REPRESENTATIVE RUGBY.

Shannon News, 29 July 1921, Page 1

REPRESENTATIVE RUGBY.

HOROWHENUA' 27, OROUA 6. The fixture between these Unions was played at Foxton on Wednesday, and proved an easy win for Horowfienua by 5 27 to 6.

'Xfie opening spell was anything but a high-class exhibition so far as Horowhenua (red) was concerned, and although their forwards • kept play in the Oroua (blue) twenty-five for the first twenty minutes, the Blue pack frequently broke through from the scrums, and fast following, up nearly brought trouble to the Reds more than once. The Horowhenua backs endeavoured to make the game open, but mishandling and qff-side play nullified all efforts, and nothing resulted. The good tackling of the Blues was also a factor in stopping aggressive movements, the Oroua backs being solid in defence. They, however, lacked much attacking initiative, and their attempts at passing failed to get them very much forward. It was their pack that kept Horowhenua busy, carrying out some fine dribbling rushes, which invariably gained ground, , whilst they were equally good in scrum work. Towards the end of the spell, a strong kick to the Oroua goal was poorly returned-by the Bine full back, which allowed Jacob to field the ball and cross at the comer. Horowhenua 3, Oroua 0. ‘This reverse stirred the Blues to greater activity, and a fine rush swept down the field to the Horowhenua end, where a penalty was awarded the attackers,. and Goodin goaled for Oroua, making the score equal, 3—B. A change was made in the Horowhenua backs in the second half, Reid, going up to first five-eighth, and Ford taking his place as second five-eighth. From the outset Horowhenua commenced a series of brilliant attacks attended with great success. Toddy McDonald, who was playing the best half-back game of the season, initiated rush after rush, in which he was well supported by Reid, Ford, N. and T. Winiata and T. Moynihan. A few minutes after recommencing, ToI:a Winiata got across after excellent passing work. Horowhenua 6, Oroua ! 3. Jacob was next prominent by breaking through in the loose, and after a great spurt with an Oroua man, touched down under the bar. Kelly goaled. Horowhenua 11, Oroua 3. The Blues took a turn at attack, and got to the Red twenty-five, where they were given a penalty, and Goodin kicked his second goal. Horowhenua 11, Oroua f>. After that Horowhenua dominated the, game with fine spectacular play, and bout after bout of splendid passing work followed, in which T, McDonald and Ford were particularly noticeable, whilst they were ably supported by dashing play among the forwards. Tim next try came from an opening mad;' by T. McDonald, who handed to Rem and then Ford.' The latter lost the ball, but again gaining control, sprinted over after a fine swerving run. Kelly was again successful with the kick. Horowhenua 16, Oroua 6. Jacob and N. Winiata carried on down vn«; I touchline, where the ball went out, but after the throw-in the Red forwards carried it over and Tana scored. Horowhenua 19, Oroua 6. The Blues made another effort, and got nearer a try than at any other part of the game. Sands and Bevan were hooking the ball in every scrum,"thus giving the backs further opportunities, from which tries were scored by Rangi Broughton and T. Moynihan, the final score being 27—6. Mr T. Parata re-, fereed in his usual excellent style.' In the second half the display by Horowhenua backs was the best seen this season'. Jacob was in good form, and put up one of his best games, whilst Bevan, Sands, Broughton, R. Moynihan, Dalzell and Robinson did creditable work among the forwards.

AFRICAN TOUR EXTENDED. The New Zealand Rugby Union has altered .the date of the last Test in Wellington from September 3 to 17. Th Africans do not leave till 19th, and are unlikely to play in Sydney <n their way back. This may involve an alteration in the Nelson-Marlborough match to September 3, and the match against the Maoris may be played in Wellington. Two curtain-raisers are being arranged for the third Test in Wellington against the Springboks, one of which may be a match between the King Country and the Wellington P> representatives. The Manawatu Rugby Union intends asking the Wellington Rugby Union to allow the ManawatuHorowhenua team to play its return match with Wellington as a curtainraiser to the thtrd Test match.