TAIHAPE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 188, 11 August 1931, Page 3

TAIHAPE

SATURDAY’S FOOTBALL. The senior competition was advanced a further stage on Saturday when Birates and Old Boys played a drawn game—3 all; while United, who were eight points behind Huia at half-time, decided to forfeit the match to the Maori team. Two more Saturday’s will see tho end of the competition. Birates v. Old Boys.—Tho major attraction on Saturday was the match between Bi rates and Old Boys which resulted in a draw, each side scoring three points. Woodhead scored under the posts for Birates but to the amazement of the spectators, D. Thompson failed to convert tho try, the ball hinting the cross-bar and bouncing back into the field of play. Old Boys’ three noints were registered by W. Collier who kicked a beautiful penalty goal. The game was one of fluctuating fortunes tho run of play favouring first ono side and then the other. At times Birates wore very much in tho 44picture” while at other times, (particularly during the second spell) Old Boys hold tho upper hand. Old Boys were, if anything slightly superior on the day’s play. Both team have been soon to better advantage, play being very “patehv. ” The forwards on both sides worked hard from the first whistle to the last. Tho Old Bovs’ hacks were more impressive than the Pirates* rearguard. Old Bovs wore attacking when Woodhoad suddenly heat tho opposition for tho ball and broke away. Ho kinked over the lino and following up fast won the race for the ball and scored under the posts. Di. Thompson’s kick hit tho cross-bar and bounced back.— Pirates 3, Old Boys 0.

Old Boys tried hard to equalise and Collier made an attempt to 44 pot” a goal but misjudged the kick and J. Bradley found touch. Half-time sounded with the score unchanged. Soon after tho commencement of tho second spell, Collier intercepted a pass and made a dash for the line but D. Thompson was equal to the occasion and brought him down with a low tackle. Pirates infringed a few minutes later and Collier was loudly cheered when ho landed a beautiful goal from near half-way. Old Boys wore penalised in their own twontv-five but D. Thompkick foil short. The wearers of the black and white jersey made determined efforts to score and twice Bowler tho Old wing-throoquartor was brought down near tho corner. D. Thompson saved an almost certain rev on the first occasion bv a splendid tackle. The game ended with tho score equal, each side having to be content with three points. Mr W. Burton was referee. Huia v. United. Huia and United met on No. 2 field. The Maoris were leading by 8 points to nil at half-time when United decided to forfeit the match. E. Wright received an injury which caused him to suffer slight concussion. Hekenui played a good game and scored two of the Huia team’s tries, one of which was converted.