FOOTBALL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 998, 30 May 1911, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

SATURDAY’S RESULTS. SENIORS. Levin-Wauderes 19 v. P'oxton o. Taiaui 11 v. Shannon 0. JUNIORS. Hui Mai 19 v. Foxton o Koputaroa 36 v. College 8 Weraroa 3 v. Tainui o LEVIN-WANDERERS v. FOXTON. This game was played on the local racecourse and contrary to expectations locally resulted in a runaway victory for the visitors by 19 points to nil. Foxtou had a slightly better team than that of the previous Saturday, and their supporters expected that they would put up a real good game. The condition and combination of the visitors, however, was too good, and although the game was a good one for the first half, in the second spell the visitors romped over the wearers of the blue and white. Martin Winiata, who was reported to have retired from the game, was again assisting his old club. It appears that Martin did not intend playing this season, but on the team leaving Levin it was found they were a mau short and their old skipper was induced to don the black jersey. The game did not start at the scheduled time, but it was through no fault of the visitors who were ready to take the field very shortly after three o’clock. The cause of the delay was that there was no ball and before the necessary bag of wind could be obtained it was half-past three. On account of the late start the game had to be finished when the light was such as to make football almost impossible.

Foxtou kicked off and Levin immediately attacked, but the local men were relieved by a couple of free kicks. The blacks, however, kept up the pressure and within five minutes of the start received a mark from a knock-on in the line out. Nepia Winiata took a shot at the goal and although the kick was a long one and from a tairly difficult angle, he was successful in piloting the leather between the posts. From the kick-off Foxton attacked, but the blacks’ backs defended splendidly and the blues could not break through. Play was gradually worked to the centre of the field about where it hovered for some time. The blues were holding their own at this stage of the game and it looked as if the scores at the call of time would be very close. For practically the whole of the first half the advantages were very evenly divided, both sides on occasions being very unlucky in not scoring. When the whistle blew tor half-time play was in the centre of the field and the score stood ; Levin-Wanderers 3—Foxton nil. For some time after the kick-off in the second spell play was kept somewhere about the centre of the field, but the condition and combination of the Levin team eventually told and they ran all over their opponents whose condition gave out. In the second half the visitors put on four tries and when the whistle blew the scores stood : Levin-Wanderers 19 —Foxton nil. Tries for the visitors were scored by W. Winiata, Hopu, Heta and Lewer, two of which were converted by Nepia Winiata. Dr. Adams refereed.

TAINUI v. SHANNON

This contest, played on the Otaki ground, was not a brilliant exposition, but was an interesting match. Both teams were fully represented, though both played one or two emergencies. Early in the game a Shannon back failed to take a ball, and Henare seized the opening, his pace enabling him to score an easy try, which was improved on. Aston had a couple cf shots at goal, and from one of ttiese, a penalty for oil-side, he registered a neat goal, this making the score 6 —o, at which it stood when half time was called. In the second half play was more in favour of Taiuui, but Shannon's defence was good, and the home boys could not get over the line for a long time. At length Don. Wilson got the ball in a good position, and dodged over the line between the posts. Pirimi converted. The game ended without further score ii—c, in favour of Tainui.

Shannon forwards worked hard, but Tainui vanguard fully held their own, and got the ball from the scrum. Shannon backs were fair in defence, but one or two lacked decision. Tainui backs were too smart for them, though their passing was not crisp and accurate enough. The game was played in a most friendly spirit. Mr T. Parata refereed. HUI MAI v. FOXTON. Foxtou did not do themselves justice in their match against Hui Mai. From a spectator’s point of view the display of both teams was most disappointing. On the play, however, Hui Mai was easily the better of the two and won by 19 points to nil. Mr J. Broughton refereed. KOPUTAROA v. COLLEGE. “Though a big score, a better game than the figures intimate,’’ was the general opinion of those who viewed the match. The College boys, who had to contend against a heavy greasy, ground and a team which the ground suited, laboured under a great disadvantage. They, however, put up a really good tight and played cleaUp wholesome football. They

set an example to their opponents, who showed a partialtiy to grab and hold players who did not have the ball, and to use their tongues for something else besides chewing during the progress of the game. Tries were scored for Koputaroa by Pettman (2), Buckston (2), Stowell (2), Tua and Arena. Nepia secured six goals out of the eight shots. The penalty goal placed to the credit of the College by their captain was truly a magnificent effort—the kick being taken from half-way, and the Koputaroa ground is not a short one. Mr D. Musgrove refereed. WERAROA v. TAINUI. The clash between these two teams on the Weraroa ground was of an even nature, the score just about voicing the difference of the displays. The local boys bustled some at the jump, and looked likely scorers at any time in the first fifteen minutes, but a fairly strong defence aided by the inability of the attackers to put a finishing touch to their endeavours, effectually kept the score sheet clean. Midfield work followed, with an occasional dash to either end. Some few minutes later Weraroa initiated a rush at halfway, and with the aid of a couple of Tainui backs (who mulled badly), Bobßore covered himself with glory and mud by touching down. No goal followed. Even and uninteresting play ensued, and at one time the visitors had a likely chance to score, but a forward picked up in a scrum and was penalised. The same offence in the second spell received the same penalty, and Tainui again lost an almost certain score. Early in the second spell Hetoriki used his foot to stop an opponent, and was ordered off the field. Play livened up some and several fast rushes ensued. There was a great deal of faulty handling, which nullified a lot of useful work. Winterburn, Tainui, endeavoured to work the oracle in the same manner as the player mentioned, and found himself viewing the game from the line. Play ended in neutral territory. Mr W. R. Burge refereed.