FOOTBALL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 2580, 15 May 1923, Page 2

FOOTBALL.

[By A da ilia tine.] SENIORS. Shannon 3, Wanderers 3. Hui Mai 17, Weraroa 6. Foxton 3, Otaki 3. JUNIORS. Koputaroa 13, Mangahao 3. Shannon v. Moutoa, no game. Tokoniarn 5, Foxton 0. THIRDS. Weraroa 0, Shannon 3. Foxton 3, Rovers 0. FOURTH GRADE. Foxton 11, Levin D. 11.5. 0. Last Saturday the day dawning with overcast sky,, local footballers wore not enamoured with the conditions under which the weekly contests were to he played. As rain fell during the week on the surrounding country, all the Union grounds, except that of Foxton, were in a greasy state and so increased the uncertainty of the issue of the games. The Senior Rugby team journeyed to Otaki where, on a slippery ground with a greasy hall, they met foemon worthy of their steel. From the outset both sides strove hard to force a decision but the teams being evenly matched, this nroved a very difficult problem. Again and again the lot of both teams was in jeopardy; but again and again fortune snatched the palm from the would-be victors hands and conferred a blessing on the abont-to-be vanquished team. The play being erratic the ball was tossed into all parts of the field, which complicated matters and rendered attack and defence a knotty problem for both sides. Nevertheless, both sides fought with a will in a game that was both fast and exciting owing !<> the evident doubtful nature of its results.

For the whole of the first spell play see-sawed up and down the field, many noteworihy saves being effected bv both sides, and when half-time arrived neither side had scored. During this period the game resolving itself into a duel of strength between the opposing forwards with occasional flashes of hack play, both sides attempted to keep the hall on the ground and force it hv sheer weight over the goal line.

On resuming play, determined efforts by the Otaki forwards brought the play into Foxton’s quarters and from a scramble close to the line, TTakaria dived across; but the try was not converted. Otaki 3, Foxton nil.

This produced an electrifying effect oil (lie Foxton forwards. From the kick off they rushed the ball inLi Oiaki's twenty-five, and from a serum the forwards presented the hall lo the Foxton hacks who. working the blind side, effectively, sent Taylor across near the corner. Taylor narrowly failed to convert Ihe try. Foxton 3. Otaki 3. From thence onwards both sides strove hard to obtain the lead but failed and the game concluded in a draw. Owing to the unsatisfactory state of the ground comment on the individual players would he useless, allhough hy-standers remarked on a general improvement in Foxton’s forwards, also the scrum work. The game was ably controlled by Mr T. Pa rat a. A friendly spirit of rivalry existed which went far to strengthen the bond of sporting fellowship which has always characterised contests between the two teams.

t T 777" He ' : % JUNIORS. TO KOMAR U 5, FOXTON 0. The above teams met on Easton Park last Saturday in-the presence of a large crowd of spectators who witnessed amexeitihg, if not a highclass exhibition of the National winter game. The ,-conibmatiqn among the backs of each team, was lacking Iml despite this’the game was very closely contested. There were stirring struggles between the forwards and an unusual amount of off-side play, as well as a little obstruction and personal attention which resulted in T. Carter (FoxIon) and Rowlands (Tokomaru) being ordered oil’. Warnings tor rough play were meted out by the referee to one or, two players of each team and from then on the game became veryexciling. Tokomaru by good high kicking and fast following up,-succeeded in hustling the local fullback who indulged in too many “speculations.” In attempting ;f “speculator" he missed ami a red and black forward gatkim'o,l up the leather, crossed over and scored. Rowlands added the major points. Following this Foxlon made determined efforts to get over lull the local hoys could not penetrate the. visitors’ defence. Many passing bouts were indulged in by the yellow hacks but faulty handling by the live-eighths spoilt many of Foxton’s chances to score. Victory, after a strenuous struggle, rested with Tokomaru by 5 points to nil. Mr W. Neville was referee.

A practice of all Third grade players will he held to-night at 0.4.’) p.m. af Bryant’s billiard room. Also on Wednesday and Friday nights.