FOOTBALL.
FOOTBALL.
ball often travelling through the hands of most of the backs. Alexander and K. Fookes were combining well, and they managed to make pl~nty of openings for the scoring men, but the tackling was good and the challengers were still able to withstand the pressure ·which was put upon them. They were also capable of initiating movements, and repeatedly changed defence into attack by clever and judicious kicking, for which J enkin, \Vilson and Monk were principally responsible. Both sides were compelled to force down on several occasions, and while this gave momentary relief, the pressure was imPetty mediately put on again as strenuously as ever. on and times, at runs sensational and brilliant some made two occasions looked as if he might score. Butler, however, who had not been impressive in t h e early stages of the game, improved as it progressed, and he got his side out of several tight places in the concluding stages. A penalty to School in a good position in front of the goal was entrusted to Loveridge, but he failed with the kick, and Mt. Alb ert set up another hot attack, sweeping right down the field. Monk cut in cleverly when on the opposition twenty-five line, and then transferred to Kirkpatrick, who missed his pass in a movement which looked like ending in a score. Petty resorted to a speculator to clear, and he fortunately found touch well down the line. School secured from the throw-in and the ball came as far as Loveridge, who tried to swerve through but was held up . An infringement gave School another shot at goal, but Loveridge again missed.
SCHOOL v. W ANGANUI TECHNICAL COLLEGE.
46
The local side maintained their advantage, however, and a pretty piece of work, which added a further three points to the score, put a fine finish to an excellent game. A scrum was formed just inside Mt. Albert territory, and School hooked very smartly and Mason got the ball away cleanly. It travelled swiftly through all hands to Mackay, who dashed down the line and scored a brilliant try, amid the greatest enthusiasm. The extra points were not added, and the whistle sounded "no side" immediately with the scores: High School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Mt. Albert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Mr. E. Gilmour was referee,
47
On July 11 the Wanganui Technical College team arrived and were met by members of the Rugby Union and Mr. Moyes. During their visit h ere they stayed at Niger House. On the Sunday after the match both teams were the guests of the Union in a drive to Urenui. The following· account appeared in the Daily News:The teams were : Wanganui (dark blue).-Tabart (full-back); Crichton, Stiver, Rangi Ruahine (three-quarters); Blythe, Brown (five-eighths); Ambrose (half-back); Cutelli (rover); Thompson, Smith, McKillop, Bun·ell, Dixon, ·winter (captain ), Linssen (forwards). Ne-vv Plymouth.-Petty (full-back) ; lVIackay, K. Fookes, Crawford (three-quarters); Fletcher, Alexander, captain (five-eighths); Mason (half-back); Read (rover); Ennis, Gibson, S . Fookes, Bleakley, O'Halloran, Benringer, Tiplady (forwards). New Plymouth lost the toss and kicked off against a .-trong breeze. From the sounding of the whistle their forwards swept down to the attack, and a rattling pace was set and maintained. Three times in succession the ball was hooked back to Mason, the half-back, who set his backs in motion, but the attack broke down each time at K. Fookes, who knocked the ball on. Again the New Plymouth backs raced away, Alexander cutting in neatly to beat several men, but his pass was late and play returned to half-way. Out shot the ball to Mackay, on the New Plymouth wing, who kicked high, and in a scramble the home team were nearly over, but Wanganui relieved. 'l'he visiting forwards swept clown the field, headed by Twice in succession Thompson, but Alexander saved. \V anganui were penalised for off -side play ; then on account of an obstruction by a New Plymouth player the visitors were awarded a free kick. From over half-way Brown's kick was well short. Alexander snapped up the ball and away went the New Plymouth backs again, the attack breaking clown wh n Fletcher failed to accept a prematm·e pass,