FOOTBALL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 2616, 7 August 1923, Page 2

FOOTBALL.

On Saturday afternoon, while the sky wept copious tears as football enthusiasts congregated under the welcome shelter of umbrellas to witness one of tlu* fastest, if not tbe merriest match of the season. The Foxton and the Shannon teams entertained all true lilacs who daringly ventured to brave the elements. Probably the ardour of their spirit outrivalled the inclemency of the weather.

The two teams took the field at elected to defend the eastern goal, electing to defend the eastern goal. From the outset Foxton pressed tlu* visitors, and not long after the commencement Foxton initiated a passing rush which ended in Lemberg crossing the line. Taylor succeeded in converting. Foxton 5, Shannon nil.

From then onwards the ball raced up and down the field, neither side gaining much advantage, although occasionally the situation looked serious for Shannon. Nearing tlu* end of the first spell the local team pressed hard down on tlie* visitors’ goal-line and from a five yards scrummage, Stevenson securing the leather, carried it faithfully into “no man’s land.” Taylor’s attempt to convert from a difficult angle failed. Foxton 8. Shannon nil.

Although the conditions under which the match was played were abnormal, tbe handling of tbe ball was exceptionally creditable to both sides. So zealously were both sides entering into the spirit of' tlu* contest that every inch of ground was keenly disputed. Playing up to his usual form, Rewi always •, tower of strength to his side, played a clean, cool, calculating game. To the end of the thirst spell give and take was the. order of the play. The second half was characterised by smart forward rushes headed by Rewi Moynilian for the visitors and by Hurston Robinson for the local team. The local forwards working in unison carried play repeatedly into their opponents’ territory. owing to the excessive keenness on the part of some of tlie local players opportunities of scaring were lost. Early in the second spell three local players were warned by the referee for appealing against his decisions and one of these players bad to stand on the line. Others might have followed but for the timely appeal of captain Reid. From then onwards with one man lost. Foxton had an up-hill fight, but nevertheless continued to make the game fast and furious. Tnpronu.tu scrummages were frequent, head to head contests in weight often occurring for possession of the ball, and on one occasion by sheer weight the local team succeeded in pushing the ball out of the danger zone. Towards the end a Shannon player succeeded in gaining possession of the hall from a scrummage near the north-west corner of the field and crossed the touch line. The attempt to convert failed. Foxton 8. Shannon 3.

The game ended shortly af-cr wards with Foxton far into the on I'inv territorr.

As fullback, Henry Taylor pln vrd i! brilliant game. His fielding and timely kicks are worthy of special mention. With his services at full back, the three-quarter line defence uas amply screened, which fact was conducive to assured success. It may be profitable to note that with a safe full hack, responsible for hastily devised defensive tactics, a team has much to he thankful for. Throughout the game Moses and Real played will characteristic dash and resource worthy of true knights »t the leather. Being ever read\ '•> grasp opportunities they incessantly initiated formidable passing rushes. The elusive half-hack who hails from across the Tokomaru burn was as irrepressible as gathering clouds on a rainy day. Despite Baker's temporary retirement, his skill and dexterity in the art of outmanoeuvring his pursuers were worthy oj the tleetness of a torpedo destroyer. Special mention is due to tlu* Pillowing:—TTahi. Stevenson. Norman Hunt, M. and IT. Robinson, Thompson and Royal, who held their own in almost every department of the game. For the visitors, Rewi Moynihan, Tom Moynilian, Sands, Lenihan and Rowlands were undoubtedlv among the star performers.

SENIOR REPRESENTATIVES. TO PLAY MANAWATU. The following team lias been selected by Mr J. J. O’Connor to play Manawatu at Palmerston North on Saturday:— T. Winiata (Wanderers) Meta Johnson (Hui Alai), Kelly (Shannon), Udy (Otaki), Moses (Foxton), Reid (Foxton), R. McDonald, H. Jacob (Wanderers) captain; Howell (Wanderers), Bevan (Otaki),

Tana (Hui Mai), Broughton (Wera-' roa), Moynihan (Shannon), Gardener (Hui Mai), George (Hui Mai). Emergencies: McKenzie, Wells, Marsh, Collier.

JUNIOR REPRESENTATIVES^-^

TO PLAY MANAWATU. The following have been selected to play Manawatu Junior Reps, at Shannon on Saturday: — J. Kirih ran (Rove r-'. Gray (Hui Mai), Si'h: "v (Hu.' Vai), Pr* <*tor (Foxton). To Hiwi (Hui Mai). Moki (Hui Mai), Mclntyre (Otaki). Rollett (Moufon), Winferburn (Otaki), Kuiti (Hui Mai). Moody (Koputaroa), Parr (Tokomani), Freeman (Otaki), Fitzgerald (Shannon), Stewart (To Horo). Emergencies: Pini (Koputaroa). S. Enoka (Hui Mai), Taylor (Shannon) Enoka (Hui Mai).

At Palmerston on Saturday Marawatu reps, defeated South Hawke’s Bay reps, by 20 points to 6. Tbe Inter-Island match played at Wellington on Saturday resulted in a draw, (i points each. At Auckland, Auckland defeated Southland by 3/ to 3. At Wellington on Saturday Wairnrapa and Wellington played a drawn game, neither team scoring. N.Z. TEAM. The selectors have chosen the following 20 players from which the New Zealand team will be chosen: Backs: Sinclair (Otago), Steel (West Coast), Snodgrass (Nelson), Bell (Southland), Mackareth (Otago), Potaka (Wanganui), Peina ? Wanganui), McCarthy (Canterbury), Mill (Hawke’s Bay). F. Til- ‘ yard (Wellington); forwards: McMeeking (Otago), Me Cleary (Canterbury), Richardson (Southland), Williams (Otago), Peterson (Canterbury), Pringle (Wellington), Gemmel (Hawke’s Bay), Brownlie, (Hawke’s Bay), Jacob (Horowhenua), Righton (Auckland).