FOOTBALL.

Shannon News, 15 April 1924, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

OPENING OF RUGBY SEASON. SENIORS: Otaki 27, Rovers 3. [Wenaroa 6, Hui Mai 6. Wanderers 21, Floxton 0. JUNIORS (Southern). Rovers 11, Hui Mai 0. Paraparaumu 9, Otaki 0. Rahul 17, Weraroa 0. (Northern). Tokomaru 47, Miranui 0. Shannon 12, Koputaroa 0. THIRDS (Northern). Shannon Defaulted to WeFarou. Rovers Defaulted to Foxton. (Southern). Hui Mai 6, Qtaki 3. 'Paraparaumu 9, Te Horo 5. FOURTH GRADE. Foxton 8, Levin D.H.S. 3. WANDERERS DEFEAT FOXTON. Wanderers and Foxton took the field for the opening of the Rugby sea* son in Levin, the game proving an easy win for the home team, which had all’ the advantage in weight, and, when they got going, considerably more science than their opponents, many of whom were juniors, brought in to pack out the team. The weather was rather too warm for . football and neither players nor public quite caught the football spirit, which thrives more naturally in keen winds and slush. The attendance was small.

Wanderers took title offensive from the outset and except for some plucky attempts on the part of the yellow and black pack, kept the ball in their opponents’ 25 throughout the game. Foxton fought gamely right through the first spell and were' during this half playing better football than Wanderers whose combination was nil. Heroic efforts kept the score down to 3 points in favour of Wanderers, but the second half witnessed a collapse of the Foxton team and a great improvement in Wanderers’ play. Towards the end of the game Wanderers were practicing passing in the field, so thoroughly had they worn out their opponents. ’ Tatania, : Jacob, Stoker, Mollison, Ransfteid and Nicholson all scored for Wanderers, the latter getting two tries. All the kicks failed. WERAROA DRAW WITH HUI MAI. This match proved a brilliant exposition of New Zealand’s national game. Played at Manakau, the ground was in excellent order and a large crowd Was present. Weraroa won the toss and play was .very last and open from the kick-off. Weraroa attacked very strongly and by good back combination were soon in Hui Mai’s territory. From a ruck near the Hui Mai goal, R. Broughton gathered the ball in and dived oyer. Rapa’s kick proved unsuccessful. Play was now getting very fast and after a lot of even play Meta Johnson .whipped up the ball in Weraroa’s 25’s and scored alter a brilliant run.. Tana’s kick failed.

From the kick Weraroa, made a great effort toi gain a lead agayi and just befqre lialf time R. Broughton repeated his “Sydney run” and beating five men scored a nice try. Hopa’s kick was again unsuccessful. The whistle sounded half time—Weraroa 6,. Hui Mai 3. The second spell opened well and some fine Rugby was witnessed. Play at this time was very even. Hui Mai’s forwards were using their weight to the best advantage and testing Weraroa’s backs strongly. Weraroa proved equal to the occasion and eventually wore the hefty forwards out. At this juncture Hopa met with an unfortunate accident, having two ribs broken but gamely played on. From some, lose play Bryant came into possession of the leather ard after a clever run scored. Tama’s kick missed. Shortly after the whistle sounded time with the score 6 all. Mr Seymour controlled the game in a very fair and able manner, his decisions being well received