FOOTBALL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 3549, 20 July 1905, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

RANGITIKEI (16) v. FOXTON (o). By “True Sport.” The spectators at the football match a,t Sandon yesterday were representative of the whole of the Rangitikei and Manawatn districts. Foxton suffered another defeat, though it must be,said they made a bold stand against overwhelming odds. We were unfortunate in losing the toss., for Rangitikei sent us out to face a glaring sun and a strong wind. Rangitikei took full advantage Ot prevailing conditions, and from the outset pressed Foxton hard. They secured the ball from the scrums, and practically had the leather to themselves all the firs| half. As a result they crossed the Foxton line twice, and also converted a penalty kick, which made the figures read nine points to love when the whistle called half-time. The strong glare of the sun proved a “ stnmbler ” to the Foxton rearguard in the first half, and they rarely took the ball, but with the change-round, matters were entirely different. Our forwards began attacking hard, but the opposition was too strong, and our efforts were of no avail. Only once or twice did we get dangerously near their goal-line. Halfway through the second spell, Green placed a goal from a mark, and just on the call of time Rangitikei registered another try, which made the figtures finally read 16 to nil in their favour. For the winners, Thurston proved a clever half-back. His brother was solid in the three-quarter line, while Thompson showed a lot of pace The backs received a great deal of attention from “ Painter ” Green who plays the wing forward game like a past master. Richardson another to single himself out in the forward ranks. For Foxton, it is beginning to get monotonous to mention that Barker was the mainstay. As usual, he was always there when wanted, and missed tittle. In the finishing stages of the game, he proved himself to be an attacking player of some merit by mak ing two brilliant runs, during which he beat most of the Rangitikei backs pointless, but ultimately fell a victim to the united defence of the wing three-quarter and full. He passed 9Ut, but there was no Foxtonian near to support him, and thus gain what seemed a certain try. hollow up, boys! When you meet Palmerston Old Boys you will find out the secret of their continued success. They register points by the score through following up well. Charlie Robinson played consistently, but the rest of the rearguard had a day off. Frank Spiers made himself conspicuous by a strong run down the field on one occasion. G. Robinson was smothered by over-powering wingers in his efforts to get the leather out to his backs, Fred Robinson tumbled badly throughout, whilst it was only to be expected that neither Bert. Shadbolt nor Spiers could make a good showing through having to play in positions they were not fully accustomed to. jimmy Desmond played one of his ’best games in the forwards, and proved beyond doubt that he is not done with yet. He was at the head ot all the vanguard bouts. Jimmy Joe was next best, and, when on the wing in the second part, dived into his work with » will. The others were much ot a muchness. Hanna presented a tired appearance. I once caught Syd. Wright shining out in loose work, and Jeffries got in some tricky work on the line. Mr Gibbons, of Marton, refereed, amd Messrs Pony Bush and Sutherland h«ld the line dags.