POLO.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXI, Issue 8747, 22 February 1907, Page 2

POLO.

Hawke’s Bay v. Rangitikei.

Wo announced on Wednesday that the game between the above teams would not take place yesterday, the reason being tho soft condition of the home-playing ground. As the visitors ponies had arrived in Bulls in tho meantime, it was decided to play the match on the home teams number two ground at Burleigh; Both clubs were represented by their strongest combinations, and despite the slight unevenness of the ground a firstclass exposition of the game was given; Tho scores in the game, Eangitikei 11 points to Hawke’s Bay 5, suggest rather a one-sided game. This was not so, the homo team having frequently to exert all their resource in defensive tactics to save their goal. On the day’s play the home team showed the best combination, more especially in tho way that they turned attack into defence and vice-versa. The visitors seemed to be slightly handicapped by net being familiar with tho ground. Tho teams were—Hawke’s Bay: P. McKenzie, back; N. McKenzie No. 2, H. Russell and- J. Ormond. Eangitikei: Neel Wilson, back; H. Wilson No. 2, K. Dahynqfieand E. Wilson. Prom the start off the home team attacked strongly and after a few minutes play Dalrymplo notched the first goal. On resuming tho visitors were again on tho defensive, P. McKenzie repeatedly saving his side, then H. Wilson evading all opposition scored the second goal from a ong high drive. Tho second spell eaw Hawke’s Bay on the attack and H. Russell drew first blood for his side. Shortly after Dalrymplo scored his second goal, and a little later H. Wilson hit one from loose play in front of the posts. The third spell saw H. Wilson add another goal to his credit by a beautiful backhanded drive. The visitors now kept up a continuous attack, W. McKenzie making some fine openings, in which he was supported by Ormond. The local defence was too good and later Dalrymple broke away with one of his characteristic dashos and enabled N. Wilson to score an easy goal. On resuming after half-time the scores wore Eangitikei 6, Hawke’s Bay 1. Tho fourth spell treated the spectators to some exciting play, Ormond and W. McKenzie scoring in rapid succession. Towards tho end of the spell H. Russell added another goal and the score stood 6 — 4, K. and H. Wilson soon added two more goals and towards the end of the game Bangitikei’a score was increased to eleven by JR- Wilson hitting two and Dalrymple one goal. Ormond also scored for the visitors. Mr A. H. Bill had control of the game.