Football

Manawatu Herald, 27 October 1904, Page 3

Football

MbtUlti V. MOUTOA. (Contributed.) The above match, Which Was to have commenced at J o’clock yesterday was delayed Considerably oWihg to a severe thunderstorm which passed over the district. Several of tile playerl; fchectatblrs, and referee Were tb be seen sheltering under the verandah of Soy Lee, having had to take that course for at least hall an hour until the rain ceased. Those who preferred to be on the ground early were Wet and sorty fof it as the hail cut through, the Ifees and drenched theft thoroughly. After another delay of about two hours (owing tb (herb being no ball) the gaitie fioiihmenced, and then with a ball which had to be commandeered from a small boy, one which he was loth to lend owing to it being a present, and which had been put in his stocking by Father Christmas: The play boftiheiiced punctually at twenty minutes to six. Motuiti kicked off, the ball landing in a miniature lake, thus preventing an opposing back from returning it-, where a scrum took place. For some time it was hard to recognise whether it was a football match or an acquatic carnival. However, the game continued for about 45 minutes, neither side gaining any advantage until suddenly a splash and a loud report was heard and the ball disappeared : everything was still until the crowd wended their way through the water holes to the scene. After a little discussion it was decided to drag the lake and recover the lost ball, which was done in a short space of time. But it was discovered that the last player had put his foot through the midget and caused such damage that prevented further progress ot the game, which ended in a draw. Both teams and the referee deserve to be commended for their, pluck in taking part on such a day. Mr J. Frew held the whistle.