FOOTBALL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3769, 6 August 1907, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

Second Test Match.

Australia Again Defeated.

Brisbane, August 3

The return football match between Australia and New Zealand was played on the Cricket Ground this afternoon. The weather was fine, but a strong breeze was blowing. The attendance is estimated at between sixteen and seventeen thousand. The visitors were victorious by 14 points to five. Oxlade having won the toss from Hunter, elected to play with the wind, and Francis started by kicking off for the visitors. Russel took the leather and returned it to fhe half- way flag, where it went into touch. From the line-out the Blacks rushed up the field and began to look dangerous, when they were totced out within Aus - tralia’s twenty-five. On the ball being thrown in, Oxlade and Fihelly got going, and carried the scene of play’ back to half way’, where Column stopped further progress by gathering up the ball with dispatch, and, although hotly pressed, got his boot to work and relieved his side by finding the line at half distance. From the lineout the Australians broke away With the ball at toe. Wallace raced along in front, and, gaining possession, attempted to work his way round the field, but was grassed by’ Fihelly’, and the local pack kept the ball rolling in the direction of the New’ Zealander’s goal - line. Wallace again attempted to check the advance, but was carried off his feet. Messenger kicked the ball over the line, and a great scramble ensued for possession. Messenger was the first to reach it and eventually touched down, drawing first blood. He took the kick himself and registered a goal. Australia 5 New Zealand o

From the drop out the Blacks forced the Australians right back on to their line, and danger was only averted by Dix, who, putting in some fine foot work, removed play to half way. The Australians then continued the attack, and, going on with dribbling rushes, the New Zealand line was for a time in serious danger. By concerted play, however, the visitors gradually but surely forced their opponents back into neutral territor}'. For the rest of the spell the ball went hither and thither, but mostly in New Zealand territorj', where it was when the whistle sounded half time. SECOND SPELL. Messenger opened the second spell with a kick to Mynott. who returned, and the Blacks at once began to move forward. Mynott secured possession and punted high. Dix fumbled the leather, and, before he had time to make redress Seeling was on top of him, and, kicking over the line, fell on the ball, registering the first score for the visitors. Wallace took the kick and equalised the scores by putting the ball between the posts. Australia 5 New Zealand 5

From another drop out the Blacks again became offensive, if anything with increased vigour, and gaining considerable ground by means of dribbling rushes soon got within the local men’s twentyfive. Here one of the visitors skied the ball to Dix, who secured it, and with his return kick found the line. No sooner was the ball in play again than the Australians were forced back within their twenty - five. Here Hunter snapped up the oval, and'after-a great run passed to Wallace, who crossed the line near the corner. Francis essayed the goal, but the attempt was futile. New Zealand 8, Australia 5. On resuming, the Blacks were not long away from Australian territory, and Dix, making a further mistake by droping a very simple thing, gave Francis an opportunity to score, which he quickly availed himself of. He failed in the kick at goal. New Zealand it, Australia 5. The Blacks were now making the game very interesting for the home team. The ball was scarcely in play again before the visitors were once more at the Australians and were within an ace of scoring Fihelly just saving by kicking int. dead country. The game cono tinned to hover in the locals’ twenty-five, and a scrum was formed right on their line. From this Roberts gained possession and passed on to Wallace, who raced round the scrummers and touched down behind the posts. He was entrusted with the kick, but no goal resulted. New Zealand 14, Australia 5. On resuming, the Australians rushed the ball down the field and carried play well into the visitors' quarters, but Colman saved with a fine punt, which sent his side down once more on the offensive. A free kick to the local men relieved the pressure. A little later on a similar penalty enabled the Australians to enter the Blacks’ ground, but they were sent back by Colman, who found the line at half way. For a time uninteresting play took place in neutral territory. Eventually the Australians broke away, and were looking dangerous when they were forced out in the New Zealand cprner. Almost immediately the whistle sounded no-side, and the game ended — New Zealand 14 Australia 5 The Sandon Disturbance. The Inquiry. The adjourned inquiry by the Foxton Rugby Sub-Union into

