FOOTBALL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3769, 2 July 1907, Page 2

FOOTBALL.

Awahou (26) v Sandon (ID). . Although it was generally understood that Awahou were improving, under the tuition of coach White, even the keenest enthusiast could not have expected the locals to romp over Sandon, as witnessed at the racecourse on Saturday. The local pack simply paralysed their opponents with fast, dashing, rushes of the Melrose type —rushes which took a lot of stopping. The blacks worked with more combination than heretoforej and credit is due to the whole pack for the manner in which they followed-up throughout. Hooker and Wright were .always in the vau of the forwards, while W. Robinson, Shea Shea, J. Coley, Saville, Williams, Reid, and T. Robinson, all did their share. In his game on Saturday, Hooker is perhaps the best forward in the Manawatu Union, wha,t with his weight, speed, and dash as displayed. Bert Shadbolt was played at centre 3quarter, and made himself conspicuous throughout the contest by dashing play, and although he threw the ball about a lot, I am of opinion Reihaha may have scored a certain try on one occasion, had Bert elected to transfer the leather instead of hugging the oval and being brought down himself near the line. Reihaua won honours for himself as a three-quarter, while Woodford, with a pair of racing plates, was of the comedian type, and created lots of, amusement. Jimmy Dunn played one of his best games, while Bert Wilson and Osboldstone did well. As to the Sandon backs, Joe Thompson and George were the only two who worked with a will, though Eglinton managed to get one or two useful line kicks into the battle. The.rest of the rearguard absolutely refused, to go down to the dashing onslaughts of the locals. Their faint-heartedness was undoubtedly one of the features responsible for the downfall of last year’s champions. Williams, Knight, and Reade showed out at times in the forward ranks, though in line-out and loose play they were. fairly out-classed. Credit must be given to the visitors for gaining possession of the ball in the scrum almost continuously. The score of the locals was made up of six tries (one of which was converted) and penalty goals by Hooker and Shadbolt. Reihana (2), Shea Shea, Saville, Shadbolt, and Toby Robinson were the trygetters. Mr F. Woods made an impartial referee. Albion (6) v Rongotea (3). At Rongotea, Albions defeated the locals by six points to three, Frankland played a sterling game for the winners ; also Chalk, 'who should be an acquisition to local football. F. Robinson and Momo were others of note, though Matt Royal was decidedly off. The local forwards made the contest very interesting, especially Tarkins. Mr Bowater refereed. Mr T. Curtis kindly entertained the Albion Club at tea. Notes. Albions play Awahou next _. > .. ‘A ‘A *' A

Saturday, while Sanclon meet Rongotea at the latter township. The local game- should draw a big crowd to. the racecourse; the event: should be full of interest from beginning to end, and although Awahou appear to have a rosy chance of victory, the weareas of the black jersevs will be kept busy all the time, as the Albions, as at present constituted, will take some beating, and victory is well within the bounds of possibility. The local teams bid well to bring the Austin Banner back to Foxton this season—that is, if they do not suffer from the complaint known as “swelled head,” and imagine themselves invincible. Being far from perfect yet, it is to be hoped Awahou club members will continue to attend the lessons on the ethics of the game by their coach, “Brassy” White, whose general knowledge of the game should ultimately tend to improve the standard of Foxton football.

Reports from Palmerston North state that McEwen is suffering greatly with the broken leg effected in- the recent Awahou-Albion match. There is talk of arranging a benefit for him, but whether this will take the form of a fancy football match, concert, or dance is not yet decided. The following will represent the Albion Club in their match against Awahou on the racecourse on Saturday next; Fullback, Bona ; : Frankland (centre), F. Robinson, Mack Royal; : Momo, Ouau ; £ ; Tawhi, Erura ; wing forwards : Rimmer arid Mullens ; forwards; T. Curtis, W. Chalk, Hannah, Hunter, Pate Larkins, Bowe, A. Cook. Eraergs. (forwards) : Broard, Howan, and Williams, (backs) W. Cook and J. Walker. The Secrerary of the Albion Club desires to acknowledge with thanks donations of £1 is from E. A. Coley and another Vice - President. The position of teams in the championship is as follows ;

The above table does not include the result of matches played by Albions against Rongotea and Sandon in the first round already declared void, and which may be replayed if the result of the competition depends on same.

A V O >, P ' P ca TEAMS. C cj ' o ’o.c fi i-! PhO Awahou .. : 6 5 0 I IO Sandon - 5 4 o I 8 Albions •• 4 r 0 3 2 Rongotea, . ■ ■ 5 o o 5 0