FOOTBALL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 882, 23 August 1910, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

FOXTON (14) v. HOROWHENUA (12). The return rep. match, Horowheuua v. F'oxton, was played on the racecourse on Saturday afternoon. The first match was played at Levin on the 6th instant, when Foxton were defeated by 31 points to 8, but on Saturday the local reps, turned the tables, and when the whistle sounded time, left the field victorious by 14 points to 12. The result of the game was a great surprise to local followers of football, in fact, it is doubtful if there was a single person who went on to the ground expecting the local players to win. Horowhenua have a particularly strong team this season, including three members of the Maori team which recently toured Australia, and it was thought locally that if Foxton could get within a dozen points of the Horowhenua score they would be doing particularly well. However, the local boys made the pace willing from the jump, and thanks to the strength of the forward division, which was far superior to the visitors’ vanguard, were able to more than hold their own as the final scores indicate. Neither Union was represented by the whole of the teams as originally selected, Horowhenua being without the services of Parata, Ropata, and Hakaria, whilst Furrie and Bishop were absent from the local team. The vacant places in the visiting team were filled by Neville Winiata, Arcus and Horo, while Matthews and Mason made up the Foxton team. The game was timed to commence at 3 p.ra., but it was not until half an hour after that time that the teams put in an appearance on the field, and lined out as under :

HOROWHKNUA. (Red and Blue). Rawiri Nev. Winiata, N. Winiata, Cook, M. Winiata (capt.), Coote, Smith. Cordello, Wilson, George, W. Winiata, Wi Waka, Close, Arcus, Horo. IM.KTON. Wanklyn. Mason, Rod, Robinson (capt.), Matthews, Perewhiti, Broughton. Reihana, Reid, Burgess, Bowe, Hooker, Haeaua, Royal, Beaton. Horowheuua won the toss and elected to defend the northern goal, thus having the advantage of a slight uor-westerly wind. From the kick-off the local forwards played with great dash, and gradually worked play into the visitors’ 25’s, where play remained for some time. The blacks’ forwards were playing well together and beat their opponents in all departments of forward play. They invariably secured possession of the ball from the scrums, and although from the appearance ot the teams as they filed on to the field the weights of both sets of forwards appeared to be about equal, the P'oxton pack could push the visitors almost at will. The reds were penalised for an infringement, and Haeana had a shot at goal, but the kick failed. The ball went over the line, but Rawiri, instead of forcing, raced down the field and carried play to half way, where Broughton saved by kicking into touch. From the Hueout Bowe got the ball at his toe and dribbled it right through practically the whole of the Horowheuua team. From half way he brought the ball over the line, where Reid, who was following fast, dropped on it, and drew first blood for Foxtou. The dribbling of Bowe was the best yet seen on the local ground. Haeaua took the kick and landed a goal, and made the score Foxton 5, Horowhenua nil, after fifteen minutes play. From the kick-off the reds livened up, and play was carried well into Foxton’s 25’s. Foxtou were defending well, their tackling being particularly good. From a passing rush by the visiting backs, Rawiri kicked, and the ball went over Foxton’s line, where Reid forced. From the drop-out Close gained possession and took a pot, landing a beautiful goal. It was a fine kick from almost halfway. Foxton 5, Horowheuua 4. With about ten minutes to go, the blacks carried play into the visitors’ 25’s, where Haeana had a fruitless shot at goal, and Horowhenua forced. From this out to the end of the spell play hovered near the centre of the field. When the whistle blew for half time the scores stood:

FOXTON 5 HOROWHKNUA 4 At the commencement of the second spell, Horovvhemta shifted Rawiri from full back to wing-three-quarter, Neville Winiata taking the position of full, and also put W. Winiata on the breakaway of the scrum instead of the second row. Robinson changed Rori and Matthews, the latter taking centre three-quarter and Rori five-eighths. From the kickoff Foxton attacked, but could not penetrate the reds’ defence. Play was gradually worked into the black’s 25’s, where it remained for some time. The Foxton forwards then got a rush going, but Neville Winiata saved. At this stage Rawiri was very prominent, spoiling several dangerous-looking forward rushes by the black forwards, Foxton, however, were not to be denied, and kept up the pressure. M. Winiata gained possession, but made a miskick, and the ball blew back over the line. Robinson raced down the field like a streak and scored. The kick at goal failed. Foxton

