Football.

Manawatu Herald, 27 September 1904, Page 3

Football.

KIWI Y. HUIA. By “ True Sport.” There was some misunderstanding as to which teams—Huia, Kiwi and Awahou were to try conclusions on Saturday last, but after much demur, Kiwi took the field about four o’clock against Huia, who were predicted to have a soft thing on. The reverse proved to be the case. Both sides are alleged to have played other than bona fide members, but I venture to say that if that were so - (Who can say with any degree of truth who would not be a bona fide player under Foxton rugby rules ?)— neither side had the advantage, for though Baker (Manawatu rep. three-quarter) did battle for Kiwi, the ever redoubtable Martin Winiata was found among Huia’s rearguard. Contrary to expectations, Huia suffered defeat by six points (two tries) to nil, after a desperately fought out game. Perhaps it is just as well for the spectators that a few reputation players took the field, as it made the game interesting to watch, and was a decided improvement on the exposition witnessed the previous Saturday. It cannot be termed a “parlour” game, as hard knocks were given and taken, several “ knock-outs ” resulting, though luckily none were of a , serious nature. The “ undesirable ” Spectator was again in evidence. It would certainly have been more to his credit had the delegate to the Foxton Rugby Union present not tried to create ill-feeling by passing unbecoming remarks every time Baker bandied the leather. He should leave any infringement to be dealt with from the right quarter, and remember that he is himself • a very mediocre player, and not at all eligible to criticise an exponent of Baker’s stamp. It is to be hoped the individual referred to will take the bint. From the outset, Kiwi meant • business, and before they had been going many minutes it was evident they should about win, but the good defence of Huia’s backs kept them from scoring until about half-way through the first spell, when after ' some good dribbling work by Herbert, Rakena Bros, and Lyall, the latter scored first blood for Kiwi. No goal resulted. Huia now set to work vigorously, every man working as if bis life depended on the game. Winiata repeatedly fought desperately for the line without avail. Towards the end of the first spell, Button (the india-rubber half for Kiwi) snatched the ball from behind the scrum, and transferred to Baker on the blind side, who, having a terrific amount of pace on, managed to score another try for Kiwi. The kick at goal again resulted fruitlessly. The whistle sounded half- . time with no further score. When l' ! play resumed, Huia set to work in real earnest, and a splendid chance soon came to score, but Tatana preferred an unsuccessful “ pot ” at the crossbar when a try seemed certain. Up and down the field of play the ball went at a solid pace right through this spell, but neither side proved equal to the occasion. Certainly Kiwi were over the line once, but an infringement caused a scrum a few yards out, which eventually ended in a force by Huia. The .. backs on both sides were sound in defence. Eventually Baker cleared Kiwi’s line with a good kick to touch from a mark, which ended the game, play having progressed fully ten minutes in the dim darkness. For the winners, Baker, Button, Fuki, and Robinson were the pick of the backs, whilst all the forwards worked well, Rakena Bros , Herbert, Byall and Sweeney being very prominent at different stages. I am at a loss to name individually all those who played well for Huia, though, perhaps Winiata and Tatana were especially good in the back division. Button and Baker (Kiwi) had very keen eyes on Winiata, and this stopped the popular Horowhenus rep. from doing any material * damage. One noticeable feature about Huia was that all their backs are capable of taking a ball. The forwards are a hard working lot, and if they keep together, will prove hard nuts to crack next season—even against better teams than they are likely to meet in Foxton, , Mr Keriona’s refereeing impressed me greatly in the first spell, but many of his rulings towards the closing stages of the game weve very questionable. I should say Mr Keriona possesses a good knowledge of the rules, but if he wishes to

reach the top wrung of the ladder of refeereeing fame, he must not allow his knowledge to desert him like it did on Saturday last.