the recent disturbance at Sandon after the Albion-Sandon match on July 13th, was held at Foxton on 4th inst. Mr W. White was in the chair, the following also being present; Messrs K. Wanklyn, R. Hines (Awahou), F. Robinson, D. Dickson (Albions), A. Shadbolt (VicePresident), W. Pinncy (Sandon), McDonnell (Rongotea), and the secretary (H. G. Sutherland). Evidence was tendered by letter from the referee, who stated he did not witness anything alter *the match. The only rough play during the match was on the part of an Albion player in the front rank opposite the Sanson player, Williams. Saw the Albion player deliberately kick Williams on the shins. Warned him, and the referee was of opinion that this incident may have led to fhe unpleasant proceedings which occurred later on. The game was not unduly rough. Evidence was given by Mr Robinson. The match was friendly only for the front row incident. Williams was talking fight in the “ pub” after the match, and witness warned Williams that he would report him to the Union if he caused any trouble. Williams then caught Robinson around the throat, and bent his back over the bar. Others in the bar separated them. Williams invited them outside. Witness then detailed the fighting that occurred outside between Williams, Curtis, Hartley and Dunn.

Williams stated that during the game Curtis purposely kicked him on the shins four or five times. The referee saw this, and the Albions were penalised. Curtis used threatening language to witness, and challenged him to fight. Denied touching Robinson in the hotel. Outside the hotel he indulged in a joke which ended in a fight. Did not have any conversation with Robinson in the hotel. Evidence was given by Mr R. Knight. Saw Williams and Larkin fighting outside the hotel; also Dunn arid Hartley and Dunn and Williams.

Mr Whisker did not notice any disturbance on the field. Saw the fighting outside the hotel. Mr Henderson witnessed the fighting outside the hotel. Mr Hammond thought Curtis was responsible for wrangling during the game. Curtis kicked Williams on the shins. Saw the the fighting outside the hotel. J. Richardson said the match was played in a friendly spirit. Curtis was warned by the referee for rough play. Curtis challenged Williams to fight. Did not see what took place in the bar of hotel. Walked away when the fighting was proceeding outside the hotel. Was captain of the Sandon team.

Mr Hartley stated that Dunn struck him when he was in front of the hotel and they had a ‘‘bit of a scrap ” then Dunn fought Williams. Denied biting any one’s finger.

Mr Pinney said he tried to stop the fighting. He described the fighting that took place.

Mr Davis described some rough pla3 r that happened during the game and drew the referee’s attention to it. Also repeated some filthy language he heard used. Described the fighting that took place after the match.

Dunn described the game as very rough and the spectators were rowdy. When the Albions were going to dressing shed Williams came forward and wanted to fight Curtis. Richardson stopped the fight. Saw Williams strike Larkins near the hotel. Witness got ‘‘a smack in the mouth” and had his lip cut and a tooth broken. Turned to see who struck him and saw Hartley with his coat off. Someone pushed Hartley on to witness and they had a set to. Williams then came up and bumped up against witness and they fought. After that Hartley again struck witness. Hunter and Bowe were also struck. Saw Hunter and Hartley fighting. Mr Mullins said Williams wanted to fight Curtis after the match. Heard Robinson caution Williams. Williams started on Curtis inside the hotel and Robinson interfered. Williams caught Robinson by the throat and pushed him over the counter, and the crowd interfered. Described the fighting outside the hotel. Hartley punched Dunn, and some one hit Bowe. Heard Williams say in the bar that he would ‘‘kick Curtis’ shins and knock his head off now. ” Robinson warned Williams and the latter replied that he would ‘ ‘ strangle the . ’ ’ J. Bowe saw Larkins and Williams flighting. Saw Hartley come up with his coat off and start fighting with Dunn. A Sanson man hit witness. Heard a man use disgusting language to Robinson.

W. Hunter heard Robinson and Williams arguing in the hotel. Williams said he would throttle Robinson. Saw them fighting, witness got ‘‘a smack in the eye ” from Hartley, ' and retaliated. Both fell down, and while down Hartley bit witnesses’ fingerRobinson separated them.

MV Curtis said as he was walking off the field Williams followed him and wanted to light. Was advised not to light, as it would result in both teams being disqualified. Went to the hotel. Williams was there, and again wanted to fight. Witness refused to fight- Robinson warned Williams, and the latter caught Robinson by the throat, and said he would strangle him. Saw them fighting outside the hotel. Was confident if Williams had gone home after the match there would have not been any trouble. The Chairman summed up the evidence and complimented Mr F. Robinson for having the courage

to bring the matter before the Union. He said there had been some hard swearing indulged in both for and against. His own opinion was that much of the trouble was caused by the incompetency of the releree to control the game. Mr McDonnell was of opinion that the teams were to blame. Mr Shadbolt thought those concerned should be cautioned.

