OKAIAWA WELL IN FRONT

Taranaki Daily News, 22 June 1931, Page 4

OKAIAWA WELL IN FRONT

FIRST ROUND ENDS IN THE SOUTH / INTERESTING POSITION IN NORTH TWO TEAMS THREATEN STRATFORD THE Shield Rugby competitions were contmued in'Taranaki X wpaflier on Saturday. In the southern division the concluding matches in the first round saw Okaiawa ; defeat one of the punne?smn Kaponga, by 11 points to 3, and as. Athletic gained a narrowv?ctory P over the other runner-up, Hawera, Okaiawa will enter the second round with a three-point lead from their defeat of Patea advance into second place with Haweia ana level, a point away in third position. Athletic have i proved"their position and are a point further back. Eltiiam com- , fortably defeated Waimate. With one more series to play to complete the round the positioni/the northern division is very interesting. Chiton and Inglewood by defeating Tukapa and Celtic are only a pomtbehind^thedea dors Stratford who have yet to meet Clifton. Star by defeating Boys have drawn level with Old Boys and Celtic m- fourth position. ' Results at a glance are:— < • . . • northern division. southern division. Clifton 6 v. Tukapa 3. Okaiawa 11 v. Kaponga 3. Inglewood 6 v. Celtic nil. Athletic 11 v. Hawera 10. 0 V Old Bovs 6 Opunake 5 v. Patea d - Star 9 v. Old Boas o. Eltharn Waimate 6 .

CLIFTON VICTORIOUS AGAIN ■ HARD FIGHT AGAINST TUKAPA. CRISP FOOTBALL AND THRILLS. Clifton and Tukapa staged crisp football at Waitara. There was very little ■ co-ordinated play in the back lines, the swiftness with which each team- turned defence to attack being due more to opportunism than to team play; two or three would find themselves with the ball' and thrust eagerly for the line. Although every minute had all thirty men giving of their best—even the final stages were electric with speed and energy —there were frequent times when spctators gasped at the deft celerity which moved play the length of the field in a few seconds. Jonas, Jones and Watson were too fast, experienced and heavy for the light Tukapa backe, who were always dangerous but never quite got there. Guy did not combine well but otherwise was good. Tukapa had easily the better of line-outs and scrums, but could not compare with the Clifton' pack in loose play. .Cole, Selwood, Brown and Fowler led many a dangerous rush for Clifton. McNeill, O’Dowda and Sullivan were the most - impressive of the Tukapa forwards, although Dickey and Evans hooked excellently. The teams were: — Clifton.—Young; Goodwin, Watson, Jonas; Jones, Carey; Wilson; Seiwood, Muir, Pepperell, Kawe, Brown, Fowler, Ohlsson; A. Cole. Tukapa—Walker; Dickson, Thomson, Morris; Guy, Papps; Brown; Hill, Lower, -McNeill, Bithell, o’Dow‘da, Dickey, Evans; Sullivan. The atmosphere, of the game was tense from the commencement and loose scrums formed precisely. The ball shot out on the Tukapa side more than once, but Papps preferred to hang on. At last he let the ball out, but Thomson dropped his pass and Cole snapped it up. He streaked for the corner but was thrown into touch. The blue forwards were hooking regularly, but the rearguard did not know enough to beat the Clifton defence. Clifton Secured for once, and although Carey fumbled Cole, Brown and'Fowler carried all before them until Walker stemmed the rush. Down to Clifton territory and back again went, the ball, Jonas making a characteristic dash. Cole picked up at half-way later, pierced the opposing and sprinted away in a clear field. Nobody was fast enough to back him up and Walker proved equal to the situation. Tukapa 1 retaliated fiercely; Dickson dashed for the corner, was blocked, and the ball went infield. A Tukapa forward was there to take it three yards from the Clifton line, and knocked on. By degrees Clifton battled to half-way, where Watson and Jones flashed away in a swift attack. Spectators were on tip-toe. Tukapa forwards forced the defence back to the line. McNeill had the ball and was held desperately from scoring by the heel of his boot. I* owler led the Clifton forwards out of danger and Walker sent them back. Young repulsed the attackers with a