Football.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 3566, 29 August 1905, Page 2

Football.

HOROWHENUA r. FOXTON. Bv “True Sport.” At the racecourse on Saturday last, there ware few among the spectators who did not think Horowhenua would make mince meat of the locals. Fortunately, such was not the case, and Foxton kept their opponents busy right through the 'deco, and, although beaten by 14 to 6, the score does not represent the true position. It was at first thought the locals would have no team, but willing emergency men came upon the scene, and it must be said that all these showed by sheer dash and determination thev should have been included in the first selection. Foxton went on to the field bent on making the game a forward one Meping the hall at their feet, and dashing on to the-visiting backs. These tactics paid handsomely, and except in scrum work (where Horn* whenua had a great advantage in weight) Foxton more than held their own. It is plain that the team of Saturday put up a better performance than any previous Foxton rep team of the seison. Certainly, our wing-forwards, (both of whom played good games in the open) did not know enough for their more learned opponents, and these positions could have been improved on to advantage, whereas the scrum could have been better, but in the loose they were a hard working pack all round. FTorowhenua were first to score—by aid of Bartholomew. Wallace converted. Next came a shot from a mark, Winiata landing a lovely goal from almost half-way. This gave the visitors a nine points lead to start the second spell. From recommencement, Foxton got to work' hard, and threatened to score seriously on several occasions. It came at last, by the aid of Joe Jillett, whose broad smile told that he h<^|

registered a sure score. No goal resulted. Horowhenua rallied, and by sheer doggedneas took the oall up to the blue line, where Dunn registered a try from a scramble. Wallace again kicked a goal, Foxton returned stronger than ever to the attack, and Jimmy Coley snapped up from a brilliant rush, in which he was conspicuous and outpacing all opposition, scored the second try. Still no goal resulted. There was no further score though Spiers, amongst others, looked like it on two occasions. However, the whistle sounded after a closely contested tussle. For Horowhenua, Winiata, Dun n, and Wallace (backs), and Royal, Winiata (2), Chalk, and Nelson (forwards) all deserve credit. For Foxton, Barker’s line kicking was almost perfect, but I have seen him to greater advantage in general work. His collaring was sure, likewise that of Fred Robinson (who seemed to take a delight in getting Winiata). Ohailey Robinson wus doing well in every department, while Spiers made two sensational runs down field. Geo. Robinson (half) and Prestling (full) were serviceable. All the forwards deserve special mention there wtis not a loafer among them. Bert Shadbolt proved he is of more power to a team in the vanguard than in the backs, Syd, Wright and Joe Jillett never played better games, Jimmy and Billy Coley were always handy at following up, Desmond and Marshall worked like trojans throughout, while Jack Lee and Carter were very noticeable. In fact, the team have every reason to be proud of the formidable stand they made against such a worthy combination as Horowhenua. Mr Frew refereed satisfactorily and Messrs Harper (Foxton) and Hankins (Horowhenua) held the touch-flags.

NOTES. Ifc is a. great pity the selection committee have such difficulty in selecting teams who manage to put in an appearance at rep matches. Players have been chosen who could have easily put in an appearance, but failed to do so, for reasons best known to themselves. It is heartily sickening to Executive officials to have to put up with some of the excuses they are compelled to, and it is to be hoped that in future players will realise the situation and treat sport more seriously. Players must not get it into their heads that >hey cannot be done without. At all events, treat sport as sport! Results of Saturday's rep matches; —Manawatu 9, Hawked Bay 0; Canterbury R, Australia 3; Auckland 10, Wellington 6; Otago 10, Southland 0. Married versus Single, at the racecourse on Saturday next, is likely to be an interesting contest, (n the evening both teams will sit down to dinner. There is a likelihood of Foxton reps playing Manawatu Seconds prior to the big Australian match at Palmerston Showgrounds on the 6th. It will bo decided at the Manawatu Rugby Union meeting to-night. There is some talk of a special train running to Palmerston on the afternoon of the Australian match, Wednesday week. The following represent Married Men against Single on Saturday■ Pull-back, Reid; three-quarters, Spiers, F. Robinson, F. Shadbolt; half, Prestling; five-eighth, Mat Boyal; wings, W. Robinson and R. N®wth; forwards, Desmond, Eurtis, Hanna, Lee, J. Coley, J. Booty, F. Proctor. Emergencies:—A. Bhadbolt, Ball, M. Perrenu. The following team will represent the Desperadoes against the Kai Ora the racecourse to-morrow :A. Orarend, L. Akdorf, F. Whibley, B. Spelman.'W. Roberts, K Furrie, J. Webb, W. Andreaen, J. Broad, punch, A. Chamberlain, C. Hood, D. Webb, W. Bradcock, A. Imrie. Emergencies : F. Dunn, A. Harper, JJ. Cunningham. Old P*ys Football Club will have their photos taken on Sunday morning next.