RUGBY FOOTBALL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3549, 12 October 1926, Page 2

RUGBY FOOTBALL.

FOXTON THIRDS DEFEATED IN SEMI-FINAL.

On Saturday afternoon the local Thirds met Weraroa on the Foxton racecourse in the semi-final match for the championship. The ground was practically under water and rain fell during the greater part of the game.

Weraroa drew first blood with an unconverted try shortly after the commencement of the game. Play was very even for some time and Foxton, putting in plenty of dash look play down to the Weraroa line. A scrummage near the corner ensued and Aldridge cleared, sending ball aeoss to the backs, right in front of the posts. Rankin touched down smartly and registered Poxlon’s only try. Stevenson failed to raise the sodden ball. Half time was declared shortly afterwards with the scores reading WJeraroa 3, Foxton 3.

In the second half the heavy going told on both teams, although Poxton, used to a dry ground, showed greater fatigue than Weraroa. It being impossible to pick the ball up, both teams kept the leather at their feet and some very fine dribbling rushes were made by Foxton, in which G. Rankin shown out. The ball was frequently lost or over-run through players being blinded with water* and mud. Weraroa secured three more tries in this spell, one of which was converted, and the game ended Weraroa 14, Foxton. 3. Weraroa are now the winners of the Northern championship and will meet the Southern champions at Levin on Saturday in the final.

The Maori Rugby touring team was defeated at Paris by 11 points lo nine. The team play their first match in England against Somerset on the 16th.

The Maori Rugby touring team lias lost weight during their French tour owing to the unaccustomed food. They are longing to get to England, where they can get some good steaks and solid plain food. The Maoris captured the Paris imagination, the people being impressed by their magnificent physique and musical talents. Much space in the newspapers/ is given to Wineera’s and Denis’s piano playingj Grace’s singing, and the general chorus singing. The team laid a wreath on the grave of the Unknown Warrior.