FOOTBALL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 2280, 24 May 1921, Page 2

FOOTBALL.

SATURDAY’S RESULTS

SENIOR

Wanderers 3, Shannon 3. Kuku 11, -Tokomaru 3. Foxton 3, Hui Mai 0.

JUNIORS. Foxlon 11, Wanderers 5. Koputaroa defaulted to Weraroa Kuku 9, Hui Mai 8. Shannon 8, Otauru 0. Paraparaumu 8, Waikanae 0. Otaki 3, Old Boys 0.

FOXTON 11 v. LEVINWANDERERS 5.

On Saturday Foxton met the invincible Levin-Wanderers (juniors) for the first time this season, on Easton Park, and defeated them by 11 points to 5.

Unfortunately for the visitors, the services of three of their best men were not available. Despite ibis fact, they put up a very stubborn game, and the result was hold in suspense till the whistle sounded. Though the contest was far from scientific, occasional splashes of good individual play was noticeable. The collective forward play was good, especially that of the local lads, who were somewhat difficult to individualise. Their combination in line-out work and loose-scrimmages was very effective. The lads, however, should he told that when in a position to make an attack the ball must be hooked back by the foot, and not bv the hand,

The average hack play was mediocre. It was neither brilliant nor poor. The passing on many occasions was made lo travel directly across the field, instead of pushing it forward, due no doubt to the second five-eighth running into the anus of his centre, instead of causing the latter to get up speed preparatory to swerving slightly inwards wj]h the ball. As long as they cultivate the habit of running round improvement in this department will be made almost impossible. The habit is very easy to acquire, but it’s very hard to drop. Out of a dozen or more, passingrushes, only one proved effective. The lads should ponder over this unnecessary loss of energy. As usual, the visitors won the toss, and played with the western goal behind them. From the kickoff the yellows were early on the attack, which was marred by a free kick being awarded to the visitors for off-side play, which gave them timely relief. Play at this stage was confined to within the visitors' twenty-five and half-way, where indifferent exchanges of linekicking took place, and where Pou and Ben Stickles were brought together in the attempt to extricate the bull, which was being nursed by the former. In the contact the latter, a player of good repute, accidentally received injury to his kneecap. which caused him to retire. The visitors in losing his services were assuredly handicapped. The yellows recommenced the attack with a passing rush, which enabled P. Kauri to draw first blood by running over unopposed. Hirini failed to add the extra points. Foxton 3 Wanderers fl.

Infringements were many and frequent, but the place-kicking of the yellows was erratic. Prior to the close of ill.; fir*l half, however, ihey were given another opportunity of placing the ball,, and Ibis time from an ea*y angle Ilirini was successful. Fox ton (i —Lcvin-Wanderer-b.

The second half proved, if anything, mire eventful than the first. The visitors worked cautiously up the field until they got to within half-way, where the referee ordered a serum from which the half obtained the hall, which passed through several hands in order to reach the centre, who, gathering both speed and ball simultaneously, swerved inwards sufficiently to clear all obstacles. With (he touchline in full view he raced unerringly to score, with Pott and Shammy colliding with his shadow. The ladies who accompanied the visitors, in their excitement called him “Kangi.” The try lie scored was worthy of all encomiums which the ladies showered on him. The excitement was even greater when he added the major points—thus making the score Foxton li —Levin-Wanderers 5.

With the result in doubt, the visitors worked more strenuously than ever. By over-dribbling" the ball they gave “Tailioa” Shammy an opportunity of arming the leather, and coming into violent contact with Romeo, the latter had to retire temporally in order to rearrange his upper arm and shoulder. Juliet was unconcerned, because she knew that Romeo’s trouble was an old complaint. During the old hero’s exit Pou took charge of the ball within the visitors’ territory, and. by rambling inwards in search of Fountain, suddenly found himself face to face with the touch-line, and, needless to say, he scored one of the best tries during the match. Hirini was entrusted with the kick, which he easily converted. Foxton 11 —Le-vin-Wanderers 5.

The old hero re-entered with his shoulder and arm doctored, only to see exchanges of line-kicking and forward work for the time was wearing on. The referee, however, gave him sufficient time to show the others that he was alright before he sounded the “last post.”

CRITICISM ,OF JUNIORS AND

THIRDS FOR PLAYERS

The juniors are to be complimented on their win over the Levin team. Their display was full of merit, and the scores fairly indicate the of both teams on the day. Ho" ever, although the local lads gave a bright display, the criticaPeye discovered many points wherein they could improve their display and effectiveness. With this idea in view, the writer presents the following individual and collective criticism, ho png that the hints will be taken to heart, and in some measure help to produce still better individual and team play. The full back, Shammy, on the day got through his work well, but it struck one that if playing behind a weaker team his display would not be marked by the same degree of soundness. First, he must cultivate direction in line kicking. There is a great deal in how the ball is fielded and dropped from the hands when kicking for the line. A full brick must he sure of finding touch except in a few eases where a strong attack is being set up against a weaker team, when high kicking, well judged, is sometimes effective. This matter need not he dwelt on here. The first and foremost thing for Shammy to perfect himself in is sure line work under more difficult circumstances than he met with on Saturday. He should practice following the ball when the forwards are dribbling down on him, and kick quickly and surely to touch with either foot. His tackling was not severely taxed, but the try gained by Levin was the result of collargrabbing by more than one of Foxton’s backs. Low and hard tackling would have stopped the run.

