FOOTBALL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 2596, 21 June 1923, Page 2

FOOTBALL.

FOXTON THIRDS v. AYER ARO A

This gam© was played on the racecourse on Saturday last, and provided one of the most interesting games played this season. From start to finish the pace was a cracker, and there was not a dull moment, in fact, as far as football, as football should be played, many of those in the senior ranks could have learnt a lot from some of these boys. When the teams tookthe field it was noticed that the Weraroa boys had much the advantage in weight and age, but notwithstanding this the supporters of the local boys were not dismayed, and coach “Mac” said: “You just wait and see our boys chuck the ball about!” And they did chuck the ball about. For a start each side was feeling the strength of the othei’, and play hovered up and down the field. Then Robby secured the ball, ran the right distance, kicked a nicely-judged kick, followed up and put his men onside, and AYjerama were in trouble. Perreau secured, and in a twinkling the ball was from one back to the other, backwards and forwards, and Taylor scored near the posts. This was a pretty piece of work, and there was not an atom of selfishness in the play. The AYeraroa boys never had a chance, for although their tackling was good, and each man brought his man down, when he had done so someone else had the ball. Robinson failed lo add the major points. From this till the end of the spell play was fast and furious, and AYeraroa’s time was mostly taken up in stopping the passing rushes of the !• oxton boys, and it was only their good condition which enabled them to stand up to the work. Weraroa started the ball rolling in the second spell, and rushed Foxton’s defence. Hines handballing, a scrum was ordered well within Foxton’s twenty-five. AYeraroa’s half got the ball, and passed, but T. Fuller cleverly intercepted. and beating one man after another, made tracks for bis opponent’s line. Although Fuller was fast, a AA r eraroa player was just a shade faster, and drew up inch by inch on him. Cunningham, by good judgment, joined in and raced just outside the AYeraroa player. Fuller, when about ten yards from the line, recognising lie could not get there, smartly transferred the ball over his opponent’s bead to Cunningham, who, taking the ball cleanly, ra 11 over and scored behind the posts. It was a thrilling piece of work, and it is safe to say there have been very few moments as exciting for many a day. Fuller was allowed the kick at goal, but the ball went wide.

Weraroa made matters lively, but Foxton's defence was too sound, and they were continually turning defence into attack. The third score came through Ross kicking high and following up; Robbie serured, and being too fast for Ins opponents, got over at the corner. sr fhe game ended shortly after in favour of Eoxton by 9 points to nil. Mr Roore gave every satisfaction with the whistle.

In pointing out any errors, I am doing so feeling confident the boys will accept the advice in the same spirit in which it is 'given, and that is, to improve their already fine combination. Every one of the forwards played hard and well, but they would do better if they did not break up quite so quickly when they have secured the ball in the scrum. Several times they were broken up before the ball got to the half, and he did not get a chance to get it away. Keep your heads down, even in loose serum; you are not so likely to get knocked over, and you are better able to keep your eyes on the hall. Perreau, at half, played a rattling game. He was not only safe, but very clever; but he would find it to his advantage to work the blind side sometimes, especially when on the defence. It was a real joy to watch Tim Proc - ter play, and without a doubt he ; was the best back on the ground, j lie was as safe as a rock, and his v. in-timed runs and short, snappy centre kicks, putting his men onsule continually, had \V;erai'ou in trouble. Other players should hack this man up more, for he made many openings, but had to kick when a pass would have been better. Ross was very safe, and played a Stirling game, but fie made one oi- two mistakes in running backwards to get tlie ball, when he should have left it to the man behind lam. A man moving up has a much better chance of doing something with the hall than one who is moving backwards towards his own goal. Townsend did all that was asked of him, hut Hines could improve his catching somewhat. He could do Lias by watching the hail more closely. The full-back was very sale, but kicked a little too far to put his meu ou side. Robinson's strong forte is his tackling low; every man should make a practice of this.

All the backs want to hear in mind to run straight, not across the field. If you cannot run straight, pass. Several times on Saturday half-a-dozen men handled the bail without gaming a yard of ground. Anyway, the whole team does credit to their coach, Mr McDowell. EOXTON v. BULLS. A friendly match will he played between the above teams at Bulls on Saturday. The following wifi represent Bulls; — Westwood, Dwyer, Gilford, Bailey, McGregor, McKay, Saywell, Christie, Fiske, Werepa, Stokes, Whiteman, Pohu, Ciemant,

O’Reilly. Emergencies: Gobel, Murphy. The citizens of Bulls are donating a gold medal for the best individual player on the day.