FootBALL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 3700, 17 July 1906, Page 3

FootBALL.

THE SENIOR CHAMPION- . SHIP. SANDON (6) v. HUIA (o). Great interest centred in the Senior Competition match at the racecourse on Saturday afternoon last, when a large crowd journeyed out to witness the struggle for supremacy between Huia and Sandon. Amongst those present we were pleased to note a good sprinkling of the fair sex. These teams had both registered a win and loss against each other in the earlier rounds, and it was only fair to assume a close go. As a ■.natter of fact, Sandon made a determined effort to get a lead on early, and registered six points in the first spell. These were the only scores of the match, being a converted penalty kick by young Richardson and a try by Carroll. Once or twice through the spell Huia gave a glimpse of their back [day, and Tua Napier had bad luck getting bumped out only a few yards from the line after a good passing rush by the Black hacks. It was when ends were changed that Huia made a bold hid for victory, but their dogged persistence was met by a solid defence put up by Sandon, who, although confined in their 25’s for most of the second haif, managed to stave off all the attempts of the Blacks to cross the Blue line. Repeatedly the Huia backs dashed for the line, but just when a score seemed imminent, some foolish want of thought or headwork would stay progress and Sandon’s doggedness would bear fruit.

Of the game itself, it was not hy far as good an exhibition as either of these teams’ two previous displays. Both teams were out to win, there were no beg pardons, but a considerable amount of hard play, which was almost bordering on the rough side when time was called. The game was conspicuous formany things, notably a great display of general football tactics by Perewhit, perhaps the most heady; dashy and capable back Manawatu can boast of. It seems a pity the Manawatu selector was not present on Saturday, for Perewhit’s football was faultless. He always knew what to do, and if he had been aided more by his club-mates scores must have resulted. The contest was equally conspicuous for the faulty play of Tatana, who never played worse. His kicking at goal was not Davey’s best by a long way. In short he had a day off. Nuf said ! Tua Napier played in good form, also his brother Tommy, while Dunn displayed great eagerness near the line. Terry Royal gave us a first glimpse of his true form, while Bob Newth was a good match for Tiny McNae on the wing. Marshall, Bowe and Desmond all grafted hard, while 1 McKeown was solid throughout. He is a great follower up. For Sandon, Carroll was brilliant in attack and defence alike. He is a glutton for work, and is quick at getting on to the opposing rear-guard. Scott is a good collarer and sound on the defensive. Young Richardson was another success. Cameron played good honest football, while Mclntvre was kept going at full-back. Tinv McNae was kept busy throughout, while Richardson

clearly proved his place is on the wing. Sanson, Williams and Carroll were amongst the best of the vanguard, who all worked religiously to register the victory. Mr E. Nash had a hard task as referee, but gave general satis taction, while Messrs J. Jiilett and E. Sutherland were the touch judges.

NOTES. To all appearances Sandon must win the senior championship, that is if they defeat Huimai, which looks a fair prophesy to make. We think it bad policy of the Huia skipper to have taken at least one drop-kick instead of a place-kick on .Saturday last. We mean right in front of the goal. A place kick should have been taken. But Davey was right off on the day, much to the disappointment of the spectators, who barracked themselves hoarse endeavouring to urge Huia on to victory. Keen competition should be registered for the Watchorn, Stiles & Co. Cup for the runner-up, while the seven-a-side medals are sure to bring forth much rivalry. Huia and Albion Juniors meet at the racecourse to-morrow afternoon. Albion team for to-morrow Full-back, Overend; Reade, Williams, J. Walker ; 5-Btb, C. Edwards; >l, Furrie ; forwards, Cummerfield and Rimtner (wings), Cook, Broad, Ho wan, Wbibley, J. Coley, W. Walker, Klein. Emergs., Evans, Flint, Alf. Shadbolt.