FOOTBALL.

King Country Chronicle, Volume IV, Issue 280, 27 July 1910, Page 2

FOOTBALL.

Maniapoto 9 v. King Country 3. The above match was played at Taumarunui on Saturday last. Only about six of the team picked for Maniapoto turned up, there being no excuses made by several players. However, the substitutes played good games and the result came somewhat as a surprise 1o those tliat remained behind. For the greater part of the four spells Maniapoto were attacking and for the remainder they wen- only at odd moments called on to defend their goal-line. The monring had been wet, and the ground was heavy with the ball difficult to handle. Maniapoto won the toss, and playing with the wnid soon ran down the field, B. Clark, the King Country full-back, saving the situation by a force. Once more in play the ball was passed to lliko Brown, the Kakahi player who, after a dodgy little run, found the line well down the field. From the throw-in the greens got possession and transferred play to Taumarunui's quarter by much neatness and accuracy in passing in which Dement and T. Hctet played a big part. Maniapoto, from about half-way, got on a good rush, Waikato being forced out of touch. Soon after the ball was in play Hira succeeded in gaining possession and crossed the line, scoring the first try of the match. Dement was entrusted with the kick, but failed to add the major points, the ball touching an opponent's handß before it crossed the bars. A desperate struggle now ensued along the home team's line, scrum after scrum taking place. The. Reds then began to get their mettle up, but they failed to reach the speed or dash of their opponents. B. Clark was repeatedly called on to save which he did well, always finding the line, but; never managed to get a chance to make a run. Tho ball waa scarcely in his hands when two or three Greens were down on him. For off-side play in Taumarunui's 25 Hira made an ineffectual attempt to goal. The Rods then got in some good play but, the advantage was short-lived as Maniapoto forwards made a good opening and Warren (who played substitute) crossed the line and scored. Dement failed to convert. The first spell soon ended with the scores- Maniapoto (>, King Country nil. On opening the second spell Hiko Brown made a splendid line kick, the kick being followed up by McKay and several home forwards, and it looked very like first, blood being scored for the King Country, but they were baulked by the Orecns forcing. Fisher made a good run on his own shortly after, but a knock-on followed, and for offside play Taumarunui were relieved. Feary then headed a rush and carried play over the line, a touch-in-goal resulting. During the spell Hiko Brown was very conspicuous and made several good runs. Taumarunui again attacked and carried play to the visitors' L!. r > where a free-kick relieved the pressure, the ball going well down the field. By high kicking and following up Maniapoto made things look very dark for the home team, and the situation was again saved by B. Clark forcing.

The third spell opened in favour of the Keds, who looked like scoring, but IVmont marked in hia 2b, the kick going well down the field. The Reds, however, returned to the attack, and a lot of play resulted on Maniapoto's line, Cowan eventually getting over. McKay took the kick and although making a good attempt to goal, failed,

Taumarunui's blood was now up, and they made .strenuous attempts to increase the score, and the visitors were kept busy defending their ehulkline. Eventually Foary secured the ball and carried play down (he field, where it, dwelt for some time. Again, however, the Greeny got possession and scored a very easy try. The ball had gone behind the homo goal posts and the full-back had it in his hands. Jieing probably baulked by spectators, however, he did not put it down in time and Sam. Clarke rushed up and seized it, scoring. Nira failed to convert, the ball rebounding from the cross-bar. The last spell waH somewhat tame, the visitors beinji apparently bent on playinir out time and the Rods not having enough energy left to force the* pace. No further score resulted on either side, the gamo ending--Maniapolo '.', Taumarunui !J. The entire game was played in a thoroughly sportsmanlike manner, and not a vestige of rough play was visible. The decisions of the referee, Mr F. O'Connor, were accepted without a murmur and gave every satisfaction.

The hospitality of the King Country Union was extended to their visitors, who were entertained at luncheon and dinner at the Central Hotel. At dinner, Mr A. C. Kichos, chairman of the King Country Rugby Cnion, presided, and was supported by Mr A. 11. Rrown, secretary. The Rev. Ilanby, vieo-proyid-.Mit, and Mr Winter, of the local "Press," were also present. A sumptuous meal was served and clone full justice io. Several of the Maniapolo players expressed, in conversation, their appreciation of the sportsmanlike character of their opponents, aa wcjl as of the hospitality with which they had been treated.