mark, but they came again in the western corner into the sun. The defence was impassable there, but like a flash the pressure shifted to other cornei and Morris dived over to score. Hill was unsuccessful with the kick and the spell ended with Tukapa three points up. An exchange of kicks manoeuvred Clifton into a good position when the ball went out five yards from Tukapa’s line. The second spell had been in progress only two minutes when Clifton equalised the scores. Jones picked up a ball the forwards did not want, and sent his backs away diagonally. Tu- * kapa realised the danger too late and although Jonas had Watson in support he did°not need him and crashed over the line to score as he wa tackled. Watson's kick swerved outward. Tukapa moved away in midfield, but a long pass Backward fell into Jonas’ hands. The winger steadied himself and drop-kicked, but the ball did not go straight. Tukapa were still hooking readily but failed to turn their advantage to good account. McNeill gained ground from a line-out, but Carey flung a 15-yards pass to Jones. Cole followed up and sent Watson and Goodwin away. Tukapa recovered but Pepperell kept up the pressure and was supported by Jones. Watson came up fast and carried on. His pass was taken by a Tukapa forward who found himself with only Young to beat and fifty yards to run to score. The two went down in a good 1 tackle and both packs waged a strenuous war- —Tukapa triumphant in the tight and Clifton swooping down through all defence. and Cole did all but score and

then Tukapa swarmed back in formation for 70 yards. Morris ran for the corner, Jones tore the ball .from him and kicked far down the line; Jonas fathered in after the position had been consolidated by a line-out and made a bee-line for the corner. He just got there to score his second try as a tackle sent scorer and defender flying through the air. Watson’s kick was a fraction wide. Tukapa plunged desperately into attack, and Clifton played -.p to them. Attack after' attack raked each line desperately. Tukapa discovereu their temporarily-lost power of hooking.. The air was tense—the game was either team’s. Tukapa hooked from scrum after scrum, hemming in the Clifton backs, but their own rearguard failed •when opportunities occurred. .Clifton relieved the pressure for a while. Enthusiasm was maintained at fever heat ■with play travelling at a fast pace ■from end to end. Watson pu- his best into a sparkling run down the line, kicked when he could do nothing else, and left three home forwards and a Tukapa, man to run desperately. Tukapa just managed to force. Jonas tricked man after man till he finally cannoned against a Tukapa goaLpost. •Pepperell was replaced by Anderson and then Sullivan led his men from twentyfive to twenty-five. Tukapa made a glorious final rally, but Clifton were also playing spiritedly, and gave nothinf away. The end of a fast and exciting game came with Tukapa losing ground again and the scores: — Clifton ■ « Tukapa •••>■ 3 Mr. J. S. King refereed. INGLEWOOD DEFEAT CELTIC AN UNINSPIRING STRUGGLE. POOR HANDLING 'BY THE BACKS. For a match upon the-result of which rested a chance to win the competition, the meeting of Celtic and Inglewood produced- poor football and the reputations of many players suffered. Every minute the game was slowed-by scrums, line-outs -or free-kicks.. Almost, every organised effort was futile and mistakes were sprinkled all over the ground. Both halves were Weak on attack and the backs seldom had a chance. When they did have a chance they could do no good. - Celtic had at ■ least six penalty kicks at goal, all from easy angles, but none was successful. The teams were: — Celtic. —Dodd; "Richardson, Bourke, Moore; Carter, Erickson; Wilmshurst; Alger, Walker, J. Ford, Johnson, Penniall, Penniall, F. Ford; gangster. Inglewood. —Knott; Corkill, Mcßoberts, O’Byrne; Hunt, Cowley; Maingay; Corney, Gudgeon, Scanlon, O’Keefe, Devereux, Evans, Larmer; Coles. Play was keen but uninteresting for the first fifteen minutes, during which Celtic made what pace there was. Inglewood forced twice and Dodd had two unsuccessful