FOOTBALL.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9166, 9 June 1908, Page 5

FOOTBALL.

THE MAORI TEAM. United Press Association. —By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. Sydney, June 8.

Tho Maoris’ opening match was played in beautiful weather against a New South Wales team aud proved a great attraction, the attendance being 25,000. Considering their short acquaintance with the new Rugby the visitors gave a good account" of themselves, aud play was lively but somewhat of a scrambling character. In tho first spell Powhiu scored the only try for the Maoris, tho spell ending—N.S.W. 7, Maoris 3. filn the second half, Hotaua and Witeriu placed tries to the credit of ttie visitors, but Tnki’s shots at goal were ineffectual. Per New South Wales tries were obtained by McCabe, Messenger, Bailey, and Storey. The final scores were—New South Wales 18, Maoris 9. RANGITIKEI v. HOROWHBNUA. TO-MORROW. What should prove one of the finest representative matches in Mar ton for a long time is that to be played tomorrow on the Park, at 3 o’clock between Horowheuua aud Raugitikei. Since the Raugitikei team gave such a creditable “display at Wanganui, their meeting with Horowheuua — another strong combination —is being looked forward to with the keenest interest in football circles in Rangttikei, as a stirring struggle is anticipated. The Raugitikei team lias been strengthened and Rugbyites consider it to be the best yet selected to represent the Union. The Horowhenua forwards are a strong pushing lot and their backs, when they get going get on some remarkably fine passing rushes, which always arouse the enthusiasm of specteors. A prominent back in the visitng team is Winiata, whose name is so well-known as a representative player. The game ought to be a really close and exciting one, aud should attract a big crowd of spectators, who may rely on getting good value for their money in the shape of a very interesting exposition of Rugby football.

HOBOWHENUA TEAM. ° Following will represent Horowhemra : Full back : Tom Parata. ’ Three-quarters: J. Anderson, M. Winiata anti H. David. Five-eights ; Uma Taipua and E. Btvaa. Half; J. Hakaria. Wing ; B. King. Forwards ; B. Phillips, F. Wilson, K. Hakaria, Moihi Parameua, W. Winiata, J. Boper and E. George.

At a meeting of Marton Borough Council last evening, permission was granted to Baugitikei Uaion"to erect a temporary fence on the eastern side of the Park. This 'is to keep the spectators from (trespassing on the players’ area in the hig match at Marton to-morrow. Wanganui selectors of the representative team to play the Britishers, are coming to Marton to-morrow to witness the Bep. match with a view to selecting Baugitikei players worthy of inclusion in Wanganui Bep. team. Should Beckett play up to usual form at half it is stated he is almost certain to he picked to play in that position. At a meeting of Marton Band last evening it was decided to play at the football matches at Marton tomorrow. The Band’s generous offer will be appreciated. The Junior fixture, Marton v. Excelsiors will start at 1.45 sharp. This will allow plenty of time for the representative game to start at 3 o’clock.

The following will represent Marton 11. against Excelsior 11. at Marton Park to morrow :—Harris, Marr, Walters, Ross, Lynch, Woolley, Foster, Campbell, Wallace, Brock, Maegaard, Somuers, O’Connor, Hunt and Henderson. Emergencies: Scholes 'and Toy. Practice at Signal’s Bros. ’ Stables at 7.30 this evening.