FOOTBALL

Hokitika Guardian, 18 August 1921, Page 1

FOOTBALL

SPRINGBOKS NARROW VICTORY. ONLY THREE POINTS SCORED. PALMERSTON N., Aug. 17 Fifteen thousand witnessed the Springbok v. Manawatu-Horowheilua combined team at the Showgrounds today. The weather was beautiful, and ilie ground in splendid playing order. It was generally anticipated that the Springboks would have an easy victory, and the result of the game, Springboks three, Combined nil, came as a great surprise. The local team played a remarkably good game, and the issue was in doubt until the final whistle. The Springboks opened play with a back rush, which was quickly smothered. Strenuous tight forward work followed for tt long time and Combined forwards, except for weight, were a match for the opposing pack, and their tackling was deadly. Seldom did the Springbok forwards gain the mastery. Play was confined to the front divisions in neutral territory for the greater part ot the game, but the visitors gained much by superior line kicking. The visitors backs were .associated in very lew passing rushes, but there were brilliant flashes. The Combined backs were better on the defensive than the offensive, but nevertheless, they threw the ball about with few mi-“ Throughout the game there were many exciting incidents, not so much as a result of passing as of the forward battles on the respective line. The Springboks’ only try was scored by Zeller from a beautiful passing rush, started by .T. ATiohau. The Combined team were frequently penalised for offside play, but all De \ illiers’ kicks at oxvd I ailed. Uvd teal" ;:v not to score from a great concerted rush Ly the forwards, but an infringement under the posts spoilt the chance. The game was very even throughout. The Combined team’s forwards completely smothered all attempts to get. the Springboks’ backs into action, and kept the ball at the toe as much as possible. While not a spectacular game it was fast and the hardest yet seen here. The Springboks say the ManawatuHorowhenua team compares more than favourably with any other Provincial teams mot on the tour. The teams were: Springboks: Fullback, De Villiers; three-quarters: Zeller, Strauss. Sendin, and Henry Morkel; halves: J. P. Aliebau and De Koch ; forwards : Pienaar, Dn Plessis, Ellis, Royal Morkel, Van Rooycn, Alostert, Olivier, Scholtz. Combined : Full-back. Marshall; three quarters, Olendinning, Swainson and Feeder; five-eighths. Ford and McDonald; half, Ala ire; forwards, Jacobs, Carroll, Dustin, Galpin, Bevan, Afoynihan, Broughton and Harkness.