penalty kicks. Then Corkill charged down a clearing kick and Celtic were in difficulties until Moore managed to reach the side-line. He was hurt when pushed out and was replaced by Coulton. The peculiar feature of the game to within ten minutes of halftime was that neither side’s scoring line was seriously endangered, the game being played almost wholly in or about the centre of the field. Then O’Byrno kicked from a mark and the catch was mdbbed, with the result that the Inglewood forwards advanced into Celtic’s territory. There the ball came out from a scrum to Coles, who cleverly “sold the dummy” to Erickson and slipped through Celtic’s defences to send Corney on to score. Knott’s attempt to convert failed. The second spell opened with play just as dull as in the first. After about ten minutes Knott kicked a fine penalty goal when Coulton grabbed the ball well off-side. Inglewood thus had a lead of six points and seemed content to leave it at that. Scrums and line-outs became monotonous and close work decidedly tiresome. Celtic had a chance when'Coulton and Bourke gained a lot of ground down the line and hot work ensued near Inglewood’s goal. The defenders were penalised but Carter’s kick was not strong enough and tension was relieved. The game fell back to a depressing dullness and people audibly wondered how much longer the game was to last. A little life was introduced by R. Penniall and Richardson, who carried play over half the field, but the matter was only temporary. The final scores were: — Inglewood 6 Celtic 0 Mr. C. Gernhoefer refereed.

STAR DEFEAT OLD BOYS PLAYER'S PECULIAR MISTAKE. OLD BOYS’ CHANCES MARRED. With apparently nothing to prevent him neatly placing the ball between the posts to score, an Old Boys player in the o-ame against Star at New PlymoutTi chose to bounce the ball soundly on the ground and bo robbed his side of a draw and the possibility of a win, as the conversion of the try should have been simple. Ab it was Star beat Old Boys by nine points (one try and two goals) to six (one try and one goal).° Old Boys appeared to be disorganised because some of their most prominent players were unavailable and probably this accounted for the lack of combination. ■ Star on the other hand displayed greater cohesion and penetration in the forwards, especially in the latter stages of the game. On the whole the game was ragged and uninteresting. The defence of both sides was excellent. There was, however, a tendency on both sides to play roughly. The dogged play of the Star foryvards led by Harvey, Shaw and McLeod Avas a feature of the game. Among the backs Clegg, Kinsella and McLeod appeared to be the best, but they were given little opportunity to go far, as the Old Boys’ five-eighths, Mace and Fookes, tackled .in deadly fashion. Mace and Fookes also played remarkably well on attack. Both Priar and Bedford, the opposing full-backs, were sound. Among the Old Boys’ forwards Drader, Tiplady and Plumtree were the best. The teams were: — Star.—Bedford; McLeod, Billing, Sampson; Kinsella, Clegg; Rothery; Shaw, McLeod, McLeod, Harvey, Clegg, Frethey, Russell: Aubrey. Old Boys.—Priar; Black, Thomson, Webster; Fookes, Mace; Olsen; Scoble, Plumtree, Drader, Luxton, Perry, Clark, Insull; Tiplady. . Old Boys kicked off and after scrambling play Star Avere awarded a free kick. Harvey’s shot was lacking' in direction. From half-way the Star hacks put in a smart passing rush which failed when Sampson could not take his pass. Tiplady and Plumtree led a rush which developed, into a back attack, but Fookes sent Thomson a high pass which he failed to take when Old, Boys were in a dangerous attacking position. Old Boys attacked until Billing intercepted and brought play back to half-way. Star continued to tussle close to the Old Boys’ line, hut Mace cleared. Mace cut in and sent Fookes away on a speedy dash. Fookes cross-kicked over the heads of the Star backs and Drader came up quickly, picked up neatly and scored. Friar's kick failed. Olsen and Perry brought play back to Star’s line but Rothery cleared. Star were penalised twice in their own territory