FOOTBALL.

Waipa Post, Volume VII, Issue 330, 14 July 1914, Page 5

FOOTBALL.

TE AWAMUTU (3) V. UNITED (o),

The above teams met on Saturday afternoon to fulfil their fixture for the Championship. It was expected that an even game would be witnessed, and this proved to be the case, though the exhibition of Rugby given was far from being a first-class one. Beyond a few instances of good kicking by the backs, their display was disappointing. The game was principally among the forwards, the United team proving their superiority, especially in the loose play. Both teams had some difficulty in getting their full compliment, and juniors were requisitioned to fill the vacancies.

Te Awamutu (reds) kicked off at half-past three, and D. Kay returned to the half-way flag. From the throw-in a scrum was formed, and the United forwards at once asserted themselves, and McConkey headed a rush into reds' 25, where the latter were penalised. The ball was placed for Maunder, but the kick failed. On the ball being kicked out, the blues once more took play to their opponents' 2S. The backs, however, failed to handle the ball with any degree of certainty, and frequently got in one another's way, A free kick to reds was charged by the opposition, and Mauqder securing the ball, kicked out in reds' 25. The blue's took charge from the throw-out, and the ball was taken over the line, reds' being obliged to force. Some kicking was indulged in between the backs, and the blues again got going, but their inability to pick up the ball spoilt what chance they may have had. On turning round, United took charge, and, headed by.McConkey, were soon in reds territory. Clarke, however, stopped the onslaught, but the blues were awarded a free-kick for an infringement. L. Kay had a try at the goal, but was not successful. Paul and Reynolds relieved the danger by taking play to halfway. The reds were playing offside a great deal, and were being frequently penalized by the referee. A goodrally by the blues was Seaward. A free kick being4warded the reds, the ball was/placed for Daisley, who attempt, the ball going' just outside the post. As the*"ball required blowing up,' it decided to stop the game until another ball was obtained. On resuming a scrum took place, and the ball came out to Lang. He sent it on to Daisley, to J. Richardson, to Seaward, and it looked as if the latter was oyer, but he was thrown out at corner flag. Strenuous efforts were now made by the reds to score. An infringement by the blues within a few yards of their line, and close to the goal, gave their opponents a chance. The ball was again placed for Daisley, and he kicked a goal. The kick-out and W. Teddy was conspicuous, Ness relieving with a good kick. Henderson, Kirkham, and McConkey were prominent in a loose rush, but an infringement nullified the effort. Play was in mid-field when the spell ended. The second half opened with a rush by reds into blues' territory. Greensides relieved with a serviceable kick to half-way. For some time play hovered around the centre of the field. Receiving a pass, G. Richardson made off for the line, but endeavoured to centre the ball instead of continuing on. The blues repulsed the attack, and took the ball to the reds' line, where owing to kicking too hard, a chance was lost, the reds forcing. The blues were keeping up the pressure and trying hard to get on terms. D. Kay on one occasion was almost

over, being collared from behind by Seaward. Clarke's good defence was responsible for keeping the United from scoring. Among the United backs, Ness, Greensides, Kay (2) and Maunder played well, while among the forwards, Anderson, McConkey (2), Kirkham, Hinton, Henderson were conspicuous.

Among the winners, Clarke, Seaward, Paul and Lang (backs), and Teddy (2), W. Reid, Spragg and Edwards were the pick. Mr F. Bowden was referee. The Pirongia junior team journeyed to Kihikihi on Saturday, and after an exciting game were defeated by 7 points to 6. Otene and Hurley scored for the winners, W. Holmes and F. Turner doing likewise for Pirongia. Mr L. referee.