Football.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 3689, 26 June 1906, Page 2

Football.

THE SENIOR COMPETITION.

SANDON (13) v. AWAHOU (6).

As was generally expected, the contest between the above teams drew a record attendance at the racecourse last Saturday after* noon. Sandon proved the victors and they owe their success to ex* ■jerience,—we mean the fact that :hey were not slow to grasp. they played men out of their places the previous week. Scott at half was more at home than at three* quarter, while Richardson (three* quarter) and Thompson (forward) improved on their display against Hula. In fact, taken all round, the Sandon team benefitted much by their only defeat, for on Saturiay last their display was certainly in distinct contrast to the previous Saturday. Their rushes were nore combined, their following up was better, while the mainstrings (the backs) seemed to realise their positions. McNae was as usm l he central figure in their attack, icott, A’Court, Andrews, Carroll, Sanson, Richardson (2) aud )thers being responsible for much rood work. Cameron was new to the full-back position, but as the game progressed the timidity of the surroundings wore off, and he proved a success.

Awahou displayed great dash in their forward ranks, Wright, -Shadbolt, Joe, Coley, Shea Shea md Spiers excelling in this department. Spiers was not a sucress as a wing forward, and seemed lost at times. In fact, he was apparently playing half on occasions. Coming to the backs mly three of them —P. Robinson, vV. Coley, and J, Reid—knew their positions thoroughly. These ill played servicable football. But the others wandered, and evilenced a desire to join the front livision right throughout the game. Dambert is a grafter and loes much good work, but don't eave your wing open to attack. Broad is a forward pute and simple on Saturday’s display while Geo. Robinson is not a halfback. He is not playing up to last year’s standard. Hooker, who donned the guernsey for the first time this year, put in good work while his condition lasted.

Sandou’s score was made up from a dropped goal from the field by Carroll, a penalty goal by Richardson, and unconverted tries by McNae and Scott. For Awahou, Spiers scored a try, and Bert Shadbolt kicked a penally goal.

Mr Ern. Nash refereed in a satisfactory manner, while Messrs Desmond and Sutherland held the line flags.