but Priar’s kicks failed. Star forwards broke away in a solid rush and sent Clegg and Sampson on a long sprint downfield. Glegg drew his men Avell and sent Sampson 'a.Avay. Priar follorvcd and caught the Star winger just as he reached the line. Sampson managed to pick u.p the ball and scramble over the line. Harvey failed with his kick. On resuming after half-time Olsen put his backs in motion. The dash went to Star’s line where Webster was thrown out. In their own territory Mace and Webster cut through and raced down the line, but Webster was caught. The Old Boys forwards came up and Drader picked up the ball and passed to Scoble, who ran under the goal. He did not touch down although he had ample time, but chose to bounce the ball. A certain try appeared to be thrown away. The referee ordered a drop out. Star were penalised close to their own goal and Priar’s kick went over. Star penetrated Old Boys’ territory with a passing rush that ended when Aubrey, who had gone out to the wing position, was we.ll, tackled near the line. Star were making a desperate bid to score and McLeod crossed with Old Boys’ forwards on top of him. A scrum was ordered. Bedford marked in a difficult position and with a magnificent kick goaled. Rothery passed to Clegg and the Star backs went away in a fine run which culminated in Aubrey’s scorinw in the corner just as he was tackled. Bedford’s kick failed. Star were penalised and Priar’s kick fell short. Tavo sweeping rushes ended rvith Star in Old Boys’ territory. Star ■ Old Boys 6 Mr. Hooker refereed. OKAIAWA DEFEAT KAPONGA CONSOLIDATION OF POSITION. WINNING BACKS SCINTILLATE. Okaiawa consolidated their position at the head of the south ladder by a decisive win over Kaponga, Avho had threatened to be serious contenders, on the Kaponga ground. Okaiawa gave an impressive display though the game was kept tight. Packing eight men in the scrum they kept Kaponga’s tigerish pack subdued and Avhen the backs did go into action in the last ten minutes they thrilled the crowd with their speed. Davy Johnston had then come up to fiveeighths and his genius- was apparent in a glorious try they scored to put the issue beyond doubt. The teams were:— Okaiawa. —Johnston; Rangi Ruru, Ngaia, McCallum; Murdoch, T. Robinsoli; M. Clarke; Awahou, Scott, Guy; Greenough, R. Clarke;• Preston, Crawford, Tippett. Kaponga. —Hall; Patterson, G. Cuff, Eliason; R. Cuff, L. Whalen; Hammersley; O’Sullivan, Sutton, Gardiner, Murphy, Espin, Gargan, Free; Twist. Robinson took a good mark and his forwards followed the kick into a favourable position. The Okaiawa pack were entrenching themselves when they Avere penalised, Kaponga relieving. Kaponga retaliated but were over-eager. The Okaiawa backs raced away, Ngaia electing to cut in to be well tackled. The visitors followed up with a vigorous forward offensive, which ended in an attacker being pushed into touch-in-goal. When Kaponga tried a passing rush Robinson intercepted to set a counter-at-tack under way, Eliason saving. Okaiawa continued attacking strongly till they were penalised. G. Cuff made a good opening but R. Cuff failed to hold his pass. " Robinson sent Kaponga back. Johnston brought the crowd to their feet with a spectacular run to send Murdoch awav, Rangi Ruru getting a poor pass from the latter. Twist and Patterson were nearly over; then Gargan fell an inch short of the line.’ Okaiawa forced. Another Kaponga attack swept to. the line, Avhere a penalty gave the defence much needed assistance, Okaiawa forcing from resulting play. Play settled doAvn at midfield with occasional Kaponga forays till Okaiawa went away Avith short passing among the forwards, Kaponga in turn forcing, dust before halttime Okaiawa were penalised midway between the twenty-five and the centreline, Patterson’s shot just missing. OkaiaAva again opened strongly and Crawford dashed over in the corner but lie was recalled for off-side. Kaponga suddenly broke away and Johnston carried over. Patterson threw a pass to IJammersley, who handed on to G. Cull, the last named kicking across for Free to score. Okaiawa rallied fiercely and.

