FOOTBALL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 2625, 28 August 1923, Page 2

FOOTBALL.

FOXTON SENIORS WTN NASH CUP. STRENUOUS CAME AOATNST lIUI MAI. On Saturday afternoon, delightful weather conditions prevailed at Levin recreation ground, where a crowd of live hundred spectators witnessed the Nash Cup knock-out contest between Foxton Seniors and Hui Mai, and were rewarded by witnessing a spectacular and excit-

mo- game. Foxton, winning the toss, elected to play with the sun behind them, and made full use of this advantage, During the first spell, Ilui Mai felt the disadvantage keenly. From the kick-off, the yellow forwards, with commendable combination and keen head work, forced their opponents to adopt defensive (actios. Throughout the first spell this was the outstanding feature of play. The contest resolved itself into dribbling rushes and loose forward' play. The Foxton backs were without the services of Reid, but I hey worked in co-operation with the pack, and punted high, allowing the forwards to bear down or. their opponents. From a loose passing rush, Mati transferred to Moses, who passed to Baker, who eluding three opponents, and to one of whom lie gave the dummy, crossed the line. Taylor converted, Foxton 5, Ilui Mai nil. After the kick out, Hui Mai invaded Foxton territory, and shortly after, from a line out, Tana crossed the line. The kick failed. Foxton 5, Hui Mai 3. For a time play swayed back and forth, until Taylor kicked high, and following out, passed his opponents behind the line, and touched down. The kick from a difficult angle failed. Foxton 8, Hui Mai 3. The second spell opened with an offensive rush by Hui Mai towards Procter’s wing, where he cleverly intercepted a pass and made a brilliant and outmanoeuvring run, and amidst great cheering registered a try beneath the goal posts. Taylor made no mistake with the kick. Foxton 13, Hui Mai 3. At this stage the play among the forwards resolved itself into something more than football as defined by the rules, tripping, obstruction and excessive use of the boot being regrettably much in evidence, Hui Mai were the worst offenders in this respect. From a loose forward rush the ball was passed out to George, who succeeded in evading the attempts to tackle him. Score: Foxton 13, Hui Mai 6. Rough play continuing, as the result of a mele, Hunt (Foxton) was placed on the line for asking for what he considered his rights. Hui Mai, taking advantage of Foxton’s weakened pack, were enabled to score a further try on the call of time, making the final score: Foxton 13, Hui Mai 9. The losers relying mostly on their forwards, were outclassed by their

lighter and clever opponents. Prominent among the Hui Mai players was Tana, who, always a gentleman, exhorted his fellow players to play the ball and not' the Martin was a tower of strength to his side, especially when strong attacking was in operation. During the first spell the Hui Mai full-back played a very safe game, but during the latter half of the second spell, the Foxton forwards bothered him considerably. With few exceptions the local lads acquitted themselves admirably. Taylor was a hero in the strife who kicked hard, decisively and with sound judgment—he proved a heart-breaker to the Hui Mai forwards. It is gratifying to note that a junior player in the person of C. Procter put up a brilliant performance by scoring a sensational try. The high-class strategy and the readiness to grasp opportunities on the part of Baker, evinced in every attacking movement, met with unqualified approval. Moses was solid, both in attack and defence, and became the centre of particular attention on the part of the Hui Mai team. H. Robinson, >■ playing in a position new to him, amply fulfilled expectations. The little half-back, Lemberg, took an unmerciful gruelling, but never failed to rise to the occasion. While the whole pack played well, Mahi, M. Robinson, A. Stevenson, Cook, Hunt, O’Reilly and Barber played to instructions, and delivered the

goods. In the evening, both teams were entertained at a dinner by Mr Nash, Avho has done much to foster Rugby football in the Horowhenua Union. Mr S. Austin, a “live wire” in the w elf are of the Foxton Club, heartily co-operated in the evening’s entertainment, and introduced a warm spirit of fellowship in the gathering. Mr R. George, the Hui Mai captain, on rising to propose the toast of the Foxton Club, spoke of their prowess, and wished them every success in the future. Mr H. Robinson, in proposing the toast of the Hui Mai Club, thanked Mr George for his kind remarks and good wishes, and assured the Hui Mai members that the greetings were reciprocated. Mr Davidson, on rising to propose the toast to the “Dominion,” spoke at length on the glorious traditions which had been handed down to the present generation as a noble heritage. On the field of battle and of sport, New Zealand had won a name second to none in the British Empire. Rugby being the national game, it behoved the present players to do all in their power to foster a good, clean sporting spirit.

During .the evening, Mr health was drunk, and the showed their appreciation of his interest and unselfishness by joining in singing “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow,” after which three hearty cheers were given for Mr and Mrs Nash. Air Nash, in reply, thanked his guests for their hearty good wishes and appreciation. It gave him great pleasure to have with him that evening such a company of men who took a live interest in a manly sport. The gathering came to a close with the singing of Auld Lang Syne.

At Palmerston on Saturday, Wairarapa defeated Manawatu by 5 points to three. Palmerston North High School defeated Wellington Thirds at Palmerston on Saturday by 14 points to six. In the Moasear Cup competition, New Plymouth High School defeated Te Aute on Saturday, at New Plymouth, by 18 points to 8. The first test match between New Zealand and New South Wales was played at Dunedin on Saturday. The game was played under ideal weather conditions, and in the presence of 20,000 spectators. The New Zealanders won by 19 points to 9.