Polo.

Manawatu Herald, 18 January 1898, Page 3

Polo.

♦ - &ANGITIKEI v. OROtJA. BANGITIKEJ SCOURS 3 TO d. Fortunately for the players and tiiitota they wire tidt answerable to others for their ftction'sj as if they had been they would have had considerable difficulty in justifying their appearance on the polo ground on Saturday afternoon. It would be difficult to conceive ft more unsuitable and unpleasant day4br polo, as one of the hardest westerly gales that we have experienced in this year of gales was blowing, making the chance of decent hitting quite out of the question, and causing the game to be one chiefly of accident. In Baying this we in no way desire to belittle the win of the Eangitikei team, as they manifestly were the best, showing better play alltound, hitting very surely, turning promptly, and working in capital combination. This was apparent all through the game, as should a forward miss, the ball there were others on hi^Bide following well and completing the hit. The Oroua team was not one that has had a chance of playing together, v by bad chance Mr Allan Strang's ponies were all knocked up thus preventing him taking part in the game. Put it how you will, the lack of practice on the part of the Oroua's is more noticeable each game they play, and we tear the time may soon come when tpe uew Horownsnua Club will play them and beat them. The members in tbs Club want increasing bo that proper praotioe can be had, or the mana of the Olnb will be lost. The teams were: — Kanoitikei -Wilson 1, Glesen 2, Riddiford 8, Dalrymple back.. Oroua— Gower 1, J. Sfcrang 2, , Robinson 3, W. Strang back. In the first spell the Rangitikei's were very quick, and Wilson put through 'two goals. The second spell was well fought out and no score made. 1 The third spell looked as though the second would be repeated, but just at the end Giesen got a goal. The other three spells wgre without scoring. The result thua being that Raogitikei scored 3 goals to Oroua's 0. Owing to the gale and the dust there were a few accidents, but fortunately no on 6 was hurt. In leaning over too far to get a hit W. Strang's pony fell, throwing bis rider, but he was soon up and on the" pony again. In the spell during a Bharp gallop up the ground Riddifoffl's pony collided with the pony J. Strang was on, throwing the pony and his rider, and likewise throwing Biddiford and bis pony over Strang. At first' sight the accident appeared a serious one, as both ponies went over Stvang, but he was up at once as Was also Biddiford, and the game went on; Mr Strang informed us that he was not the least hurt. Mr A Strang was umpire and Mr F Robinson timekeepar.