FOOTBALL AT TAHORA

Taranaki Daily News, 10 June 1931, Page 6

FOOTBALL AT TAHORA

TAHORA TEAM WIN BY 5 TO NIL. DEFEAT OF WHANGAMOMONA. With several of their best men absent and an unschooled pack the Whangamomona Rugby team put up a good but unsuccessful fight against Tahora on i Saturday. The Tahora ground is unique, being the only flat paddock for miles in any direction, and bordered by creeks and hills, the former being responsible for many waits while the ball was being recovered. The surface makes fast work among the backs difficult. Whangamomona made many mistakes, one of which clearly lost them a try. Tahora played several veterans who proved themselves still very useful. Tahora opened with a fast rush, the pack having a decided advantage in weight. Whangamonionu’s tackling was weak. A fast movement by the backs relieved, and the visitors crossed but lost possession and no try resulted. Cooper was too elever and kicked into touch as Whangamomona broke through almost oil the line. From a scrum near the posts Weston received smartly but did not realise his chance, transferring some seconds later to Aloia, who was collared in possession. From a scrum Whangamomona dribbled over but Hight reached, the ball first and forced. Whangamomona were making full use ot the slope of the field and. kept Tahora on the defensive. They crossed the line twice but failed to score. Tahora found an opening and enabled the backs to get going, but a collision with one of his own men held B. O’Dea up. Tahora’s tackling showed to advantage and at half-time Whangamomona were strung out over the line.

Tahora opened brightly in the second spell, Cooper end Hight carrying the ball down and enabling a crossing to be made, but no try resulted. Gold secured from a scrum at five yards and shot over in the corner. The line umpire ruled him out. A moment later Cooper ducked round the scrum and scored a neat try. Robinson added the extra points. Molloy initiated Tahora’s next attempt but the ball was knocked too hard. Childs had trouble in saving a determined rush by Tahora and hurt his knee, necessitating a short spell. Tahora tried handling the ball but the transfers were too erratic. Whangamomona held Tahora witji line-finding kicks but infringed, enabling Robinson to have a shot) The ball failed to rise. The visitors were obliged to force before a weighty rush. A patch of open play occurred when Haughton gathered up the ball and dashed away, only to fling his pass into touch. The rally was short-lived and Tahora soon came back to Whangamomona’s line, Childs saving coolly. E. Cleland did good work in taking the ball up the field but Cooper was too quick and reached Whangamomona’s quarter, where he was forced out The visitors were doing well when Molloy kicked through, and with a rush Tahora covered half the field. A dashing piece of play ended in Haughton outwitting Tahora and saving a try. Just before the final whistle Molloy secured the ball and looked like a sure try-getter, but a perfect tackle 'by Moia brought him to earth a foot short of the line. Mr. Hawkes was referee. TANGARAKAU NEWS. V FRIENDLY HOCKEY TOURNAMENT. Fine weather favoured the members of the Hinemoa Hockey Club for their journey to Whangamomona to engage in friendly games with the Whangamomona and Kohuratahi clubs. Upon arrival at the Whangamomona sportsground the Hinemoa club was welcomed and immediately served with hot soup, which was very much appreciated after the long motor trip. After luncheon the matches were arranged, - the scores being:— Kohuratahi 1 v. Hinemoa A' 0. Whangamomona v v. Hinemoa B 0. Whangamomona 0 v. Hinemoa A 0. Kohuratahi 0 v. Hinemoa B 0. Mr. A. Woodcock refereed all games and was cheered for his services. This was the first meeting of the clubs, and there had been much speculation as to the standard of play. The resultant scores are evidence of the evenness of the strength of the teams, even the one goal which was scored by Miss Bacon for Kohuratahi being a lucky shot just as the whistle sounded for time. Judging by the form shown, both the Hinemoa teams are at a disadvantage with their lack of power and a tendency to crowd around the ball. The Whangamomona and Kohuratahi teams show great combination, and their play is more open and faster. The sole topic of conversation at the afternoon tea adjournment was the anticipation of the keen competition there will be when the fixture matches commence. Just before the last game was played, Mr. A. Lines, a vice-president of * the Hinemoa club, thanked the Whangamomona club for the excellent day’s sport and for generous hospitality. Cheers for the Whangamomona club were given. ‘Whangamomona replied by calling cheers for the visiting teams. CARD AND DANCE PARTY. A euchre and dance party organised by the social committee of the combined Tangarakau Sports Chib was held in the hall on Friday. In spite of inclement wteather there was a good attendance and a very enjoyable time' was spent. Mr. V. Warren supervised the euchre tables, the prices for the evening’s play being won as follows: —Ladies’ (donated by Mrs. W. Campbell), Mrs. Crosby 1; men’s (donated by Mr. T. Baillie), Mr. R. Bell 1; consolation prizes, Mrs. Kilminster and Mr. J. Calgher. Music for the dancing was provided by the local orchestra. A Monte Carlo waltz was won by Mr. and Airs. G. Sullivan, and the affinity schottishe caused much merriment. Mr. W. Campbell was master of ceremonies. The serving of a bullet supper was carried out by a committee of ladies. It is the intention of the sports club to run a series of these functions throughout the season to raise funds for the Hinemoa Hockey Club and the 'Tangarakau Football Club. Air. J. Foster (chairman of the club), Miss R. MeKeich and Mr. C. Morris (joint secretaries), and an energetic committee are endeavouring to provide enjoyable evenings. Aggregate prizes will be" awarded at the end ot the season for the highest points at the euchre tables.