launched solid attacks. Hammersley put his foot over the line Avhen fielding a high kick right in the corner and OkaiaAva had a great chance. Clarke Avorked the blind from a scrum to send McCallum over to score a try Avhich CraAvford could not convert. Free kicks helped kaponga to reach enemy territory. After a period of Kaponga domination OkaiaAva asserted themselves. They held Kaponga in ensuing tight play. The prettiest movement of the day ‘was Avhen M. Clarke sent the ball away from a scrum and his backs flashed into top speed for Rangi Ruru to score. CraAvford missed. Stung by the reverse Kaponga swept downfield. Twist missed Avith a pot and Eliason following it fast narrowly failed in a thrilling race Avith Rangi Ruru. Play SAvung with dramatic sAviftness to the other end of the field, where the backs again functioned perfectly for McCallum to score Avide out, This time Crawford, goaled. Okaiawa 'll Kaponga 3 Mr. A. E. Spratt refereed. ATHLETIC BEAT HAWERA BACKS MARKEDLY SUPERIOR. WIN BY POINT IN WILLING GAMEAthletic, displaying a marked superiority in the penetrating power of their backs, beat Hawera by 11 points to 10 in a most interesting and often spectacular game. The Athletic forwards stood up to the Avork in good fashion and received enough of the ball to give their backs some good chances. The sterling defence of the whole team kept Hawera out when they essayed a run. The game was even but Athletic made more°use of their scoring opportunities. The teams were:— Athletic.—Clarke; Dymond, Morrissey, McLean; Bly th, Lay; Gudgeon; Dickson,Joyce, Ritter, Palmer, Phillips, Tippett, Herbert; Tuki. Hawera. —Hammond; Crotty, Ekdahl, B. Cameron; Hunter, Rawcliffe; B. Campbell; Goodger, Malcolm, A. Cameron, E. Murphy, B. Murphy, W. Robinsen, L. Robinson; Riley. The ■ first few minutes of play, were wholly confined to line kicking with Ha- ; wera in Athletic territory. The Ha Avera forwards broke down the touchline. Rawcliffe and Hunter Avent away and Ekdahl sent on to B. Cameron, to run round outside him and receive again. The centre was well tackled but the Hawera forAvards carried on and from a scramble on the line L. Robinson scored, Campbell converting with a good kick. Slack scrum work let Hawera through again, Dymond tackling Cameron in the corner for Gudgeon to find the line. Dymond marked in front of a hot forward rush and several Athletic rushes ensued. Morrissey missed from a penalty. Gudgeon shot round a serum and broke clear in a wreat run to be taken from behind when side-stepping the full-back. Lay, Blyth and Morrissey combined in a good run and Hawera were penalised in front of the goal, Morrissey making no mis-, take. 'Athletic Avere now dominating the play but the Hawera defence was sound and their forwards were winning the scrums. Hawera were penalised and Clarke kicked a great goal from Avell out. Athletic Aveut away again, Lay, Blyth and Morrissey handling. Morrissey kicked through and folloAved fast. Hammond missed the ball and Morrissey kicked past him, gathered in and ran round to score at the goal, converting the try himself. The Athletic forwards were playing well. Half-time sounded with HaAvera on the attack. Athletic went to the attack but the Hawera forwards battled downfield and Campbell had an unsuccessful shot from a peilalty. Gudgeon came clear from the base of the scrum and burst half the length of the field, kicked and caught the full-back, but Rawcliffe cleared,. finding the line with a good kick. Some very willing work was going on in the tight. W. Robinson moved to wing-forward and Riley into the scrum. Hawera came back. Campbell sent Rawcliffe and Hunter away. Ekdahl came up fast rnd ran through to score a o-reat try, Campbell converted. Both sets of forAvards were putting sting into their work. During willing play in neutral territory the referee admonished two players. Haavera moved play to the Athletic line and several strenuous minutes passed before Athletic cleared. Play hung in Hawera’s twenty-five