UNIONISTS v. HONGOTEA.

Feilding Star, Volume XIX, Issue 64, 13 September 1897, Page 2

UNIONISTS v. HONGOTEA.

The final match for the Junior Championship was played at Feilding on Saturday last between t^he Unionists (Feilding) and Rongotea, and after a closely contested and exciting game resulted in a win for the Unionists by three points (a try) to nil. The Unionists thus secure the Junior Championship for 1897. The weather was perfect and the ground in good order. There was a rery large number of spectators present. Rcngotea won the toss and selected to piny with the sun and wind at their backs. The first spell was commenced by K. Foster kicking off for the Unionists, and from this to the end of the game the play was very fast. Shortly after the commencement of the game Rongotea rushed for the line and the Unionists had to force down. On resuming Rongotea were awarded a free kick at the half-way flag. W. Broughton made a splendid attempt at goal but the ball fell short. Immediately afterwards Harper secured a mark in mid-field and Broughton made another splendid attempt at goal, the ball again , falling short and the Unionists forced down. The ball was then carried rapidly from one end of the field to the other. When half-time was called, neither side • ha<l scored. W. Broughton started the l second liulf by kicking well up the field, 1 and the Unionists returned by a dribbling '■ rush, in which the ball was burst. Flay • whs then stopped for ten minutes. On 1 resuming some give and take play took t place, in which J. Robinson secured a murk. A. Reade was intrusted with the * kick, but failed to place a goal, the f ball going over the posts. On resuming t Harper made a good run to mid-field 1 where I>. Morris got possession of the c ball and made a fine run for the line, 1 being thrown out of touch by W. c Broughton. Shortly afterwards J. Robin- 1 son got the ball and after a good run c scored near the corner Hag, amidst great c cheering. I>. Foster took the kick, but c though a good attempt was made he failed r to convert. The ball was soon in play l" ngodn and both teams tried their hardest to score. Harper especially putting in f some line runs. There was no further 1 score. It would be unfair to individualise t uny player where one and all strove so f hard for their respective side^. Mr Mil ohcll acted as referee and gave ever y. <-• ,at:^faction. n I