a high kick by Turner waß well followed up, and play went to Rovers' 25, from whrch the Blue and Whites Boon removed it. Mclsaacs made a nice opening, and the ball travelled from Grant to Jennins, who spoilt a good chance by failinjg to take the ball. He, however, accepted a pass from Ryder a moment later, and scored. C. Coker failed to convert. A little later, N. Andrews was very lucky in forcing. From the kick-off play hung in centre, and Okato gradually worked up to Rovers' 25, where they were awarded a free kick. Malonc made a good attempt, the ball being forced. Rovers' backs threw the ball about, and a long kick by Thompson, mulled by Rua, saw play right on Okato's line, where it remained for a while until a free kick brought relief. Rovers, however; came again, and the two Grant executed a movement which ended in lan Grant being collared by Adnrews at the corner. Coker next had a shot at goal, a force resulting. From the kickoff lan Grant obtained possession, and got over, but was held up by Andrews. He dropped the ball, and O'Neill, who had followed up fast, scored. Coker I failed to convert. From the kick-off I Okato carried play to centre, bnt a | long kick by Grant returned the ball to Red territory. The Blues continued to press, and Okato had an anxious time until N. Andrews got the ball from a rebound, and set sail with only the fullback to pass. His pace was' not good enough, and the opportunity went. A nice passing bout by Mclsaacs, Grant and Thompson saw the latter find the line at the twenty ; five instead of passing. Okato then livened up, and a rush, headed by Carey and Stewart, Baw them within reasonable reach of their opponents' line, from which, however, it was soon removed, and Corbett making a mis-kick enabled Blyde to score. Ryder added the additional points. Half-time went with the score, I Rovers 11, Okato 0.

Immediately on resuming, Okato attacked, and K. Andrews got across at the corner. Malone ■ failed to goal. From the kick-off the Reds came again. A. Grant kicked the ball across to K. Andrews, who beat his opponent and passed to Malone, who handed on to Turner, and the latter tried to' pot, but was smothered. Okato kept the Blues penned for some time until Pott found the line well down with a nice kick. The Blue backs then set up an attack which ended in Corbett being collared with the ball on the line, and was thrown over the line, the hall being forced. Uninteresting play followed, mostly in Okato's 25. Reid picked up from the ruck and passed out to Thompson, who handed on to Grant, the latter being thrown out at the corner by K. Andrews. Okato now livened up, and from the nick K. Andrews picked up the ball and passed to Rua. The latter made a useful run before passing to Turner, who carried play to the line, where Corbett fell over and scored. Malone failed to eonvert. Okato still pressed, Carey, Andrews and' Stewart being prominent. Even play ensued until Malone got in a long kick to Pott, and the latter failing to take the ball on the full, Okato's hopes rose. He, however, beat Carey for the hall, and found touch at the 25. A little later he was compelled to force. Grant next made a good dash for the line, but , was well taken by Andrews. Okato's forwards were pressing hard, but the Blue backs were equal to the occasion and kept them out, and at times set up counter attacks. No further score resulted. Mr. W. Roeh was referee.

United forfeited to Star on Saturday afternoon, not being able to raise a team.