FOOTBALL

Western Star, 26 April 1940, Page 4

FOOTBALL

PIRATES DEFEAT RIVERTON. Riverton coiUiUC'-ic-.d hs ioot:oiui s-;i----scii oxi bn’- luUny last .vavu a Warn Riratqs (Invercargill) in a friendly encounter. Prior to tho team taking she field. Mr G. Bulman was elected, captain. The teams were: PIRATES: Mackenzie, McEvvan, Randle, R. McCullough, H. McCullough, Puli', Woods, Soper, Taylor (captain), Aiarney, Butts, McLaughlin, Marshall, Stewart. Dickson, of Riverton, made up thei fifteen in thei position of breakaway. RIVERTON: G. MacPougall, E. Mitchell, C. Thompson, G. Carmichael, McDonald, N. Ilibbs, J. Smith, G. ’ Stalker, W. De Clifford, R. Walker, P. Eccleton, V. Watkinsoti, G. Bulman, L. Ward and S. Heriot. Riverton, won tlio toss and Pirates’ kick-off was collected by Heriot, who found the line. Some even play was kept poing for about 20 minutes without either side penetrating the 25’s. For an infringement by Pirates Riverton were awarded a penalty, but “Stump” failed to lift the ball sufficient for the distance. Though Heriot was executing some good dive passes, and he was being suppoi'tcd with equally good passing by his supporting backs, they were unable to get beyond '.he 25. An offside infringement taken by “Stump” hit the cress-bar and bounced over, the opening goal for Riverton this season. Riverton 3, Pirates 0. Pirates were being pressed and had |o find the line for relief, but Taylor took a good mark and found the line in Riverton’s 25. For an offside infringement by Carol Thompson Taylor equalised for Pirates. Riverton 3, Pirates 3. From an ensuing line out and passing rush,. Marney crossed t-hq line for Pirates, but the kick did not increase the score. Pirates 6, Riverton 3. Pi differ.."sit passing was spoiling some good movements and from a penalty from well out Tavlor put the ball between the posts. Pirates 9. Riverton 3. Half-time was held shortly after with no addition to fho scores. On the resumption of plav changes had been made in the Riverton team, Fraser. Pt--‘ve v >s. Hamlin and W-Pkinsen tried out their hoofs. In a. gonc’a! mix v.p Carol Tliomp ton was almost RuoecsrFpl in securing a try for Riverton. Riverton were again un-

jtucky when a penalty kick by Hamlin started straight but swerved away from the posts. Imm a good opening movement by Fraser McDonald crossed tfie tor a good try. Pirates 9, Riverton 6. Shortly after three more -points were added to iarat.es' score wlieu Soper crossed the line for a try. Pirates 12, Riverton 6. A missed pass by one of the Riverton players enabled. Butts to cross the line for Pirates. Pirates 15, Riverton 6. The scores were now coming fairly rapidly. From a ruck McEwan got across and converted. Pirates 20, Riverton 6.. At this stage ‘Rob” Ward, who had been referee, passed the whistle to Mr S. Cockroft and took the field. Though there was still some wild passing the game developed some good, clean vigour. Eccleton, particularly, was warming up, and from a movement initiated by Fraser he dummied and passed to Vie. Watkinson, who crossed the line. The kick missed. Pirates 20, Riverton 9. With, an improved leadership Riverton came a.t it again and “Bob” Ward crossed the line for a try which was converted, this finishing the game, the scores being: Pirates 20, Riverton 14. NOTES. Eccleton started the game coldly, hut warmed up well towards the finish. It was quite a pleasant day and there was no cold wind blowing,—Perhaps the grease in the hoots was not lubricating properly. Ron. Walker started well, but was making a few bad misses with the passing—certainly some put across to him were a bit wild —was Riverton bustled ? It is improper to challenge a referee but should be not liawe given another scrum in front of the goal posts, not a freetkiek. The penalised side, were not completely the offenders, though unlucky enough to be caught. And wha* was the matter with Pat. Eccleton N mark? “Stump.’ Bulman was much in evidence, in fact, it almost seemed a roving commission. McDonald seemed to apply his T weight just where needed and it was a eal good try of his. “Stump” was stiff ; then the kick hit the outside of the : posts.

“Wazi” seemed Engaged on simple spade work. Heriot .should find out who pays Ur broken windows, or at any rate broken lamps. There was no argument that thq ball bad gone into touch. Remarks in the grandstand—Thompson is playing well, but offside in bis own 25 was expensive, Wade De Clifford was putting in the distance without the direction. Other remarks from the grandstand MacDougall is putting up a. good game ; t halt’s young Mitchell isn’t it he seems in the picture; Dickson is doing well for the others. Cheers from the president and vicepresident when they figured that Riierton will possibly have the “makings.” The senior team play Nightcaps on the local ground to-morrow and the junior team will travel to Orepuki.