FOOTBALL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 3551, 25 July 1905, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

LAST SATURDAY’S MATCH. OLD ROYS (8) v. F OIA (3). PLAIN, SPEAKING. Bv “ True Sport.” If I were to allow Saturday’s match to go by without comment, I might be accused of walking up and down the touch-lines, lending the car of a deaf unite to uncouth remarks, of possessing the eyes of a blind student, and further ot being wrapped up in the hide of a rhinoceros. To speak plain, tfhere can be no doubt that Old Boys ■are an unpopular team with a certain section, ;md why I know not! Still it is a fc A et, and the most dumb stranger canyiot help giving vent to such expressions after viewing any game from the Kne vn which they (the Old Boys) take part. They are ’not unpopular with the players of other clubs or with the genuine supporters of such clubs, but mainly with the hoodlum element —a class ot person whose knowledge of the rules of the game is so meagre that the youthful schoolboy could comer him on the simplest point, whose lack of common decency is so marked that his objectionable tongue is not worthy o£ the darkest savagery, and whose C-ne desire (judging by the tone of his expressions) is to see Blue deieated at cost of limb or life. Feeling at Satur day’s game was pretty high in some quarters, and it was heartily sickening to be compelled to check some of the black-gnardly wishes and slurs cast at well-known players,,' These unprincipled spectators would do well to Study the A.B.C. ot good manners before presenting themselves to an unbiased football public as out-and-out students of his Satanic Majesty. The Executive are doing their best to save trouble in the way of disqualifications, but unless those at fault nd themselves of heathenish habits, the authorities will be compelled to act and make examples of such individuals as use football matches as a means of exercising their foul tongues. I make these remarks from knowledge, having personally to check offenders. All sorts of rumours are current over Saturday's game, and, judging by the feeling extant, I should say with a degree of truth. However, I trust there will be no further repetition of Saturday’s ill-feeling at future Cup matches. In conclusion, these remarks are not aimed at spectators who are partial to individual clubs not at all; but to those gentry whose presence should hot be permitted at any football match. Every person has the right to have his own fancy, and is perfectly within bounds to barrack as much as he chooses. But the mannikin who is so full of bias as to allow nothing to pass his lips but filth, is the subject of my comment. I am sorry to say this class of individual has come within my hearing at several football matches in Foxton, and has asserted himself directly against the three different clubs at various times. May he soon iccog nise that his presence is not desirable! A true sport tears or favours no particular team, but the sooner this vandalism ceases so much the bettci for all concerned. We want sport ! Then, again, there are those who occasionally imagine a referee goes out with the intention ql favouring one particular team. This is a common occurrence at Foxton football. The position of referee is world-wide-known to be a thankless one, but the sooner one and all realise that the Executive appoint referees whose impartiality is undoubted, so much the better for Foxton Rugby. A referee is a person who is only human ! It is impossible for him to see every thing, and what infringement he does not notice he cannot allow. Speaking of Saturday last, certainly it appeared to me that slight infringements ot the rules occurred which should have been penalised by the referee, but possibly they *ere taken no notice of because Mr McMinn saw an advantage_ gained by the opposing sides—a privilege allowed all adjudicators according to the indefinite Rugby rulings. How•ver, I feel sure I voice the opinion ot 1 unbiased players and public when I assert that Mr McMinn filled his position in an impartial manner. Poor referee again ! A matter the Executive will shortly have to consider is that of keeping the lines clear. A fence will have to he erected sooner or later. There were many encroachments on the field of play which will have to be prevented, as it gives neither team a fair chance.

THE GAME Huia put a fairly strong team in the fi e l t |_perhnps the best we have had from them this year, whereas Old Boys, to make up their number, filled their ranks with such old hands at Alf. Shadbolt and Ern. Dunn. No ■core came in the first part, though Fred Shadbolt got over the line twice tor Old Boys, these being disallowed OD account of infringements. Shortly after re-commencement, Peter Rcihana landed a beautiful goal from a penalty for Huia. Then Old Boys commenced to pen Huia in their 25’s, with the result that Jimmy Dunn ultimately scored a pretty try, which Hooker foiled to convert. Blue still kapt pressing, but it was not till right on the call of time that Bob Newth followed a ball up from a throw-in and ■cored a second try tor Old Boys. Young Ken Furrie converted, and the whistle sounded “ time.”

For the winners. Jimmy Dnnn Elayed his best game. His play was eady thonghont and his try was well thought out. Norman Barker did some good work, though he received a nasty kick at the beginning ot the game. Ken Furrie made a successful half, and shone in the open. George Coley is a useful had:. Fred Shadbolt was noticeable, and Watty Symons was kicking well, though he was playing with a lot of luck, fumbling badly: Jimmy Desmond was full of points on Saturday, but played a great game. Nevertheless, honours must be given to Marshall, who showed gr«at form. Old Bob Newth and Hooker were also conspicuous. The

latter is not up to, his early season form. Alf Shadbolt showed surprising form.

f6t* Huia, Peter Rore, Tataaa, Mack Royal, and the full-back were the power of the backs, whilst the big wing forward played a brilliant game, Peter Reihana and Moses were others to shine.

Mr McMinn refereed, and Messrs Tillett and Harper held the touchflags,

NOTES. The sum of £3 Gs was taken at the gates on Saturday last. Enthusiasm is likely to be exceptionally keen over next Saturday’s game, Old Boys v. Awahou. Both teams claim to have their fullstrength of players out for the occasion, and the gate-takings should be a record. Manawatu defeated Wanganui at Palmerston North on Saturday last by 13 to nil. Foxton school boys were defeated by Campbell street at Palmerston by 8 to nil.

Otago University wore defeated bySydney University by 14 to 12. New Zealand played a drawn game (10 points each) with Otago and Southland.

A desire has been expressed to obtain Mr Hyland as referee in Saturday's match, and efforts are being made to secure his services.

Len Furrie has been chosen to do battle for the Province against the New Zealanders at Wellington next Saturday. Len cannot get leave to travel with the Manawatu touringteam, and in all probability Norman Barker fills the vacancy. The latter attends rep. practice at Palmerston North to night.

If Old Boys expect to beat Awahou their scrum will need to be packed much better than it was on Saturday last, and they will have to get the ball out to their backs much quicker. The only chance you have of winning is to make the game open. If you had followed that course more on Saturday last, you would have registered a big score.

There is one player in Huia’s team who, m my opinion, should never don a football guernsey. This particular player does not seem' to realise the difference between hard play and rough play. He was warned on Saturday last, and unless he educates himself on the points expected of a footballer, will find himself in queer street —that is if he intends continuing Rugby. HANKINS SHIELD POINTS. Foxton Section.

lean vlatches played Wo a i Drawn Lost Points foi Shield. Old Boyg 7 s 1 1 11 A.wahou G 4 0 2 8 Huia 7 0 1 6 1