FOOTBALL.

Waipa Post, Volume I, Issue 21, 27 June 1911, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

KIHIKIHI V. OHaUPO

(Own Co.respondent.)

A good crowd gathered for this match at Kihikihi on Saturday last, the respective positions of the two clubs in the competition contributing an exceptional spice of interest to a meeting which was of itself attractive. The afternoon favoured spectacular football, and the teams responded with a game marked by the bright and open play of which far too little is seen in modern expositions of Rugby. The result left no room for cavilling. Ohaupo won because, on the whole, the-y were the better team.

The margin of victory was, perhaps, a little larger than the run of the game warranted, but this is a minor matter in view of the fact that the laurels went to the side that deserved them. It is unnecessary to particularise the continuous afterations of play or to comment on the individual performances of players. It is sufficient to say that, in assessing the respective proportions of merit, due• account should be taken of the fact that Kihikihi took the field with a weakened side. Henderson was still suffering from the effects of the “rep.” game at Cambridge, while Thomson had been rendered hors de combat as a result of “ fancy dress” football on Coronation Day. Despite these defections, however, it is questionable if a more attractive game will be seen under the auspices of the Union this season.

Ohaupo had the better backs ; Kihikihi the better forwards; and under the conditions superior back play told its tale. A little more judgment in the lines-out (where the long throws finely served the purpose of the Ohaupo backs) and in other minor directions, might have assisted Kihikihi to even things up, but it was not forthcoming. The speedy Ohaupo backs scintillated. Their handling of the ball was a treat to witness. The Kihikihi back line,, on the other hand, had neither the pace, skill, nor combination of their opponents. Notwithstanding this, the closing moments of the game found the sides with even scores. Time was on the verge of expiration when Ohaupo crossed the home line, and converting the try, left the ground winners by 11 points to 6. While giving the Ohaupo team full/credit for a victory that they desired, it is unfortunately necessary to say that as the game neared its end they resorted to methods which are scarcely in the category of vigorously clean football. Under such circumstances retaliation may not be justified by the rules of the game, but it is inevitable. The result on Saturday was that the later portion of the contest was disfigured by an excess of temper on both sides which went far to,mar the effect of what, up to that point, had been a fine exposition of clean and invigorating sport. With the exception of these imperfections, however, the game

was good to watch. Mr Jos Corboy was a keen and efficient referee, and after the game the Ohaupo team were entertained at the Star Hotel.