FOOTBALL.

Shannon News, 5 July 1921, Page 4

FOOTBALL.

SATURDAY’S RESULTS. Hui Mai 3, Kuku 3. Wanderers 12, Tokomaru 3. Foxton 14, Shannon 0. JUNIOR. Shannon 6, Otaura 0. Wanderers 11(, Foxton 8. Weraroa a bye. HUI MAI AND KUKU DRAW. That great interest centred in the meeting of the above teams at Manakau on Saturday was evidenced by the large attendance in spite of rain overhead and mud , under ! loot. The district from Levin to Otaki was represented among the spectators, who were expecting a close and hardfought contest, and they were not disappointed. The rain of the previous twenty-four hours made the ground very soft, and to make matters worse a junior match was played prior to the senior game, which left the field in a quagmire. It is to be regretted some discretion is not exercised under such conditions as those of Saturday, and another ground secured for junior fixtures. This would not be an impossibility in. Manakau; in fact, there appears to be room for a second ground adjoining the present area? Both teams lined out in full strength,-.and Manakau (green) winning the toss, played from the high end. The Kuku (blue) pack made the game a forward one, and during the greater part of the spell kept the play in the Green side of half-way. Very little concerted back play was shown, and when the ball did get to the backs it was invariably returned promptly to touch. Confining the play, to Hui Mai ground, several penalty kicks were given against the defenders, and just before the half-time whistle Page drew first blood by sending the leather over the bar. There were strong contingents of supporters of both teamsj, present, and Kuku’s was the signal, of a wild outburst of cheering and other forms of excitement. If anything the remaining portion of the spell was more strenuously fought, out than the preceding stages. On changing ends, Kuku had the advantage of the high ground, but Hui Mai evened this up by putting every ounce of ginger into their work, and play went from end to end of the ground. Time and again the Green forwards worked their way uphill( only to be sent back by the superb kicking of Nepia Winiata, Whare and Page, but esj (dally of the first-named. The Kuku forwards right through had played well together, solidly supporting every rush, and followed up in great style. They outshone the Hui Mai pack in this respect, though the scrum work was well divided. Porter, Johnson and Tahiwi were conspicuous in a strenuous game among the Green backs, the handling by both rearguards being uniformly good considering she greasy state of the ball. Hui Mai got within striking distance and two cr three shots at goal failed. The Blue forwards charged again and caried on over the half-way line, where they were brought up, and Martin on the wing made a break back to inside the Kuku twenty-five. The ball came in, and was cross-kick-ed, Takiwi taking a mark in a good position, but the effort narrowly missed. Kuku invaded again, and there was hot work in the Green area. The pressure was relieved by a long kick, and the attack was pressed to the Kuku line amidst general excitement. The ball was thrown in deeply from touch, and Hui Mai made a supreme effort. From a 'loose rush among the forwards Porter cut in and gathered the. ball and made for the line. Two opponents bared the way, but throwing himself between them he fell across the line and scored with his opponents hanging to him. The falling rain had no effect bn the enthusiasm of the Green supporters, who cheered themselves hoarse. Johnson took the shot at goal, but the ball passed on the outside. The score was now 3 all. Kuku livened up the game again, and the next, minute found them knocking at Hui Mai’s door. The Greens had an anxious few minutes right back on their line, where Dimock, Wilson and George led a great rush and moved the game to the neutral zone. The final whistle came shortly after, ending in a draw, one of the greatest struggles seen at Manakau for many years. Mr J. Rhodes, of Levin, was the referee.

WANDERERS DEFEAT FOXTON JUNIORS.

The junior match between Foxton and the Wanderers proved one of the surprises of the season, by the Wanderers winning by 11 to 8. The heavy ground seemed to suit the local boys, who commenced, by opening up the play, but these tactics were not too successful owing to the greasy ball. Off-side play gave Wanderers a shot at goal, and Whare was successful In the second spell the , Wanderers went in for high kicking and fast following up. These rushes gained

ground time after time, and were ably led by Wildsmith and Whare. From a high, kick Rangi Williams followed up smartly. The Foxton full back fumbled, and Rangi scored a well-de-served try. Whare goaled.—B-0. Foxton was making repeated attempts to get their backs going, but the treacherous ball brought these efforts to nought. At last the Foxton half sent to Po on the wing, who scored.— B—3. Wanderers took the offensive, and good following up saw L. Broughton get over and score. —11—3. At I this stage Foxton seemed to be well beaten, but they came again, and Reid picked up and worked his way through to touch down near the posts. Kerri Amo goaled, and the scores read: Wanderers 11, Foxton 8. From this stage to the call of time, the Wanderers,, made repeated onslaughts on their opponents’ line, several scores being narrowly averted. The game ended without further incident. HOROWHENUA REP. TEAM. Porter (back), and Campion (forward) have notified the Union that they will not be available for the rep. match against Bush Union in Levin on Wednesday. According to the selection of emergencies by the selec|prs, Barber (forward) and Nepia Winiata (back) will fill the vacancies. WANDERERS (12) v. TOKOMARU (3). This was a slow, uninteresting ■ game, being mostly a scramble among the forwards. The Wanderers’, were too good for the opposing pack, and had the best of the play.