FOOTBALL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3769, 16 July 1907, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

Sandon (3) v Albion (0). IBy Spectator.] The above match, pla> r ed at Sandon on Saturday was witnessed by a fair number of spectators. Sandon was tipped to win but the unexpected almost happened and it was only by the extraordinary conduct of the line umpire that gave them the match. The ground was very heavy and wet, and spoilt any chances Albions bad of making the game a back : one. Albions kicked off with a strong sun in their eyes, following up fast Mullins and Bowe found the line in Sandons 25. Joe Thompson got possession from the, line out, punted smartly down field. Jack Richardson smothered Mack Royal’s return, and play centered in mid-field for a few moments. Sandon, however, livened up, and a combined rush by their forwards took play to the full-back, but a long kick spoilt, and Bonner forced. Pete Larkins kicked out for Albions, and Hartly returned smartly, and following up, again had Albions in difficulties, but J. Williams’ pace stood him in good stead, and he kicked the ball over the dead-ball-line. T. Richardson failed to take the ball from the kick out, and gave Mullins a chance he was not slow to seize, Fred Robinson was handy and between them they shifted play into Sandon’s 25. Here a hot time followed, Albion’s making great efforts to score and in missing once or twice as they did, they certainly had hard luck. A scrum followed from a knock on and Mullins was penalised for putting the ball unfairly in the scrum. J. Richardson took the kick, but failed to find the line Mullins in company with Hunter again got the ball to the full back. Sam George (Sandon full) proved equal to the occasion and returned out of touch. Halt.time was then sounded.

On resuming, Albions set up a strong attack on the Blue and Whites citadel, J- Bowe making himself conspicuous by his good efforts in initiating dribbling rushes which eventually took play into Sandon’s 25. Here, however, a free kick was again awarded Sandon and Momb marked, Tartana took the kick but the effort was spoilt by Sandon’s forwards rushing the ball. A dribling rush then commenced, all Sandon’s forwards taking part. Sanson snapped up the ball in Albion’s 25 and made a good rush tor the line. He encountered Joe Williams en-route who succeeded in putting him out of touch, but he kept on going as the referee was too far back to see and the line umpire would not keep his flag up so he crossed the line and touched down rather easily. All the Albions stood where he had gone out of touch. The try was allowed and J. Richardson took the kick at goal which was fruitless. From the kick out J. Bowe was again conspicuous by a fast piece of following up which took play well into Sandon’s 25. From a loose scrum Tawhai whipped the ball out to Momo, who in company with M. Royal raced for the line, but the effort was spoilt by a bad pass. Albion again got into trouble through kicking in the scrum and Richardson found the line with a well judged kick. As time approached both sides redoubled their efforts only to be beaten back when success seemed assured and the game ended Sandon 3, Albions nil. Mr Bowater was referee. Notes. The rowdy roughs were in great force at Sandon on Saturday and several free fights occurred. One member of the union in trying to restore order was rather severely handled. More is likely to come out of the matter. Rongotea, after telephoning on Saturday afternoon that they were leaving for Foxton, could not raise a full team, and went on to Sandon to view the Alblon-Sandon fixture, thus forfeiting to Awahou. It is a pity they did not inform the local authorities of their intention, as the latter were in a quandary for most of the afternoon. Awahou and Sandon are matched to play off for the Austin Banner and Coley Cup at Foxton, next Saturday. The contest should bC full of interest, and attract a large crowd. McEwen, who had his leg broken in the Albion - Awahou match, is in a bad way in the Palmerston Hospital. His leg had to be amputated above the knee on Saturday last, and it is said he is progressing as well as possible. A benefit match in aid of the sufferer will probably be played on Saturday week, between Awahou and Albion, when it is proposed to charge is for gents., and 6d for ladies and boys. A concert also will probably be held later. Mr Joe Jillett has been appointed to canvass the town for subscriptions in aid of the sufferer. There was trouble at Sandon after the football match on Saturday, judging by the look of several of the Albions who bear distinct evidence of a conflict. It is alleged that the trouble arose through the agency of a burly Sandonite, who has long rejoiced in the nickname of “ Bully,” and who showed an unmistakeable desire to prove himself a pugilistic hero. It is alleged that “Bully” had a “go” at several of the Albions,_ which caused general consternation and disorder amongst the two teams, and it is, perhaps, fortunate that the riot did not end more disastrously, due to the fact that the Sandon skipper (J. Richardson) and delegate (Pinney) intervened. Such heated Sandon supporters as “Bully” have long since made their club unpopular with their antagonists, and it is on record

that two Foxton teams who have visited Sandon this season, have both received a very warm reception. The only time that quiet prevailed was at the match when the Foxton constable and the Union’s secretary attended. These outbursts will do Sandon club (most of the members of which are entirely blameless) much harm in the matter of fixtures, and it is doubtful whether any Union could reasonably grant Sandon matches on their own ground, in the face of facts. More will ' probably be heard of Saturday’s affair. We are informed that the Sandon captain intends to resign as a protest againt such conduct. Manawatu wished to play Foxton reps, next Saturday, but the Foxton final Cup match prevents.