FOOTBALL.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9151, 21 May 1908, Page 5

FOOTBALL.

BULLS (6) V. MARTON (4). ’ The principal fixture for yesterday’s football in Rangitikei Union was the senior game between Bulls and Marton at Bulls. The weather was fine and the ground in capital order, but the’grass requires [cutting before the next match. There was a large attendance of spectators, [the Sandon and Marton districts being well represented. By reason of their two wins, Marton were slightly the favour!teA. From the kick off, however, it could be seen that Balls intended patting up a big fight and they did so aud left the field victorious by 6 points (two tries) to 4, a potted goal. Both sides talked too much during the progress of the game and questioned the referee’s decisions. This is a feature which can advantageously be dispensed with. Bulls had a dashing set of forwards aud the services of W. Green. In consequence they kept Marton defending most of the time. The Bulls hacks were fed from the scrum hut managed to make a hash of almost every passing attack attempted by them. The visiting backs, with the exception of Broderick and McGnrke, were even worse aud the forwards were sluggish. Altogether the home team showed better combination, aud better form aud gave a good exhibition in the shape of several fast forward, rashes. The . win was thoroughly deserved. The first few minutesof play Bulls had their opponents puzzled on the line aud a free kick brought timely relief. Then Marton had a look in and the forwards carried play to the other end and at a critical moment A. Green got in a clever mark. The visitors returned to the attack and from a scrum the ball was sent out to Henderson, who had two chances—one was to pass out to his three-quarter line who had a clear run and the other was to pot at goal which’he did , the hall going clean between the posts. up again and soon had Marton defending. From an easy angle Oapsfcick marked and took a shot at goal, hut the ball went wide. Soon after a passing rush was' started by Bulls and Brown got over at the corner, a breach of the rules being unnoticed by the referee. Green failed at goal. Carter was the next man to distinguish himself and after some good individual play got in a smart mark within easy distance, hut the attempt at goal again failed. The kick was taken by Richardson. The home team kept up a well-sustained attack and but for the good work of Broderick at full more tries would have been scored by them. Bulls were unlucky with one good loose msh,|the hall going one at the corner when a try seemed certain. McGurko started 'a nice passing rush for Marton aud all tho backs joined in, but tho ball went out at the 25 line. Play got to the other end again through the solid work Green was patting in. Off-side'play gave Bulls another chance aud Brown was entrusted with the kick which just missed. There was no improvement shown by the Marton team in the second spell and, if anything, Bulls "showed up to greater advantage. Exchange of kicks, scrum and line work began to get monotonous, then the best loose forward rush of the day was started from midfield and Bulls swept clean through their [opponents aud H. Green scored the winning try, amid great applause. No goal resulted. Marton now livened up and put in some very solid work, but Brown and A. Green repeatedly helped their side out of some hot corners, aud kicking well out of touch, the time soon passed and when the whistle sounded play was in neutral ground. Mr Hinkley refereed.

MARTON 11. (3) V. RATA 11. (3)

This match was played at Marton yesterday and resulted in a draw—three points each. Some fine passing by Rata would have ended in a score but the 1 ball went [forward. The visitors got a mark in front of the goal, but the kick failed. Passing off the ground gave Kata another chance at goal which was not accepted. Play went to the other end where Marton got a free kick and had an unsuccessful-shot at goal. A strong forward rush by Rata was saved by a fine kick by Hunt and then Marton kept up a|strong attack, but the spell ended with no score. The home team at once set to work in the opening of the second half and Humphrey made a splendid opening and a passing rush among the backs carried play to Rata’s line and from a free kick A. Signal placed a beautiful goal. Rata now opened up the game and ran clean through, scoring the only try of the game from which no goal resulted. From this out the home team had all the best of the play and Marton up to the call of time. For Rata Richards, at full, was very safe and J. Hartley and R. Potaka played sound games, whilst Olimo was the pick of the forwards. For Marton, FutcherJFoster, Lynch and Walters played sterling forward games and Humphrey, Signal and Marr were the best backs.

HUNTER'VILLE 11. (20) V. EXOELSIORS 11. (0).

This match was played on Mr Pawson’s new ground at which was in good order. The home team played with 14 men during the first half arid lacked combination with the result that 11 points were scored in this spell. The passing of the Hunterville backs was exceptionally good and their combination throughout was splendid. In the second half the visitors added nine points to their score and the game ended by 20 points to nilone converted try, four tries and a goal. irom the field. Mr Gibbons refereed.' (Prom Our Correspondent.) The football match on the Hunterville Domain yesterday—Married v. Single—was played nine aside. Singles won the to§s and stalled to play up hill. Milne got a try in the early part of the game. Jago [Jailed to convert,. Upchurch for the married got a free kick which resulted in.the loss of his boot. James then made a [brilliant attempt and Petborick got across the line. No goal resulted. Singles then scored. Half time resulted with the score— Singles 1), Married & In the 'second spell the tactics of the Married’s betrayed great generalship on the part of the entire nine, the result proving Singles 15, Married 12. The referee (Mr T. Bruntnn) expects to carry his honourable scars to his grave.

Huuterville on Saturday W. Goodall, J. Sinclair, H., Arnotfc, L. Arnott, O. Outts, F. Richards, A. Strawbridge, J. Conder, Hunter, Johnston, Allen, Morris, Hanlon, Scott and Braid. Emergencies: Back: Allen and L. Nuttali; forwards, Bishop and Broome.