RUGBY FOOTBALL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3031, 4 May 1926, Page 3

RUGBY FOOTBALL.

SATURDAY’S RESULTS. SENIORS: Shannon 17 v. Foxton 12. Wanderers 14 v. Weraroa 3. County A 17 v. Otaki 5. Hui Mai 27 v. County B. 11. JUNIORS: Awahou 16 v. Tokomaru 6. Weraroa 6 v. Miranui 6. Wanderers 12 v. Hui Mai 3. Foxton won from Otaki by default. THIRDS: Foxton 33 v. Shanon 0. WWaroa 16 v. Wanderers 0. Otaki M.C. 11 v. Otaki 3. Kuku 14 v. Southern 10. FOURTHS: Shannon 12 v. Foxton D.H.S. 0. SHANNON 17 v. SENIORS 12. Shannon Seniors made their first appearance in the Cup fixtures on Saturday at the Shannon Domain when they met Foxton, who on the previous Saturday defeated County by 46 to nill (says the Chronicle). It was fortunate for the Shannon men that they put up a good lead in th early part of the game, as in the concluding stages Foxton was running all over them, this .being brought about by the fact that they were the fitest team. Shanon have got the players this season, but it was quite evident they are not trained.. They have a fine forward division and with one or two alterations in the backs, should prove a. formidable team as the season advances. On the other hand Foxton showed form that proved they are a smart team with plenty of combination. The next occasion theso two teams meet should provide a splendid contest. The game on Saturday was a hard fought one and provided several exciting moments for the spectators. The game opened by Foxton sweeping down the field with a passing rush. This was stemmed in the 25’s. Reds retaliated, Ivohika carrying play back to the Yellow line, where they were awarded a penalty kick which Boyce converted. On the ball going into play again, it was taken to mid-field where Foxton had Shannon on the defensive for some time. Finally, Reds were penalised for offside on the 25 line, Taylor converting, evening the score. The Reds now aU tacked and from a passing bout near the line, during which the ball was handled by nearly all the back •division. Boyce crossed the line, fie took the kick, but failed to add the extra points. The home team still kept up the attack and from midfield Hurst and ITendricksen with the ball at their toes, broke through and assisted by Moynihan and Johansen carried play to Foxton line, the effort ending in a force. Shortly after Foxton made a series of attempts lo cross their opponents’ line, two opportunities being spoilt by faulty passes to Procter on the wing. They continued for some time to have Shannon defending their line, but relief came to the latter by their half, Spring, who was playing a good game for a boy, by a good kick finding the line well down. Shortly after Hunt tried a pot from the field, but missed although it was a good attempt. The spell ended with the play in Shannon’s favour. The scores were —Shannon 6, Foxton 3. The second spell opened with Foxton making every effort to even matters, but Shannon were equal to the occasion. Ultimately from a kick by Foxton the ball rebounded and Dalzell following up smartly registered a try. Hunt failed with the kick. A loose melee followed and then the Yellows again attacked and were given a free kick, the ball going on the outside of the post. From the kick-off, T. Dalzell by a fine run up the line from halfway passed to Hakaraia who scored. Hunt by a splendid kick converted. Shortly after Spring made a similar run, enabling W'hyte who followed up, to score. Hunt failed to add the extra points. Shannon 17, Foxton 3. From now on Shannon faltered and there was every indication that they had run themselves out. Foxton kept up if vigorous attack, from one of which Shannon were penalised in front of the goal, resulting in Moses converting. They again returned to the attack, a fine passing rush by their back division being intercepted by Hunt, who saved what appeared to be a sure try, by finding the line well down. Not to be denied Foxton came again and from a passing bout from half way, Procter crossed the line. Taylor’s kick failed. From a scrum the Foxton half got the ball and put his backs in motion and after some fine passing Kiriona beat his man and scored a good try. Taylor again missed with the kick. The game ended with Foxton having all the best of itj they having increased their score in the last twenty minutes by nine points. Mr. Sciascia controlled the game.

There was considerable liveliness in Otaki after the football matches on Saturday which resulted in three players making their appearance at the police court on Monday (says the Chronicle). A Maori player named Ropata was charged with striking H. O’Rourke in the face, and was fined £1 and costs., in default 14 days’ imprisonment. T. John , and T. Bevan, both residents of Otaki, were charged with disorderly conduct and drunkennes and were fined £1 and costs, in default, seven days’ imprisonment.

The junior match Awaliou v. Weraroa which was scheduled to

take place on the local racecourse on Saturday for 3 p.m. did not commence until 3.35, owing to the late arrival of the visitors. The time set down for the commencement of all games is well advertised and a quarter of an hour’s grace should be an ample margin. The Shannon fourths who played the local D.H.S. on Saturday overshadowed the local boys in height, weight, and age. The local lads played with admirable pluck, and determination, but the handicap was too severe.

Foxton seniors had all the luck against them in their match against Shannon on Saturday. Hakaraia had to retire through an injury after 20 minutes play, Kiriona taking his place. Early in the second spell Procter. got knocked out and was replaced by Cuminerfield. The gamefwas fast throughout and there was an absence of roughness. Moses was well marked throughout, but he played a slashing game. Fuller and Taylor were very safe and Hirini at half was particularly nippy. Burdis,} Andrews, ,o’Reijlly, Krivashanko and Thompson were afways prominent in the pack.

Foxton club committee meets tonight.

Mr. Proud will deliver a lecture on Friday. See Thursday's issue for particulars.