FOOTBALL.

Waipa Post, Volume VII, Issue 327, 30 June 1914, Page 7

FOOTBALL.

UNITED (3) V. OHAUPO (o).

The above teams met at Bocketl's paddock on Saturday afternoon. They were very evenly matched, United winning by a try to nil. On the previous occasion when these teams tried conclusions at Ohaupo, the United representatives suffered defeat by 14 points to 4. The visitors were therefore looked upon as favourites, but they failed to come up to expectations, and the team that beat them on Saturday were superior in all departments of the game.

The game was late in starting. Ohaupo (blacks).kicked off. The ball was badly taken, and a scrum formed in United (blues') 25. Henderson was conspicuous, but Roach returned with a kick to half-way. Play hovered about the centre of the field, until Clifford cent the ball out in blacks' 25. Briscoe secured from 'the throw-out, but was collared by Winger before he could get going. Standen marked, and Maunder failing to field the ball, the Ohaupo forwards came with a loose rush, which was well stopped by Ness, the United fullback. The blues' forwards were more than holding their own, and got to within a few feet of their opponents' line. A rally took place, but eventually the Ohaupo forwards worked their way back, and Ness kicked out in time. The blues took charge from the throwout, which ended -in Clifford almost getting across. Roach cleared and relieved the danger. A mark by Standen, and the ball was kicked to J. Kay. The latter missed, and the blues' line seemed in danger. Ness, however, was equal to the occasion, and found the line at half-way. Giadually the play was 'shifted to blacks' 25, where the blues obtained a free kick. The ball was placed for Maunder, but the kick wa,s a failure.

On turning round United warmed up to their work and Maunder, Clifford, Briscoe'and J. Kay' carried play into their opponents' quarters. Kay secured and sent a good pass 1 to Briscoe, but the latter missed, and a chance was lost. The blues were pressing, and the blacks had an anxious time defending. The ball came to J.- Kay, but he slipped, and the blues turned defence into attack, and swept into blues'2s. They were soon driven back, and some good kicking was indulged in by the backs on both sides. A determined rush by the blacks was splendidly stopped by L. Kay, and making a dash along the line kicked out in blacks' 25. Forkert returned the ball to half-way. From the throw-out blacks broke away and Standen picking up the ball made for the line. He had only Ness to pass, but that player made no mistake, and collared in good style. For off-side play by Ashby the blacks were awarded a free kick, and Abbot had a shot at goal. Henderson spoilt the kick, and the ball was kicked out at half-Way. Half time was called without any score on either side. '

Abbott kicked off and Briscoe returned to touch at half-way. The blue forwards set up an attack, Clifford, Henderson, and Kirkham being prominent. Stott, who was playing well, returned the ball to half-way. Not to be denied, United returned to the attack, and were making great efforts to score. J. Kay made a dash along the line, but was collared in the act of passing. Ohaupo cleared their line, Simpson breaking away and kicking out in blues' 25. A free kick was awarded to Ohaupo, but the attempt at goal failed. The last spell was in favour of the home team. The forwards with a combined rush took charge and were soon over the line, where Kirkham fell on the ball. The kick at goal failed. From the kick out Ohaupo made strenuous efforts to get on even terms. The defence was sound, however, and time was called leaving United winners by a try to nil.

The Ohaupo team did not play up to expectations. The forwards, although they played well, failed to get the ball 'from the scrum, with the result that they gave their backs few opportunities. Stott and Roach d ; d some fine defensive work among the backs, Winger, Simpson, and Forkert showing out among the forwards. Of the United team Ness, as full-back, was in great form, his line-kicking and fielding being splendid. The Kay Brothers were a good help, while Clifford, as five-eighths, did a lot of work. The pack worked splendidly, but Ashby showed a decided inclination to get off-side. Mr J. Maloney had control of the game, and refereed in an able and impartial manner.