RUGBY FOOTBALL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 2568, 17 April 1923, Page 2

RUGBY FOOTBALL.

The opening match of the season was played on Easton Park last Saturday between Western United (P.X.) and Foxton, resulting in a decisive win for the latter by 23 points to nil. Although the visiting team were without the services of most their senior players, they played a better game than the score indicates. Mention must he made of their full-back, whose line-kicking was a feature of the game and who, time and again pulled his team out of difficulties. From the form displayed by the local team there is every prospect of their making things lively this season when the enp competitions start. The local rear-division gave evidence of good combination and handled the leather from which most if not all, of their tries were scored with confidence. The forwards too, showed great dash and pace, hut one or two have yet a lot to learn. Both teams played a clean strenuous game. For the local players 11. Taylor and G. Westwood each scored two tries, S. Bryant one and Moses kicked a penalty goal. H. Taylor and Moses converted one try each. The whistle was in the capable hands of Mr W. Neville.

Owing to an injury to the ankle, ff. Reid did not participate. A t the conclusion of the game a dinner was tendered to the visitors in the Town Hall supper-room and on behalf of the local team Mr Davidson. a new-comer, who should prove of great assistance to the club, welcomed the visitors and spoke in eulogistic terms of the game as played by the two teams and said all would anxiously look forward to a return match. Mr Butler, manager of the visiting team, replied and thanked the local ream for the splendid hospitality. Mr Coekroft also replied for the visitors and after the usual toasts were honoured and cheers given a successful evening was brought to a close with the singing of “Auld Lang Syne.” The catering arrangements were in the capable hands of Mrs Walls.