The centre three-quarter, \Y. Baker, got through a great deal of good work, but he must learn to run straight. This is the first essential for a centre. If he runs out, the wing is jambed on the line, and the opposing backs are brought out on the chase. If a centre finds he has to run out, he should try the feint pass and swerve back to bring the opposing backs away from his wing, and then swerve back slightly to allow of him transferring to his wing when the way is open. If this move is not possible, go to the opposing centre, pass out, and double round to receive the ball again from the wing. This doubling out can be practised by any back, and well worked generally results in an opposing back trying to stop two opponents. A centre must be one of the soundest men on the ground—a good tackier, runner, line kick, rush stopper, and, above all, be able to anticipate the trend of the play in case of trouble. From the linf. j out play lie. with other backs, musr* play up close to opponents in defence, and deeper back in attack. A little thought will show the reason for this. It is often a good thing for the centre, if he lias pace, to play a bit: deeper behind the liveeighths, and so make extra defence between the forwards and full back. Above all, on attack, he must not run out. An experienced opponent will often get inside purposely, and draw him out. This was one of old Jimmy Duncan's moves.

Kauri, wing three-quarter, played well, and made the most of his opportunities. Inti was too often jambed. When on attack, lie could learn to use the centre kick better; but lie is inclined to kick |oo far for his forwards to get to the ball. A centre kick well executed should reach the ground at the instant, or a little after, the forwards or backs arc up, the kicker meanwhile running tilling the line to put them onside. There wore a few occasions when tin arrangement with the lmlf-baek for a blind-side pass would have resulted in danger for Levin. The half should watch for the opportunity, especially near the goal line, on attack. If blocked in this move, a centre kick high or low across to the other wing, or the centre, would lie quite good play. Pou, on the opposite wing, has possibilities, his try was gained ( ?) probably because of his newness, as owing to the absolutely unorthodox ; diagonal run from right to left, lje' nonplussed hi* opponents, and very nearly himself. This move on the part of an old winger would have been called brilliant play, hut Pou didn’t mean it that way. Nevertheless, well fed by his centre, he will make a bold runner, and might develop into a good scoring man, The hints given for Kauri will apply to Don also. Hirini played a very wise game. One word of advice—don’ ; try to go too far and place too many opponents between yourself and next fiveeighths. Think out the reason. A sound rule is to beat your man and pass before you’re tackled, a yard or so ahead of your comrade, so as to keep his speed up, the pass always from about knees to the chest or middle. This player delivers his passes well, and sets a good example in this respect. The way in which Hirini doubled outside his man after giving his pass is strongly recommended as a sample of effective play for the other backs.^ Fountain at second five-cighflis-is inclined to attempt a little too much. He should learn to make an opening for his centre, and, if anything, draw him in a bit, then give the pass two-handed, from knee to , middle, doubling out afterwards. On attack from line out or scrumplay deeper, and on defence up and make sure of getting your man—never be led astray by a feint pass.

Walls, at half, was game, and lias* the making of a good half;’hut first, he must not run away out with the ball. As soon a* the ball is out, a sweep of the hands without ag ip*

stunt’s delay should despatch the leather on ‘to, and a little in front of the first five-eighths, who should be on the move. Watch the first five-eighths. Sometimes from a serum within working distance of the touch line, the first .five-eighths could conic in behind the half by arrangement, and thus be in the position to go to open or blind side. Hirini put himself in position once, but Walls did not know the move, and passed the ball out as usual. Unexpected and unusual moves of this kind spell tries. Another tip — if the ball hangs in the serum, there is nothing to prevent a half from putting his foot into the ruck and hooking it out, but he must not do so with his. hands. The forwards as a whole are a good hard-working lot, and fast followers up. One or two words of advice relative to attack. From line-out, try tapping the ball back to half, or secure, pack round and heel to half. In fact, always pack instead of trying to fight it through a thick forest of legs. Try it, it is easier., The half will give the Up. Keep it in on defence. Don’t heel then. Concentrate for attack and defence. Don’t leave a mate in trouble, all get to his aid —the same in attack, get where you can do something. Get to your comrade's help at once. Follow up fast. Nothing may happen nine times, but on the tepth a try might come your way. The scrum was not packed well. Back row better with heads in. If opponents hook the ball the front row men should give the tip and sides and back row break away fast on a smothering expedition, front and lock hold the fort for the time being. When near the line, dribble and keep command of the ball. Hundreds of fries have been lost by hard kicking near line.

Quiet reflection on the above remarks, both by seniors, juniors and thirds, will lay the foundation for more intelligent play. Good combination by inferior players will beat the individualism of better players, Remember, a game worth playing is worth playing well, for your own satisfaction, and that of the spectators who support the game.