RUGBY FOOTBALL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3783, 24 April 1928, Page 2

RUGBY FOOTBALL.

OPENING OF THE SEASON. The competitions in the Horowhenua district commenced on Saturday in fine weather. Foxton seniors gathered ujo a mixed team to play Wanderers at Levin. The gathering up of sufficient players proved a difficult task, and it was nearly 3 o’clock before they left, and consequently the game was delayed. Wanderers had no difficulty in accounting for the locals, who were defeated by 32 points to 3. The Foxton Thirds met and played a drawn game with Wanderer Thirds on the local racecourse, fore a fair crowd of spectators. Both teams were fairly evenly matched, the weight favouring Wanderers, whose backs also showed superiority in long kicking. The local boys, however, displayed better combination and their tackling’ was deadly. Both teams displayed faulty handling. Mr. H. Taylor officiated as referee and if other referees can give as good account of themselves as lie did on Sdtur-' day, then football will be placed bn a much higher footing than in past years. “Playing the man”, was' promptly dealt with and one of-the visiting backs who had been previously warned for obstruction, was promptly put on the line. This had a 'steadying effect on both teams. The loss of McDonald handicapped Wanderers. In the first half no score was registered although both teams were within an ace of crossing—but wild kicking spoilt the opportunity. In the second spell Foxton did most of the attacking and indulged in several bouts of very commendable passing. After battling on Wanderer’s line for some time Newson got possession and scored in a handy position. Huff failed with the kick. Shortly after Smith was again within an ace of crossing, but was put out at the corner. Wanderers started a loose rush and carried on down the field and Wilson followed up the advantage, by scoring a well-deserved try. The major points were not added and the game resulted in a draw.

Newth was the most prominent back, and put in some dashing work. He was ably supported by Newson, Chrystall and Hartley. Smith carried off the honours in the forwards, ably assisted by Chipper and Aldridge. The local thirds give promise of pointing the way to a high-class game, and should gi\ r e* a good accoxint of themselves before the season closes. SATURDAY’S RESULTS. SENIOR. Wanderers 32 v. Foxton 3. Hui Mai 8 v. Shannon 8. Wjeraroa a bye. JUNIOR. Paraparaumu 18 v. Hui Mai 3. Weraroa 20 v. Maungatuku 0. Miranui 8 v. Shannon 3. THIRD GRADE. Foxton 3 v. Wanderers 3. Shannon 12 v. Weraroa 10. Otaki 19 v. Hui Mai 3. SENIORS. WANDERERS (32) v. FOXTON (3). The above game was played at Leviix on Saturday. Foxton won the toss and played with the wind and sun behind them. The blacks were early on the attack, but found the visitors’ last line of defence an effective one in the early stages. A penalty to Foxton was the means of afford-

ing relief, and, following up their advantage, the visitors had Wanderers busy in their own 25. Up ’ and under tactics by the home team shifted the venue to midfield and with the ball at the toe the blacks again invaded, a series of scrums ensuing. After a passing rush of the blacks ending prematurely, Graham took a shot at the goal, but missed it by a bit. Following two serums in quick succession, Wanderers looked like crossing over, but the opposing back division still held good, and * play was worked back to half way. The visitors got in some nice line kicks, and then . Ryder obtained possession and passed to Williams, who lost the ball to the Foxton backs. Play continued in the visitors’ territory for a while, culminating in a linc-out well up, from which the ball went to Knox, who shot over. The try was converted by R. McDonald. Wanderers 5, Foxton 0. The blacks’ forwards were soon launching another attack, and ► Foxton being penalised for offside play, R. McDonald had a shot, but did not goal. Foxton applied the pressure, hut were forced back from half-way by forward rushes of a determined character. At length R. McDonald crossed over at the corner and touched down, following this up by a difficult conversion. Wanderers 10, Foxton 0. The visitors’ forwards released fresh energy and by alternate punting and dribbling penned the Blacks in the corner, and Anderson, grounded the ball over the line. Westwood failed with the kick. Wanderers 10, Foxton 3.

In the second spell the Yellows, warming up to their work, showed an improvement of form, but the home team, having now the climatic advantages, went on to pile up the score. After some loose work in midfield, the Blacks when making for their objective were penalised, but Foxton’s relief was quickly annulled by a return from Ryder and the visitors were soon busy defending their line. Their backs carried play up field again, but it was only a brief excursion, for in a few minutes they were back on their line. Following a scrum at five yards, T. Parata obtained the ball and ducked over. R. McDonald’s kick missed. Wanderers 13, Foxton 3.

Soon after the kick-out, there was a melee on the home line and Wianderesrs forced. A period of long punting led to an incursion by the blacks. After a scramble near the line, Foxton were awarded a free kick, but it only shifted play in a lateral direction. There was* some scrambling in the corner, tilr Tatana snapped up the leather and scored. He just missed the goal. Wanderers 16, Foxton 3. It was not long before the 1 blacks were again knocking at the gate. Newton relieved with a good hick, after which Graham got possession and scored from a smart fun. The angle was a severe one, and Tatana’s kick missed the goal; by .a little. Wanderers 19, Foxton *3..

' (Wanderers were almost immediately running over their opponents, and from a scramble Ward got across and McDonald converted. Wanderers 24, Foxton 3. , Another score came quickly, W. Parata touching down at the corner. Herernaia failed with the kicli. Wanderers 27, Foxton 3. The last assault led to a lineout in a. good position; then a mixup, from which Knox obtained a try in a handy position, enabling Tatana to convert/ and the game thereupon ended, with the scores: Wanderers 32, Foxton 3, Mr. E. Bevaii refereed.