FOOTBALL

Te Puke Times, Volume II, Issue II, 2 September 1913, Page 3

FOOTBALL

ROTORUA V. TEPUKE

Keen interest was manifested in the above match on Saturday last, the game being played in line weather, and before an attendance of about five hundred people. The match was one of the best expositions of football ever witnessed on the local ground, as

the play at times proved to be fast and exciting, and interest was maintained until the call of

time,' Although Te Puke suffered defeat it could be safely said that they had much the better of the game, but they did not make most of the opportuni-

ties offered. Not that Rotorua were lucky to win, but it was apparent that the local men lacked finish.; it was like a clever boxer who did'nt possess a knockout punch. Rotorua won the toss and elected to play down field, having the advantage of the wind and sun at the back. From the kickoff Te Puke carried play into the visitors' territory, but after a few minutes had elapsed were penalised. The kick, however, was brought back, a scrum ensuing, and the ball coming out to Stewart, was handled by the backs until it reached Gardiner, who was hauled down within a few feet of the line. TePuke kept up the attack until a free kick brought momentary relief toKßotorua, who invaded their opponent's territory for the first time. Kokiri, by a good run,

brought play back to the Rotorua 25, and Stewart, obtaining possession from a scrum, made a good attempt to score. Play was still being confined to the Rotorua territory, and from a penalty Ansell essayed a shot at goal, the ball going wide. The kick off was returned by Te Puke to within a few feet of the line, and

the local forwards smothering the return, a scrimmage resulted near the Rotorua line, and a scrum was ordered five yards out. The ball was hooked by Te Puke, and Stewart passing to Arataku, the latter transferred to Kokiri, who cut in and scored. No goal resulted. Rotorua rallied, carrying play to their opponent's territory, and being awarded four penalties in succession, kept the local men busily - defending. Douglas by good play relieved the tension for Te Puke. The local men were making determined efforts to score, McEwen getting to within a few yards, and Winiata Tapsell Sent the ball to Thorburn while the latter was in a good position, but unfortunately he knocked on thus spoiling what

looked to be a certain score. Rotorua brought, play to theTe Puke 25, and an interchange of kicks between Montgomery and

Kihiroa saw the ball out at naif-

way. Te local forwards carried play to the Rotorua line, and from a series of scrimmages Riddel!, Thorburn, and Hini crossed the line in succession, but owing to infringements they were called back on each occa-

sion. Eventually Rotorua for- ] ced. Douglas had a shot shortly ] afterwards and a good passing J run by theTe Puke backs, saw ! McEwen pushed out at the cor- ' ner. The Rotorua forwards swept down the field, and-a score seemed imminent. Kihiroa, howerer, secured, and the ball, was sent out near the Te Puke line. Margrave Rodgers secured from the throw in. and dashed over unopposed. The ball was ; safely piloted over the bar. Halftime then sounded, the scores standing Rotorua five, TePuke3. On the resumption of play Rotorua carried play to the home 25, but the local forwards gradually worked back, and Rotorua were forced. From a scrum near the half-way Stewart got possession and passed to Kokiri, who made a brilliant run down the line and then transferred to Winiata Tapsell,. and the latter

player beating several of the opposing' side, scored To Puke's second try* Fast and exciting play followed the kick off, the ball travelling up and down the field. Kokiri and Arataku made an opening for the local backs from a line out, but an infringament spoilt the chances. Rotorua rallied and took the ball to within a few yards of the Te Puke line. Rotorua kept Te Puke on the line, and from a scrimmage in front of the goal Tapita wedded himself across. The kick added the major points to the try. Te Puke now set to . work to increase their score, i and Gardiner made several good shots at goal from penalties. Although Te Puke had Rotorua ■ hemmed in their own twenty-live in the latter stages of the game, they could not penetrate the defence, and the match eventually

ended: Rotorua ten, Te Puke G.

For Te Puke Stewart played a good game at half, and was considered to be the best back on the ground. Kokiri also played a brilliant game, handling the ball very cleverly. Arataku and Winiata Tapsell also acquitted themselves well, whilst Kihiroa gave a favorable display at full. McEwen and Gardiner played good defensive games, but appeared to be rather weak on the attack. The forwards played a good hard game, and invariably secured the ball from the scrum.

A committee meeting of the Te Puke Rugby Union was held last night in Montgomery's Hotel. Present: Messrs Scanlon (chair), Montgomery, Bell, Kainamu.

A wire was read from the Tauranga Union stating that owing to the smallpox scare, no more matches would be played this season.

A matph between the Reps, and Railway was arranged for Saturday next. It was reported that the Railway team would be very strong, both in the back and forward division, and that a good game should eventuate. The team to represent Te Puke will consist of :— Kiharoa S. Stuart Winiata Gardiner Arataku Kokiri Stewart Ansell Thorburn P. Gray Douglas Bird Gourlay Hini Riddell Emer. : P. Hini.