FOOTBALL.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 7242, 25 August 1902, Page 2

FOOTBALL.

Masterton 11. v. Gladstone. Gladstono Opts. Mastorton nil, Tho Masterton Juniors journeyed to Gladstono on Saturday, and engaged in tbo final Junior Cup fixture with tho Gladstono team. Mooro, Hunt and F. Williams (tho thfco three-quarters) and McLaren wero absent from tho Masterton team, but substitutes woro found in Walker, Ned Warner, Meta and S. Chamberlain, A heavy wind was blowing and against this tho Masterton team had to battlo in tho first spell, and held thoir own very well. Gladstono scored two tries during the spell. Booth scored one after a grand run, and shortly after Mitchell got over the line, neither try being converted. In tbo second spell Masterton was attacking nearly all the while, and nothing but sheer had luck prevented them from ■scoring at least three tries. Had tho Masterton three-quarters been playing, the result of tho game would probably have been different. G ladstono were forced a considerable number of times during the spell, tho wind playing havoc with their lucking. The spoil was very fast from start to finish. In' this spell, A. Booth broke away again aud scored another good try, but the kick at goal was again a failure. Cameron had a kick at goal from a free k ; ck almost in front of the goal-post, but failed to put tho ball over. 11. lleihana mado a good attempt at goal, but tho wind was against him, whilst Walker had an unsuccessful " pot" at goal an, well. The game ended in a win for the champions by 9 points to nil. Of the Gladstono backs. Booth and Johnston were tho pick, whilo of the forwards H. Mitchell played a rattling game and was ably assisted by G. Whitemau. The Masterton team grafted well to a man, and it would bo unfair to individualise. Mr Lcn. Williams gave every satisfaction as referee, whilst Messrs W. Barlow and F. Gray had charge of tho line-flags. At one part of the game a number of Gladstone hoodlums on the line were yellingout "Jump onhim," "Kick him," etc., and the Gladstone players arc to be commended for their action in at once putting a stop to this highly reprehensible soit of conduct. After the game, the Masterton "boys " were entertained at dinner at tho Gladstone Hotel, by the Gladstone " boys)" the hospitality of the latter players being very much appreciated. On leaving Gladstone the Masterton visitors gave tbrco ringing cheers for tho winners of tho Junior Championship of 1902.