FOOTBALL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 2640, 2 October 1923, Page 4

FOOTBALL.

On Saturday afternoon the local school’s first fifteen rugby fobthall team played their first match against Levin High School for possession of the Austin Banner. Foxton winning the toss, elected to play with the sun behind them. When the two teams took the field it was evident that the challengers possessed inferiority in weight and that the local lads were faced with a difficult problem. A very interested party of spectators being present, at no time was interest flagging. From the kick-off, to the end of the first spell, the local fifteen spent most of their time in their opponent’s territory, where many a stern battle for the ball took- place. Although Foxton came well nigh scoring often, faulty passing and unnecessary hesitation seemed to cripple their efforts. At such times when a team has victory almost within its grasp, it is well to remember that “he who hesitates is lost.” The first spell closed without a score being regis feral.

The opening of the second spell saw Foxton attacking keenly and, before many minutes had elapsed, a score was recorded. From a forward kick by a Foxton player which was mulled by a Levin back, Williams assisted by two forwards, carried the ball at his toes across the line. The attempt to convert at a difficult angle failed. Foxton 3, Levin nil. f

Foxton continued to attack but owing to Levin’s excellent defensive tactics by the backs, they failed to bring to fruition their numerous attempts to cross the line. Play swayed about the field until the ball went out to McDonald, a stalwart Maori boy from a loose passing rush. Gathering speed lie, assisted by his hacks, dashed through the line of defenders and scored between the goal posts. Phillips successfully converted. Levin 5, Foxton 3.

From (hen onwards, although both sides pressed, no further score was registered. Mr Neville officiated as referee.

On Saturday afternoon Levin Rovers met the Foxton Juniors in a friendly contest at Easton Park where the game was characterised by clean, well-organised passingrushes and natty dribbling. Had the Juniors played throughout the past season with similar combination, another trophy would undoubtedly now be held in addition to tiie ones presented last Thursday evening. From the outset, the forwards were keen and alert, making' full use of every opportunity that arose. The ball was freely tossed about the field until a penalty kick was awarded to the visitors against Foxton for handling the hall in the scrum. The visitors registered a penalty goal. Rovers 3, Foxton nil. Foxton rallied, and soon carried play into their opponents’ territory where C. Procter, gaining possession of the leather from a passing rush, initiated from a scrum, crossed the line near the corner. Huff failed to convert from a difficult angle. Foxton 3, Rovers 3. Foxton continued pressing hard and Fuller, from a line-out, gaining possession of the ball, indulged in succession of feint passes which enabled him to cut in and score between the uprights, Huff converting. Foxton 8, Rovers 3. From this onwards, much forward play was indulged in by either side, until Huff, gathering the ball info his arms in “no man’s land” headed determinedly for the coveted line which he reached although pressed hard by the übiquitous Graham. The try was not converted. Foxton 11, Rovers 3. Half-time saw no change in the scores. On resumption, Graham proved himself,a formidable unit in the game and had he been supported by a man as fast as himself, he would have doubtlessly increased the visitors’ score. From a mark near the local team’s goal, Graham kicked a goal. Foxton 11, Rovers <i. From a passing-rush organised by Harry Walls,-the ball finally came into Fuller’s hands. He lost no time in dashing for the line. Foxton 14, Rovers (>. Rovers rallied, and alas! too lalo commenced dribbling tactics which rewarded them with a further score bv two visiting forwards who crossed the line near the flag. Foxton 14, Rovers !). Shortly afterwards the whistle for full time blew. Mr Neville ably controlled the game. In the evening the visitors were the guests of the Juniors at Walls’ Tea Rooms where both sides expressed their delight in the game while participating in a dinner provided by the local fifteen. While the visiting captain heartily thanked the Foxton team (on behalf of the Rovers) for their hospalily, Mr C. Procter responded on behalf of the local hoys.