Football.

Manawatu Herald, 4 October 1904, Page 3

Football.

awahoi; y. kiwi.

By “ True Sport.”

The above teams met at the Racecourse on Saturday afternoon last. The general opinion was that Kiwi would have a very easy win, but, contrary to expectations, Awaiiou made a splendid fight against Huia’s victors, ufid when the whistle sounded “ time,” a three points (try) to nil victory was all Kiwi could lay claim to. The game was fought out in a good spirit—a marked contrast to when these teams met last. Certainly one or two remarks passed by one of the spectators To otic of Awahou’s players Were anything but becoming, but the majority of the onlookers preferred good-natured and humourous barrack. May it continue so ! Coming to the game itself, it certainly was not a good exhibition. What football there was the forwards were responsible for, and many of these, being new players, got into one another’s way, which considerably taxed ’ the referee’s duties. Still there Were good workers on both sides, and a little more practice will take off the rawness and bring forth some rattling forwards from Foxton that is if attention is paid to the rules. Kiwi did not go into the tussle with the same “ devil ” which characterised their play of the previous Saturday against Huia, but they did not have the same material doing battle for them. Their backs seemed disorganised throughout. Only Puki and Smith seemed to know their correct positions. They will certainly have to pay more respect to this matter if they wish to succeed against Huia next Saturday. Their forwards had a hard-grafting set against them, and this fact no doubt accounted for Kiwi’s indifferent display in the vanguard. Still Desmond and Broad were conspicuous at times. Also Herbert, who goes into the game with plenty of dash. This young player nearly gut over the line at the corner by good touchline play. Sweeney was too well watched. Of Kiwi’s backs, Smith played a useful game (though I have seen him to better advantage). Puki shone repeatedly, whilst Robinson did some good work. It was Robinson who scored just near the close of the game, from a loose scramble. The five-eight was useless and appeared to know nothing about the position. Had he given the ball to Puki more often, the score may have been larger. Hooker shone better amongst the forwards in the second half than at three-quarter in the first spell, and Larkin at full did not like that position. He is too good to be taken away from the forwards. For Awahou, Dan O’Brien was absolutely the .best forward on the ground. His foot work was splendid, and it was pleasing to witness his clever work on the goal-line when Awaho* were in trouble. He repeatedly emerged from the “tight” play with ball at foot and took the leather out of danger. His comrades would do well to follow his style. Charles did one piece of good work by breaking through to the touchline from his own 25’s. Jeffries and Wright were also noticeable throughout, whilst W. Robinson (wing) was a source of trouble to his opponents. He is a good worker. Of Awahou’s backs, Louisson and J. Coley take a ball well, and both have kicking powers. The former, however, failed to get many of his “ free’s ” away on Saturday. It was Coley who crossed the line when a touch-in-goal was awarded. The full-back was weak, due, no doubt, to the fact that it was his first attempt with adults. F. Robinson was very eager for work, but there was little back play. Mr Keriona refereed, and appeared to give general satisfaction.