FOOTBALL

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 2435, 30 May 1922, Page 1

FOOTBALL

BEBBINGTON SHIELD MATCH

RANGITIKEI 11, V. HORO

WHENUA 6

(Notes by Koata.) The first match for the Bebbingtou Shield came up for decision last Wednesday at Levin between the local representatives and those of Rangitikei. The weather for the best- part of the day was like summer and a record attendance for so early in the season resulted. It was very gratifying to the Horowhenua Rugby Union to note the large number of ladies present. Owing to the advent of the new rule and better football, large attendances will in all likelihood be seen at future representative! matches. Needless to mention the principal feature was the meeting of the two old rivals. Interest ran high and the standard of play on the part of the visitors did not disappoint onlookers. Rangitikei deserved their win as, on the day’s play, they were the better team, even though one of their tries was obtained very cheaply. Their display was much more polished than that of Horowhenua, due no doubt to better combination. Their victory was obtained chiefly through the combination of their backs. At the concluding stages of the game thenforwards .showed signs of being well-worn as they had a very formidable local vanguard to contend with. The actual difference in the scores gave no indication of the game, a converted try would have made honours even at the finish of their playing. The visitors were fortunate in having to play with the sun behind them in the first half, as in the second part it was not so glaring and soon disappeared.

The teams were as follows: — Rangitikei (green) : N. Kane, Berrctt, McGregor, McKay, Potaka, Potaka, T. Kane, Blair, Enson, W. Kane, Wereta, Christie, Henwood, Ilarre and Cameron.

Horowhemta (black): Moses,'M. Johnston, N. Winiata, Bryant, T. Winiata, Porter, Utiku, Jacob, Haknraia, Bevan, Tana, Monynihun, R. Broughton, Koro and Wilson. Rangitikei won the toss and defended the western half with the sun behind them. From the commencement the play became fast and full of interest. On both sides the forwards showed plenty of pace and skill. The local forwards, after a few moments of play, took operations into the visitors’ 25 where Paranihi smartly secured the oval which he punted in the direction of M. Johnson who fielded it cleverly and returned it. to touch. Prom the line-out McKay, at half, initiated a good passing-rush in which McGregor, Hartley and Potaka took a prominent part and in which M. Johnson was fortunate to save by forcing. Horowhenua’s kick from 25 gave rise to numerous lively rallies between them. From a highly elevated ball Paranihi overreached it which gave M. Johnson an opportunity of gathering it and taking play within the visitors 25 where he was eolhired by N. Kane. The visiting forwards played vigorously and converted a precarious position- into one of attack in which McKay elevated the ball which Moses, in the glaring sun, failed to field it on the full and by, good following-up McKay unmistakeably fielded and scored. Paranihi’s attempt to convert from an easy angle failed. Rangitikei 3; Horowhenua nil. Following the kick off, Horowhenua spared no effort to equalise matters. Bryant’s attempt to cross the line from a lively passing-rush initiated by Porter and Nepia failed by inches. The local vanguard from this out worked in unison and repeatedly sent the ball out in fine style; but as there was little or no unity in the efforts of the backs nothing materialised. On the whole the work of the local backs was patchy, and altogether there were several good bouts of open work, but many went astray on the wings. The visiting vanguard on the other hand displayed fine combination and much dexterity in fielding and handling of the ball. From the line-out in the visitor’s 25 the ball was directed to touch by McGregor and cieverly taken by Porter whose attempt at potting narrowly failed by falling short of the bar. The visitors' kick from their 25 enabled them to relieve the pressure momentarily. After a badly fielded ball, Moses was able to punt high and follow on when he and Nepia were conspicuous in chasing the ball back to the visitors’ territory where the latter was penalised for off-side play. The kick brought Rangitikei no relief as the ball travelled across field and went into touch. From the line-out the visitors were penalised for an infringement. Jacobs was entrusted with the kick and was (Concluded on page 4.)