FOOTBALL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3768, 25 June 1907, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

Manawatu ('ll) v. Foxton (00'The most representative crowd that ever attended a football match in, Foxton, witnessed the above game at the racecourse on Saturday afternoon, visitors being present from all parts of the district. A win for the visitors was generally predicted, though Foxton made a good stand when it is remembered that Redgrave (who had been playing a. great game) was compelled to retire half - way through the first spell, through an injury to his knee. The game was not as good an exhibition as the recent Albion-Sandon match ; nevertheless, it was interesting from a dashing standpoint, in which Foxton forwards showed grit and pace. The material is in the locals, but lack of knowledge in the finer points seems to be responsible for the defeat recorded. Luck was against them throughout, for several times the blues missed easy chances of scoring when right on the visitors’ line. In the open, the locals more than held their own, but in scrum work Manawatu got the ball with monotonous regularity. Foxton’s hookers Were out-classed in that department of the game, which practically meant that Joe Ongly (Manawatu half) had the hall in his own hands most ot the time to do as he liked with. Joe has a tendency to take the ball from the scrum, a habit 'which he should drop speedily, as it will not always come off, as he probably knows. Pirani was responsible for two of the visitors’ tries, while Carroll scored the third j which was converted. For the winners, Ongly, Stalker, Carroll, Pirani, and Hughes (backs), and Ward, Boon, Taylor, Smith, and Whisker (forwards), grafted hard. The locals had a fair full-back in George, but Tar Richardson was not at his best. Momo was too Well watched to shine, though he shirked nothing in defence; Mat Royal justified his inclusion, as did Frankland, who is solid all round. Osboldstone did some good work, but is not a half-back. Bill Hooker was perhaps the best forward on the ground up to the time of his mishap, while Bill Robinson and Bowe grafted hard throughout. Richard.son got in some good work at times, as did Shadbolt, who should work more consistently throughout; and not wait altogether for chances to shine. Jack Reid certainly did not play up to rep. form, while Anderson may be better later on. Both Robinson and Wright shone conspicuously when they replaced Redgrave and Hooker. Mr Ern, Nash refereed.

After the game both teams, visitors, and honorary officials of Foxton Sub-Union dined together at Hickson’s Hotel, Dr Mandl in the chair. Toasts included : ‘ ‘ The King,” “ Manawatu Union and Reps.,” “Foxton Union and Reps.,” “Referee,” “The Ladies,” and “ Host and Hostess.” The various speakers were: The Chairman, Messrs F. Woods, J: Frew, J. Ongly, Con. Fraser, Alf. Shadbolt, E. Nash, S. Hickson, and J. Jillett. The Manawatu team left for Shannon immediately afterwards, amidst an interchange ot cheers between the two Unions’ representatives. Notes. All speak highly of the dinner provided by Mr and Mrs Hickson last Saturday evening. Last Saturday’s gate ’ takings were a record for Foxton Football, is. The line flags used at last Saturday’s game were presented to the Union by Miss Hickson, for which thanks is returned. Next Saturday’s match at Foxton, Sandon v. Awahou, is creating considerable interest. Both teams are sure of victory, so an interesting contest should eventuate. The Sub-Union meet for important business at White’s Hotel next Saturday evening. The Sub-Union placed men on the look-out round the course on Saturday last, which must have had material effect, besides earmarking the fence-hoppers. The following will represent the Albion first fifteen in their match against Rongotea, on Saturday next: —Full back, Bona ; 3 /i : J. Franklin, F. Robinson, Matt Royal; Momo Anoui; %, Tawhi Ererua; forwiards : Curtis, Chalk, Hanna, Rimmer, Broad, Hunter, Pate Larkins, Bowe, Howan. If any of the above mentioned players cannot journey to Rongotea on Saturday, they are requested to notify the secretary on or before Thursday, the 27th inst. A practice will be held on the racecourse on Wednesday ; all senior players are requested to attend.

The secretary of the Albion club acknowledges with thanks donations from Messrs H. Diamond C£ i). A. S. Easton (ios 6d) and J. Puti (ios).