FOOTBALL

Waipa Post, Volume VII, Issue 323, 16 June 1914, Page 5

FOOTBALL

OHAUPO v. TE AWAMUTU

The contest for the senior championship was advanced a further stage on Saturday, when the above teams met at Bockett's paddock. There was a cold south-westerly wind blowing, but did not interfere with the play to any great extent. In anticipation of witnessing a close contest a large number of spectators assembled. The game was stubbornly contested, being mostly confined among the forwards, which were evenly matched.

At a quarter past three Ohaupo (blacks) kicked off, Te Awamutu (reds) having the advantage of the wind. After an exchange of kicks, play was taken to reds' 25, but it was not allowed to remain long, the forwards gradually working their way back again, H. Forkert and Roach' being instrumental in stopping the attack. Shortly after Lang was prominent, and getting the ball he made a dash and then sent the leather on to J. Richardson, but the latter was promptly taken by Thorburn. The reds continued to prove aggressive and the blacks were obliged to force. From the kick-out the reds returned to the attack, and they managed to get on some passing rushes, but the tackling was sure. Lang centred, and Ohaupo's fullback (Wallace) failed to hold the ball. A. Kay was only prevented from scoring by the good defence of Forkert. Later Kay again broke away, but the whistle pulled him up. From the scrum the reds came through, Tho'rburn coming to the rescue with a serviceable kick. Forward play was the order, Cunningham being conspicuous for the home team. Owing to an infringement by the blacks a free kick was awarded against them. Lang's attempt at goal failed. With the wind in their favour Ohaupo opened the second quarter by an invasion into the reds' 25, Stott and Duncan indulging in a passing bout, which ended in the latter going out in the corner. Shortly after Thorburn sustained an injury to his knee and was obliged to retire. Both teams were attacking in turn, G. Richardson doing good service for his side by his judicious kicking. H. Forkert had an attempt at a place kick, but nothing came of it. Ohaupo were warming up to their work and Standon got the backs going, only to see Duncan pushed out in the corner. Good line kicking on the part of the reds' backs shifted operations to their opponents' 25 line and some exciting tussles took place. G. Richardson, getting possession of the ball, was brought down within a few feet of the line. A free kick was given the reds, and Lang made a good but unsuccessful attempt to kick a goal. Half time was called without either side having scored. The ball had not been set in motion long before a splendid piece of play was indulged in by the blacks' forwards. Breaking away.about thehalf-wav flag with the ball at their feet, they dribbled right over their opponents' line, and a score looked certain. Just at the critical moment, however, one of the Te Awamutu men managed to force it. Reds retaliated, and for a time kept the blacks busy defending. From a free kick Cunningham' narrowly missed scoring, the bail falling just under the bar. The remainder of the spell was in the home team's favour. During the last quarter Te Awamutu set up a strong attack. Time after time they endeavoured to open up the game, but a stubborn resistance prevented them from crossing their opponent's line. Ohaupo were penned in ther 25's for some time until relief came "with a good kick to half. The game ended with play in mid-field.

Mr F. Bowden proved an impartial referee. Thorburn, Roach, Standon and Duncan were the pick among the Ohaupo backs, Wagner, Simpson C. Forkert and Cooper being the most prominent forwards. Lang shone in the home team, and he was ably seconded by G. Richardson, Kay, and Clarke. The pack easily held their own against their opponents;

PIRONGIA.

(Own Correspondent)

A football meeting was held at the boarding house for the purpose of forming a club. The following members were present: MessrsD. Jones, li. Gray, Parsons, J. Prince, W. Holmes, T. Jones, J. Goldsmith, and H. A. Collins. Mr Parsons was elected to the chair, and Mr T. Jones elected secretary and treasurer. The following officers were elected:—Patron, J. A. Young, M.P.; patroness, Miss E. I. Miller; vice-presidents, Messrs W. McCarthy, W. G. Moon, T. Dent, A. li. Jones, D. O'Shea, J. T. Johnston, G. M. A. Ahier, Dr. Reekie and Captain Hope-Johnstone.

Mr T. Jones was appointed the club's delegate to the Waipa Rugby Union. The colours of the club are to be black and gold. Messrs Parsons and H. Gray were elected a selection committee.

The football match between Pirongia and Ohaupo, which was to have been played at Pirongia on Saturday, did not eventuate, on account of the Ohaupo team's inability to attend. The.Pirongia team turned out and kicked off at 3 p.m.