till L. Robinson kicked through. Clarke missed and Robinson booted hard, the ball going out. Play veered across the field and°Phillips bustled Crotty, gathered up the ball and burst away. He kicked and ran for it, Hammond showing a great turn of speed to race him ami force. Lay and Blyth raced into position and Morrissey received to take n snap at goal, the shot missing. Athletic Avere pressing hard in a- last-minute rally but injuries were delaying the play. W. Robinson was hurt and carried off with injuries to his leg. McLean nar- ; rowly missed with a pot. Ritter sent McLean on a great run to the line, the winger being hurled into touch. In the ensuing li.ie-out Goodger was injured and retired. Lay, Blyth and Morrissey combined for Morrissey to hit the post with a pot. Clarke twice lined well and time Avas called with Athletic again attacking. Athletic 11 , ' Hawera 10 Mr. G. Hurley refereed. PATEA NARROWLY DEFEATED OPUNAKE WIN BY 5 POINTS TO 3. KEEN CONTEST AT PATEA. A keenly contested even game resulted from the meeting of Opunake and Patea at Patea on Saturday. The visitors won by 5 points to 3. Although the game was full of interest, play lacked finish, infringements breaking down many promising movements. Both sets of backs frequently opened up play, but there was a good deal of rather desultory forward play. The teams were.—Opunake.—Williams; Malcolm, Harrison, Spence; C. Hohaia, McCullum; R. Hohaia; I. Bishop,. Matthews, Murphy, Ngaia, R. Lusk, Cruden, Greich; J. Lusk. Patea—Richards; G. Baldwin, J. Crawford, Spooner; Bloor, Petersen; Zimmerman; Wills, Walker, W. Baldwin, Bremer, P. Crawford, Couch, Hamlin; P. Bourke. Wills and Walker showed prominently in a forward rush at Opunake’s 25, and then J. Crawford aqd Spooner broke away on the other side. A quick transfer of play across field saAV G. BaldAvin transferring to J. CraAvford. Avho somersaulted, a force resulting. The tAVb Hohaias in a good run removed play into Patea’s 25. C. Wills twice fought tigcrishly to break through, but was smothered. Good lining by Opunake took play to Patea’s territory, where Zimmerman shone several times on defence. Richards and Spooner gained ground by good line kicks. From a free 'kick Petersen centred to Harrison, who just missed a pot. Twice Patea’s backs Avere away, but the defence proved sound. Spooner lined well down, but Opunake carried play to half-way, where C. Hohaia broke away alone and shortpunted, Patea forcing from the melee. Opunake Avere penalised but Petersen’s high kick fell short. East following up

saAV Opunake nearly over, Bourke relieving by lining. Again Opunake backs were aAvay, but one of them knocked-on right on the line, a force being awarded. Patea hammered hard but the defence held. Several Opunake forwards broke away in midfield, where, from offside play Petersen had an unsuccessful shot at goal. The Opunake forwards, with Ngaia and R. Lusk prominent, made Patea force. Keeping up the pressure, Opunake were successful when Cruden crossed from a scramble. Williams converted the try with a long kick. S. Hunt replaced Walker - for Patea. Opunake Avere penalised, but Petersen’s kick went wide. W. Baldwin was injured but played on. Patea attacked, Zimmerman dashing through, but the defence held. Opunake were penalised at their own 25, and Bourke goaled. Quick transfers of play up and down field followed. Opunake ..' “ Patea •.•••: " Mr. J. F. Kiley refereed. ELTHAM’S SCORING DAY WAIMATE DEFEATED 21 TO 6. ELTHAM PLAY A DASHING GAME. Playing better football through most of the game, Eltham defeated Waimate by 21 to 8. There was not a great deal of difference between the teams, which were the two lowest on the southern ladder, but Eltham managed to compile a big score and played th,eir most dashing game of the season. The teams Avere: — Eltham. —Bourke; Prince, Page, Man'jiing, Knuckey; Gordon, Hughes; Groves; Potts, Trolove, R. Bocock, F«. Bocock, Campbell, Martin, Elliott. Waimate— E. Sutton;’ J. Reid, C. Bourke, C. Whalen;. Shaw, T. Hickey; Paterson;- M.. Burke, F. Hickey, Hejieri, Edwards, R.' Sam, Hikaka, Payne, Grif The opening play favoured Eltham, who attacked and almost reached-, the line, but C. Whalen and others returned the ball. R- Bourke retaliated. Eltham pursued the attack.. Manning reached the line, where he was collared. R. Bocock came in to pick up the ball and fall over to score. From an angle R. Bocock sent a beautiful kick midAvay betAveen the posts but the ball hit the bar. After, a couple of scrums R. Bocock took a free kick at goal from 25 Avithout result. Prince secured the ball from the open on the opposite wing and made a clear run home to score. R. Bocock failed to convert. The Waimate backs secured control ■of the ball and Whalen scored at the corner. His kick failed. Payne, F. Hickey, Rei and Whalen an enterprising movement which reached the 25. From a line-out the ball went along Waimate’s back line to be lost at the 25. An attack by Eltham carried play ' up-field, Sutton being ■ verwhelmed. M. 'Burke saved but °V. -.imate’s defence continued to crumble arid: Eltham made strong attempts to break through without success. R. Bourke took a shot at goal from a free kick but was unsuccessful. Waimate recovered but lost the advantage when Bourke made a return run, Manning diving in to assist. Heneri saved by intercepting and marking. R. Bourke tried a free kick at goal without avail. Waimate made a passing run to the comer, Whalen crosskicking to Sam. Hard pressure was put on Eltham until Gordon, found the line at the 25. M. Burke took a free kick at goal but although the kick was a good one it was not successful. At half time Eltham had scored .6 and Waimate 3. T. Hickey retired injured and R. Hill took his place. A bold bid to break away was made by- Eltham on resuming, Knuckey being collared in the corner. Martin took a free kick for Eltham but he Avas unable to find the goal. Eltham commenced . to. slioav dash but their efforts were rendered futile by frequent knocks on. A free kick came to Eltham in front of the posts at half way -but R. Bocock missed.. A fast and clever series of passes was made by Eltham, Page, Manning, Martin and R. Boeoek participating. The latter fumbled but recovered and ran round in an attempt to score. A scrum followed and from some loose play Prince seized an opportunity, shot ovei- the line and scored. R. Bocock was una'ble to convert. Four more points were added to Elthaip’s total when R. Bourke potted a great goal from near mid-field. A great dash Avas again made by Eltham, Potts, Campbell and TrploVe being behind the ball, which rolled into ‘"dead ball.” Hughes and Prince combined in a passing movement doAvn the side-line, ending in Prince scoring at the corner. R. Bourke failed .to convert.. From a breakaway by Prince play swept down to the line. Play then swung across the Eltham back division in a passing turn', Knuefkey making a dashing run through to score betAveen the posts with little opposition. R. Bocock converted.’Waimate attacked, Bourke carrying the ball over and forcing. From the scrum Waimate secured and Hill scored. Whalen failed to goal. A series of knocks-on interefered with several chances of Waimate scoring towards the conclusion. Eltham, 21 Waimate ’ 6 Mr. R. BoAvman refereed. LOWER GRADE MATCHES. NORTHERN DIVISION. SeconJ Grade. Urenui 15 v. Old Boys 3. Tukapa 10 v. Okato 5. Star A 11 v. Star B 0. Third Grade. High School A 21 v. Urenui 6. High School B 12 v. Old Boys 3. Tukapa 12 v. Okato 3. Star 12 v. Clifton 0. Fourth Grade. Star 54 v. School C 0. School A 23 v. School B 0. Fifth Grade. School 0 14 v. Star 0. School A and School B Avill play on Thursday. SOUTHERN DIVISION. First Junior. Okaiawa 17 v. Patea 8, HaAvera 11 v. Athletic 8. Kaponga 11 v. Rahotu 6. Opunake 25 v. Waimate 3. Third Grade. Patea 9 v. Okaiawa 5. High School 17 v. Athletic 0. Fourth Grade. OkaiaAva 14 v. Hawera 4. Waimate 35 v. High School 3. Eltham 25 v. Kaponga 3. POSITIONS OF THE TEAMS. NORTHERN DIVISION.

