FOOTBALL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 2592, 12 June 1923, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

SENIOR MATCH.

On Saturday afternoon Hie Foxton senior rugbv football team journeyed to Levin to meet Weral’onr, at (lie Levin Domain, where a very fast and, at times, exciting game was indulged in, to (lie joy of the Foxton spectators, and to the comfort of the visiting team. . Although tlie skv was overcast, the threatening clouds remained aloft, so that the ground was in fair condition, while tho ball was easily handled.

From the commencement of the game it was easily seen that the Weraroa team had the advantage in weight, but Foxton settled down, and by constantly throwing the ball about outclassed their opponents in smart passing rushes, and in fieetness of foot. One of the tactics employed by the visitors was centre kicking, which apparently found a vulnerable point in the Weraroa defence. Every man played well, and entered into the contest with such energy and vim that even the spectators were astonished, and “some who came to go away remained to stay.” One of the star performances of the afternoon was a- sensational sprint by Baker, who, intercepting a pass from a serum near Foxton’s goal, ran a hundred yards and was not collared until he was about to place the ball on tile ground liehind the posts. Other contributing features to the visitors’ success were: (a) The quick dismemberment of the scrum. (h) Long throw-outs from the line, (e) High kicking and fast following. (d) Excellent combination among the backs. From-a loose rush, ending iu a headlong scramble for the line, Westwood, assisted by Taylor, scored. Taylor, who played a brilliant game, augmented the score. Foxton 5, Wieraroa nil. Shortly afterwards Robinson, the full back, following up a kick, regained the ball, and, from a passing rush by Taylor, Robinson and Reid, the latter crossed the line and scored. Taylor again converted. Score: Foxton 10, Weraroa nil.

Foxton continued to press until half-time, with no alteration in the scores. Although during the game various members of the Weraroa learn were cautioned for playing the man instead of the ball, none of the Foxton team were spoken to. On resuming the game, Weraroa made noteworthy efforts to force the play into yellow territory, Broughton leading some promising forward rushes, but the Foxton men were on their mettle, and repeatedly foiled these excellent attempts. Moses, who played an excellent game throughout, made a brilliant dash, penetrating far into the opponent's defence, where Baker, ever ready to adapt himself to new circumstances, took Hie ball at full speed, and crossed the line. Taylor succeeded in the kick. Score: Foxton 15, Weraroa nil. In a vigorous effort 1o score, by Weraroa, (lie ball touched against Reid, who, following up quickly with a dribbling rush, accompanied by Davidson, passed to the latter, win. scored. Ta.vlor again increased the score. Score: Foxton 20, Weraroa nil.

Kliorllv nnorwards Taylor pine ci! a- goal from lhe field. Score Fox ion 22, Weraroa -nil.

Mosf promincnl among (lie forwards wore Stevenson, Main and King, while Bamberg more than ain pi ified ex pec ta (ions.