FOOTBALL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 2622, 21 August 1923, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

FOXTON v. BULLS. Last Saturday afternoon a large number of- l'oeal rugby enthusiasts gathered at-Easton Park to witness a return match played between the Bulls Seniors and Foxton Seniors. The weather was fine, with a slight north-westerly breeze. Both teams participated in a lively game, the issue of which was keenly contested from the outset. Over-keennes's on the part of both teams hampered clean work in the scrums, which often 'resolved themselves into trials of strength. It is sincerely hoped that the local team will profit by the somewhat unsatisfactory scruh? work, with a view to speeding uff their organisation for the 1 coming final contest against Hui Mai.

During the first spell, play swayed about the field, no side apparently possessing the balance of power,' although more than once the visitors came well nigh forcing a decision in their favour.

In the second spell, Foxton played with the sun behind them, and immediately forced play into their opponents’ territory, where give and take play prevailed for some considerable time. From a well-or-ganised passing rush by Moses, the ball passed through many hands, and eventually reaching Westwood, who, making a zig-zag run, crossed the .line. The attempt to convert from a difficult angle failed. Foxton 3—Bulls nil.

From this''onwards Foxton, encouraged by their previous successful efforts, pressing strenuously, carried play into their opponents’ territory, where Davidson, secured from a line out and amid much opposition successfully cross* ed the line, with a number of hands clutching his jersey. Taylor was successful in adding the extra points. Foxton B—Bulls nil. Finding their opixments’ defence weakened, Foxton continued to make dangerous passing rushes, from one of which Reid secured the ball and sprinted unopposed, and registered a try between the uprights. Taylor converted. Foxton 13 —Bulls nil.

Prior to call of time, Moses, finding all hopes of potting a goal baffled, after foiling the attempts of two opponents, passed to Reid,’who, drawing, skilfully the opposition, transferred the ball to the redubotable Baker, who ran in unopposed. The attempt to convert failed. Foxton 16 —Bulls nil. Mr W. Neville commendably controlled the game. VISITORS ENTERTAINED. In the evening the visitors were hospitably entertained by Mr and Mrs Kirkland, at Whyte’s Hotel, whose efforts to foster a worthy spirit of fellowship between the two teams were roundly applauded by all.

During the evening, Mr Davidson, on being - asked' to -welcome the guests-on behalf of the local club, paid a tribute to the fine spirit of sportsmanship, displayed by the individual members of the visiting team. The Foxton boys would long remember their match at Bulls, and the courteous manner in which they were received, and no doubt they were gathered together that night to strengthen once more the bonds of friendship and fellowship which had been welded during the previous match.

The Bulls captain, on rising to respond to the cordial' welcome, paid a glowing tribute to the manner in which the local “sports” had received them. He assured Boston players that the feeling was reciprocated, and thanked sincerely the Boston boys for all the good things they said concerning his Club, and trusted the good feelings already implanted would continue to esist. Towards the closing stages of the evening’s entertainment, Mr Austin was entrusted l with the pleasant duty of presenting Moses with a gold medal awarded by Mr J. T. Bollas for the best player on that day’s game. “Moses,” always a modest soul, briefly thanked his fellow club-mates for the token. Taranaki B reps, defeated Manawatu at Palmerston on Saturday by 13 points to 5. At Napier, Hawke’s Bay Junior reps, defeated Wairarapa reps, by 14 to; 8. , : ' y New South Wales played the opening match of their tour at Wellington on Saturday, when they met the combined Wellington-Ma-nawatu-Horowheua reps., and suffered defeat by 29 points to 16. { defeated Nelson, at Nelson on Saturday, by the harrow margin of seven points to six. This whs ’the first; game' between these provinces for twenty-one years. At Auckland the Taranaki seps. were defeated-by 58 points to nil. At Pahiatua, Hawke’s Bay defeated Bush by 12 to 6. At Auckland, Te Aute College defeated Auckland Grammar School by 8 points to 3. .

At New Plymouth, Canterbury defeated Taranaki by 15 to 8. In the Nash Cup semi-final match at Levin on Saturday, Hui Mai defeated Weraroa by 19 points to 5.

In' the Junior' semi-final match on Saturday, Koputaroa defeated Tokomaru by 19 points to 3.