Play in the Clifton-Tukapa match at Waitara Avas suspended temporarily in the first spell while the referee (Mr. J. S. King) inspected each player’s boots for over-size sprigs. The inspection proved satisfactory. DEAN CUP RETAINED. TOKO DEFEAT TANGARAKAU. Challenging for the Dean Cup,, a strong Rugby team from Tangarakau met the holders, Toko, at Toko on Saturday and suffered defeat by 13 to 3. .The first spell was a hard forward game, the only score being that of Tangarakau, for whom Morris scored a try. Toko approached the second spell in a far different spirit and opened the game Avith their backs, a style of play at Avhich Tangarakau could not equal them. Tries Avere scored by J. Walter, A. Walter and L. Lash. P. Griffiths kicked a fine field goal and the game ended. Toko 13 Tangarakau ~ Both teams were entertained at dinner in the Toko hotel by the Toko club. SCHOOL CURTAIN-RAISER. SOUTH TEAM SELECTED. Trial games betAveen the various groups of primary school football teams took place at Eltham on Saturday, 80 boys participating. After the matches the following team .was .selected to represent South Taranaki primary schools in a contest against North Taranaki as a curtain-raiser to the Taranaki-Welling-ton match at Ha Avera on July 1, —Fullback, R. Sanson (Eltham); threequarters, J. Mills (Midhirst), M. Fisher (Stratfori), S. .Aim (Turuturu); fiveeights, V. Gray (Stratford), S. Sullivan (Strafford Convent); half, C. Walker (Eltham); forwards, J. Burke (Manaia Convent), A. Lilley, D. Lampshire, W. Rogers, G. Baker (Stratford), J. Gray (OkaiaAva). W. Edwards (Manaia), P. Morgan' (Opunake). Emergencies.— Backs, B. Bi-oavu. (Manaia. Convent), L. Jackson (Stratford); forwards, L. Shine (Toko),- A. Bamford (Hawera). RESULTS OF SCHOOL MATCHES. Primary schools Rugby matches played last week resulted as folloAVS: — A Grade.—Central A <J v. Omata 3; Inglewood 8 A’. Fitzroy 3; Moturoa 34 v. Central B 0;. West End 50 v. Westown 0. C. Grade.—Fitzroy 9 v. Convent 0; Central 14 v. Moturoa: 0; West End K v.-Westo.Avn 0. RUGBY in other provinces. Wellington.—Petona 22 v. Hutt 11; Athletic 17 V. -Varsity 11; Old Boys 26 v. Berhainpore 6; Poneke 21 v. Oriental 9; Eastbourne 18 v, Marist 8; Wellington 36 v. Miramar 8. Christchurch.—The leaders on the championship ladder, Merivale, were beaten by Albion by 7 points to 3. Others results are: Christchurch 14 beat Old Boys 0; Varsity 8 beat Sydenham 3; LinAvood 28 beat Athletic 12. Auckland—Marist 16 v. City 5; Technical Old Boys 11 v. University 6; Training College 15 v. Ponsonby 0; Manukau 10 .v. College Rifles 8; Grammar 20 v. Grafton 3. Ponsonby and Grammar are iioav equal in the lead for the championship. Wanganui. —Kaierau 18 beat Old Boys nil; Pirates 22 beat Marist nil; Technical Old Boys 9 beat Ratana 6.

rt cn • -2 05 Ph o rt tn w cn E •*£ Q J E o Stratford ... ... 5 4 — 1 70 17 8 Clifton ... 5 3 1 1 44 29 7 Inglewood .. ... 5 3 1 1 23 29 7 Star , ... 5 2 —■ u 25 41 4 Celtic ... 5 2 —. 3 41 56 4 Old Boys ... ... 6 2 4 49 53 4 Tukapa. ..... ... 5 1 3 9 36 2

SOUTHERN DIVISION. Okaiawa >.. ..... 7 6 — 1 92 39 la Opunake ,... .... 7 4 1 2 41 21 9 Hawera ->«,<»■ . . . .■ 7 4 — 3 <37 38 8 .... 7 4 — 3 57 40 8 Athletic .... ...< 7 3 1 3 53 52 7 Patea ...... ..... 7 3 — 4 53 48 0 Eltham ..... .... 7 2 — 5 52 97 4 Waimate ... .... 7 1 — 6 33 113 2