8, Horowhenua 4. Almost immediately after the drop-out Foxton were awarded a free kick. Haeaua made a good attempt, the ball hitting the cross-bar and bounced back into play, and Nepia Winiata secured it and started a passing rush amongst his backs. A fine display of passing was given, the ball going through the hands of practically all the backs, and finally reaching Cook, who streaked along the line, and it looked almost a certain score, but he was nicely grassed by Wanklyn. Foxton then attacked, and play hovered in the reds’ 25’s, where Haeana failed badly from a free kick. The local forwards, headed by Reid, broke through a scrum with the ball and carried it over the line, where Reid touched down. Rori failed with the kick at goal. Foxton n, Horowhenua 4. Foxton followed up their advantage, and Reid again scored a few minutes later from a forward rush, Rori again failed with the kick. Foxton 14, Horowhenua 4. With only about ten minutes to go the visitors livened up, and the spectators were treated to a very fine display of passing on the part of the visiting backs, and it was only on account of the deadly tackling of the locals that a big score was averted. From one of the rushes Nepia Winiata got over and Ravviri converted. Foxton 14, Horowhenua 9. The Foxton forwards were now palpably tiring and consequently the visiting backs were getting more of the ball, and looked like scoring on several occasions which was only prevented by good tackling. From a forward scramble near the line Wilson scored. Winiata failed with the kick, the whistle blowing for no-charge as the kick was taken. Another kick was awarded but that also failed. Foxton 14, Horowhenua 12. With only a few minutes to go Horowhenua kept up the attack but could not again penetrate the defence of the blacks. Had the game lasted a further ten minutes Horowhena must have scored again as they were now playing with great dash and the blacks were tired. When the whistle blew the score was FOXTON 14 HOROWHENUA 12. Dr. Adams refereed. THE TEAMS ENTERTAINED, After the match the two teams and visitors from the Horowhenua Union were entertained at dinner at the Family Hotel by the local sub-union. After the cravings of the inner man had been satisfied, several toasts were drunk, including : “The Horowhenua Rugby Union,’’ proposed by Mr Shadbolt, and responded to by Mr J. G. Hankins; “ The Foxton SubUnion,” proposed by Mr S. Fowler, and responded to by Mr Keepa Hihlra ; “The Horowhenua Rep. Team,” proposed by Mr Keepa Hihira, responded to by Messrs M. Winiata and S. Fowler; “The F'oxton Reps.” proposed by Mr J. G. Hankins, responded to by Mr Whibley. Mr Munro signified his intention of presenting a shield for competition between the two Unions, and naturally this information was the signal for prolonged applause. The function was brought to a close by the singing of “Auld Lang Syne” and the visitors left for home at eight o’clock.

MEETING OF SUB-UNION

A meeting of the local SubUnion was held in the Family Hotel, on Saturday night to deal with the protest lodged by the Awahou Club against the last Albion-Awahou match being counted a draw and claiming the match as a win for Awahou on the grounds that (1) that the referee disallowed a try scored by E. Dudson, and (2) that the Albion Club played G. Dunn in contravention of rule 9, Manawatu Club contest rules.

The referee, Dr. Adams, attended and furnished a verbal report, alter hearing which it was decided that clause r of the protest be not upheld, the referee being sole judge in matters of fact. There was a good deal of discussion on the second clause of the protest which it was eventually decided not to uphold. THE RANFURLY SHIKED. AUCKLAND v. WELLINGTON. (BV E. G. S.) Auckland, Saturday. That the rather keen, antiquated rivalry between Auckland and Wellington is by no means extinct was plainly manifest by the unusual interest evinced by Aucklanders generally in the Rauturly Shield match this afternoon against Wellington. For weeks past thare has been a simmer of fear extant that Auckland were in serious danger of forfeiting the trophy to the Windy City reps., and when the Southern team arrived here so early as Wednesday morning last for the purpose of getting themselves thoroughly accustomed to ground conditions and for special training purposes, it can be easily understood that they were evincing a determination which would naturally arouse the interest of enthusiasts. Hence it was not surprising to note the Auckland car and general traffic services taxed to their utmost to convey the teeming thousands to the grounds. Many signs of sincerity were noticeable in connection with the event in the city, and most of the conveyances and horses parading Queen Street were gaily bedecked with the colours upon which Aucklanders defended, with a fair sprinkling of black and gold, emblematical o i Wellington Rugby. There were

