FOOTBALL

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 25, 24 July 1911, Page 7

FOOTBALL

I ROVERS (6) v. STAR (3). I Star suffered their first defeat this season in the Saturday competition on [Saturday afternoon, when Rovers secured a win by 6 points to 3. Star were without the services of Hawkins and Olcey, whilst Rovers did not play any outside men. On the day's play they did not need them. Their forwards completely outclassed the Star pack, who were seldom dangerous. From the start Star attacked and kept Rovers penned in their 25. A good opening was spoilt by Rawson passing wildly. Coker and Wainwright headed a rush which carried play to neutral ground, from which the Blacks soon removed it, and a nice passing movement between McAUum and Slain saw the latter well grassed, and the Greens returned to the attack. A , free kick in a handy position saw Coker land a nice goal. Rovers kept up the attack, but McAllum secured and with a good' run removed play to safer ground. Off-side play by Rovers saw Hill attempt two pots from nearly half-way. They were good attempts, but only forces resulted. Rovers were now kept on the defensive until I. Grant obtained possession, and, beating MeAllum, set sail for | the line, but was well taken by Hill. Thompson returned the kick, and Pfankueih's kick rebounding from EllisStar were called on to defend. From a free kick Coker made another good but unsuccessful attempt to goall, a force resulting., Even play ensued .for a time, but the Blacks grandually worked play to Rovers' 25, from whence a. nice kick by Stewart transferred it to neutral territory. A nice opening by Grant was spoiled by Reid passing wildly and allowing Goudie to intercept. Grant and Pott collided in an attempt to take the hall, force resulting. On resuming a pass from A. Grant to I. Grant enabled the latter to carry play to Stars' 25, and from a forward rush Pfankuch just averted a score by kicking out. Rovers 1 pTessed, but Hill broke away, only to be called back for a knock-on. From the scrum a free kick gave temporary relief. Hagensen, and "Bellringcr were next prominent. Even play ensued until I. Grant put in a' fine dodgy run through the field l . Near the line he passed wildly, but Falvey secured and scored. Coker, although awarded a no-charge 'kick, fnil'ed to convert. Half-time saw no further score. On changing round, Dewar, Hagensen and Pilcher headed a rush and play ensued in Rovers' territory. A shot at goal by Hill was charged down by Rovers' forwards. McAllum, however, secured and passed; to Hill, who put in a strong run and was only downed on the line. Hillf was given another chance to goal froim a free kick, but failed by inches. A long kick by Stewart and good following up by Coker and O'Neill saw Rovers' citadel out of danger, and a little later Stars were called on to defend. The scene quickly changed, Pott failing to stop a high kick, and Wood following up fast beat Webster and scored. Hill made another g<jod but unsuccessful kick. This success caused Stare to liven up, bait a dodgy .run arid kick by Thompson and play was removed. Goudie then headed a lone-handed rush. Webster retaliated, and with only the full-back to pass looked lake scoring. Rawson, however, got round in time to 6ave. Hovers still pressed. Grant and Webster put in some good work, but the Stars defence was good'. A free kick to Rovers and the ball was out near the line. From the throw-in the Green backs started throwing the ball about, but gained little ground, and play hovered about the centre until a high kick by Grant was marked by Pfankuch just in time. From a free kick Coker made a fine kick at goal, a force resulting. Goudie again was conspicuous in a msh which' carried play well down to the Rovers' 25. Webster, however, cleared, and the Greens carried play back to the 25 where C. Coker attempted a pot, a force resulting. Wood and Rawson headed a movement that put Rovers on the defensive, but the latter over-ran the ball at a critical moment. Lively piny followed, and the Blacks threw the ball I about. Rawson, Main, Hill and Medium took part in a passing movcjnent, but McAllum's pass infield was intercepted by T. Grant, who came away with the .ball at his feet, Pfankuch neatly saving. The closing stages saw much 'excitement. Grant started a movement amd Ellis and Coker carried play to Stars' line, where a scrum ensued. Stars cleared, and Hill, breaking away, was looking very dangerous when collared. The whistle sounded' with no further score. Mr. A. Smart refereed'.

The North Island* football (touring nmlcr the auspices of the Xew Zealand Rugby Union) i.s hooked to meet TaTanaki in the Recreation Sports Ground on Thursday, August 3. The team arrives hero .from Auckland next Monday morning.

The play-off match between Clifton and Star, to be played on Thursday, has been set dcnvTi for Waitara. Great dissatisfaction is expressed bv footballers and public alike over this decision, as it was generally understood that the match would be played here. There is considerable doubt about Star being able to get a full afternoon's leave for a number of their prominent players, all of whom are Saturday half-holiday men. A special meeting of the club is to be held to consider lhe matter. Meantime it is understood that a strong effort is being m-ide to have the venue of the game fixed for New Plymouth. It is understood' thlat the Clifton players offer no objection to .playing the match in town, and there is also the factor of the gate, an item which the Union 7nu,=t consider this season, owing to its heavy obligations.