LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12083, 11 August 1917, Page 10

LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

HORNBY BF.ATEN BY FEDERAL. A bijr crowd turned out at St Albans Park this afternoon, the large attendance being justjiticd by tho splendid quality of the football provided. Federal won, and as a result Hornby and Sydenham have been put on a level footing for the Tliackcr Sh'ddThese teams will probably tlie * final on .Saturday week. HORNBY v. FEDERAL. St Albans Park was in excellent condition for tho replay of the game between these teams, both of which i\eie at full strength when Mr A. R- Brunsden blow the whistlo for tho start, lho jgonpriijl conditions wero ideal for a brilliant exposition of tho code, and as things turned out the game was easily the best seen this season. From tho start play was exceptionally fast and clean, Hornby setting up several early attacks fis the result ot advantages gained by brilliant tackling, judicious kicking and consistent following up. Ono particularly smart piece of play by F. Sanders, who kicked to the Federal full-back and smothered tho return, looked promising, but a, force-down resulted through lack of support. Tho next development was a hot attack by Federal, followed by a shot at. goal by Mitchell, the ball rebounding from tho post. ShortlV afterwards the samo player missed an easy goal. Federal were getting the ball consistently from tho scrum, Porter feeding his backs and setting the Ivrusesi, Mitchell and tlio wings in operation time and time again. After fifteen minutes of fast open play J. Kruse marked and [Mitchell landed a good goal. Though Federal wero having a feast of tho ball Hornby, by magnificent tackling, turned, defence into attack, and were rewarded by a free kick in a good position shortly before half-time. F. Sanders therefrom kicked a goal and made the scores two all. Infringements by both sides steadied play. The Hornby half got round the scrum too fast and was: penalised, Mitchell placing another goal. Hornby wero frequently penalised through overeagerness and the play slowed down considerably in consequence. Hornby for once got the ball from a scrum and their backs got moving nicely. Cunningham, however, intercepted a pass and clashed away unmolested. Kicking close to the lino.ho boat the Hornby full-back and touched down. Mitchell failed to convert, though the kick was an easy one. Five points to the had, Hornby came away again, but to no purpose. Federal thus won by 7 points to 2.