The Secretary said it was not a matter for caution and the Union should not shirk its responsibility but punish the offenders withoutallowing club feeling to assert itself.

After the Chairman had reviewed the evidence, and placed the matter impartially before members, the Sub-Union meted out the following disqualifications in connection with the affair.

Proposed by Mr Hines, and seconded by Mr Shadbolt, That J. Williams be suspended until end of 1908 season. —Carried by 10 to six votes.

Proposed by Mr McDonnell and seconded by Mr Pinney, That P. Larkin be suspended for a similar period. Aivamendraent proposed by F. Robinson, and seconded by E. Wanklyn, That P. Larkin be suspended for nine months from date, was carried by 10 to six votes, and the proposal lost. Proposed by Mr Hines, and seconded by Mr McDonell, That T. Curtis be suspended for remainder of present season—This proposal was carried by 11 to five votes. Proposed by E. Wanklyn, and seconded by R. Hines, That Hartley be suspended for nine mouths from date. —Carried by 10 to six votes.

As to bad language allegedly used by F. Robinson and A. Davis (both members of the Union), after much discussing the Secretary moved and Mr McDonnell seconded, That owing to lack of evidence in support of charges against Messrs Davis and Robinson of having used obscene language, the Sub-Union are unable

to come to any conclusion.—Carried . Other business conducted at the meeting was: After much discussion on an appeal forwarded by Sandon F.C. against a decision of the SubUnion ordering Albion-Sandon to replay a match in dispute, it was decided to forward the appeal on to Manawatu Union for consideration.

An amendment to go on with Cup fixtures in preference to rep. fixtures was carried, but on receiving notification from the Sandon club that they had withdrawn from the competition, the Secretary’s action of having arranged Horowhenua rep. match at Foxton for August 10th was endorsed. The Secretary was instructed to forward necessary statements to the Manawatu Union when forwarding the Sandon appeal. The Albion F.C. were granted the sum of 12s 6d, half the gate money in the recent junior match with a Levin team. It was decided to hold the McEwan benefit match on August 24th, the competing teams to be Sandon and Awahou if possible, and the Sandon team to be allowed tram expenses. Price of admission was fixed at is, and tickets are to be circulated.

The Secretarywas also instructed to write to Manawatu Union suggesting August 17th as suitable date for return rep. match at Palmerston.

Mr F. Woods was appointed referee in the Horowhenua-Foxton rep. match next Saturday, and it was decided that both teams be entertained at dinner at Shadbolt’s at the conclusion of the game.

Votes of thanks to chair and to Mr Jillett for use of room concluded the meeting.

Notes.

Horowhenua-Foxton rep. match on the racecourse on Saturday next will draw a big crowd. Thompson, an All Black, is in the visiting combination. Admission is, ladies free. Mr F. Woods holds the whistle. The visitors will be entertained at dinner, after the game, at the Manawatu Hotel.

Momo and Shadbolt, and probably Hooker and Mullins, leave for Levin to-morrow to represent Manawatu against Hcrowhenua. Sandon and Awahou pla}’ a McEwan benefit match at Foxton on August 24th. Tickets will shortly be distributed at is each. By the way, Secretary Jillet reports that lists are filling well throughout the district in aid of the injured man. The local schoolboys were defeated at Sandon by the latter schoolboys on Saturday by 37 to o. Following is the Foxton team to play against Horowhenua on Saturday : Full-back, George ; Shadbolt, Carroll, Frankland ; 5-s, Momo ; Dunn ; forwards, Mullins, Richardson i(wings), Chalk, Shea Shea, Hooker, Carroll, W. Robinson, Bowe, S. Wright. Should the Albions be compelled to go to Palmerston to compete in the Abraham Cup, Awahou Club members are requested to keep themselves in readiness for a game against Horowhenua. The following team will turn out to practice against the Albion juniors on the Racecourse on Wednesday, in view of their havjng to play Feilding in the second round of the Abraham Cup. All Albion juniors are requested to attend if possible. ; Full-back, Bona; Peter Rehana, Momo, J, Franklin; Vs, O. Cleland ; £2, G. Robinson ; forwards, Hunter, Chalk, Hana, D. Mullins A. Beaton, J. Williams,.Tawhia Erura, J. Bowe, A. Cook ; emergencies, The Gunner, J. Walker, R. Larkins, Mack Royal.