FOOTBALL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1861, 6 August 1918, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

The match played on the racecourse on Saturday afternoon between a team selected from the two local junior teams and a fifteen representing the “old timers,” resulted in a win for the juniors by three points to nil. As the teams lined out on the field there was a marked contrast in the size and appearance of the members. The juniors looked much smaller than ever alongside their opponents, but had much the advantage as far as condition was concerned. Many of the “old hands” l were carrying superflous fat, and signs of distress were plainly visible after a period of fast play. The weather conditions were not the best, a high wind blowing across the field, making good back- play impossible. The teams were very evenly matched, the condition of the juniors counterbalancing the "old timers’ ” advantage in weight. The “weight” advantage was very apparent in the scrums, but “condition” told in the fast play. The.first spell ended without any score being registered, but in the second half the juniors scored, a somewhat lucky try. Mr W. Neville controlled the game. The conditions of the match provided that the losing team should entertain the winners at dinner, and in the evening the players did full justice to the spread provided by Mr Perreau, and pa.id for by the “old timers.” Mr F. D. Whibley occupied the chair, and after the wants of the inner man were satisfied, a number of vocal items were rendered, altogether a most enjoyable time being spent. It was decided to play a return match in about three weeks time.

The gate money on Saturday totalled £2 10s Od, and this amount goes to the injured players’ fund.