few of the lady folk who did not signify that something unusual was on in the football world, what with the lengthy streamers of ribbons that floated majestically from their well-tailoured costumes. Visitors weae present from all parts of the Island, Wellington especially sending along a large contingent, and though the Auckland Winter Show, Williamson’s pantomime “Alladin,” and other hundred and one counter attractions had to be contended against, somewhere in the neighbourhood of 15,000 people must have packed themselves round the Alexandra Park Oval when “Bubs” Tyler led the Aucklanders on to the field. On the ground it was a sight for the gods to view the maddened rush of the outside crowd buying up fruit-cases and kerosene-tins at 6d a time just as fast as they could be supplied. These acted as auxiliary stands, though the most impressive sight was probably the appearance of a large lorry drawn by six large grey horses, all gaily bedecked and decorated with Auckland’s blue and white streamers. It was truly an enthusiastic horde of people that witnessed the struggle, and they played their part of the battle well and effectively as they urged Auckland throughout the whole struggle to strain every nerve in defence of Lord Ranfurly’s tribute of silver-plate. The sound of those thousands of voices as they thrilled through the air (especially whe n the Wellington line was seriously in danger) was decidedly inspiriting, and must have had some material effect on the gallant Aucklanders who upheld the prestige of the Province this afternoon by evading deteat.

Coining to the game itself, it is doubtful if there was ever a more hard-fought struggle lor supremacy recorded iu the amateur rugby world, as right throughout the 1 piece every player seemed to be struug up to that pitch which marked determiuatiou and grit. That the game was an especially hard-fought one is conclusively proved by the fact that there were fully half-a-dozen temporary disablements recorded, while Stewart (Auckland three-quarter) was compelled to leave the field soon after the commencement of hostilities, though he was replaced by Walker. Wellington forwards seemed to miss “Rauji” Wilson and Alexander, and Auckland’s vanguard must be given credit lor a dogged display. Hall was brilliant throughout, while Tyler, Cunningham, Sellars, Francis, Hayward and Co., all seemed to raise themselves up with a supreme effort. And to their deadly attack, combined with the tact that Joe O’Eeary never make a mistake in delence at full-back, they owe the drawn game that was registered. The rest of the Auckland backs were mediocre. But those forwards ! They were grand ! Calculated to raise any human’s blood to boiling point as they made dash and onslaughtet and determined attempt to cross the Wellington goal line. Time and again they turned defence into attack, and, like a mighty line of cavalry carried the ball within an ace of the coveted point, only to be nonplussed by the supreme doggedness, marked determination, and brilliant defence of the Wellington backs (mostly Roberts or Ryan), both of whom were a tower of strength. In the second spell Auckland set up the warmest attack that was ever known in the rugby world, and during the space of ten minutes no less than four of their number were within an ace of scoring, only to be held in mid air, drawn back or prevented by the supreme vigorous endeavours of Roberts and Co., who had every available pound of steam and vim brought into pressure. Auckland got the ball mostly in the scrum, though when Wellington did get it, the leather came out more smartly and with more telling effect than with the Northerners. Wellington b cks treated spectators to one or two pretty passing dashes, but mostly their efforts in this direction were either spoiled by the deadly attack of the Aucklanders or the fumbling of Dawson, who, evidently had a day off. Had the visitors been able to obtain possess! m from the scrum things may have been different, and possibly the Shield would have been safely secured in Wellington ere this. Mitchinson, Ryan and Evensou were good, but Roberts was the shining light in the rearguard. Of the forwards, Avery, Perry and Bruce were continually showing themselves out from a good set of solid workers. Auckland’s score came in the first spell from a mark by Murray, which Joe O’Eeary converted. Avery in the second half was responsible for Wellington’s try, that player after a fine dribbling display downfield, picking up and transferring to Roberts, who beat a couple of his opponents and scored midway between the goal posts and the side line. No goal resulted and the game ended with honours even —three points each. Both teams had unsuccessful shots at goal from marks and penalties. Mr J. Williams refereed with his usual impartiality.