SATURDAY'S FOOTBALL.

Shannon News, 6 October 1925, Page 3

SATURDAY'S FOOTBALL.

INTEK-UNIOrt. Kia Toa Vi, Wanderers 3. JUNIORS. Weraroa nil, Shannon nil. REFEREES. Manawatu 11, Horowlienua 9. REFEREES AT PLAY. The Manawatu and Horowlienua Referees, were rather unfortunate in striking- had weather for their game at Levin on Saturday. Intermittent showers fell through Hie afternoon and this not only made things unpleasant for the players, hut affected the attendance of the public to a considerable extent. Manawatu, with the assistance of four local players, proved to be in better condition than the Horowlienua men, and won a closely contested, if at times highly amusing game, by 11—9. When the teams lined out it was very evident that -a number of the local players had not been paying enough attention to the personal fit ness that would enable them to last through ninety minutes of football. Before starting Mr J. Procter presented Referee fimmett with a little wooden whistle and -hoped he would carry out his duties in an honourable manner and not allow.,the players to get beyond his control. The players themselves, although mostly referees, proved that they were well versed in the art of illegal play, which gave the referee many opportunities of treating the spectators to some brilliant variations on his musical equipment. Horowlienua, using their weight, attacked from the outset and a rush that would have done credit to the All Blacks ended wity Cole scoring in a handy position. Bevan failed with the kick. A. miskiek by Davey, the Green full-back, saw the Reds swarm to. the attack, but Manawatu who had now survived the shock of the first attack, cleared to halfway. Receiving from a scrum Sloan sent his backs away, but the greasy bail proved too much and the movement quickly finished. ,' ( " Gordon, the Manawatu winger, gained 3u yards with a good sprint and St. Clair carried on into Horowlienua 25. Sciascia cleared with a good punt, but Cockcroft took play back until forced into touch. From the line out McGregor broke clear and, wriggling past several opponents, opened Manawatu's account with a good try. The kick failed. Sev-erai of the Red heavyweights seemed to think.their full-back needed more help and were hanging back indulging in a.good rest until Bevan, their captain, was compelled to tell them what they -were there for. Determined to vindicate themselves they dived into the thick of the fray and before the Green forwards had re gained their wind, Kingi and Sands dribbled over for Sands to score—an unconverted try. This reverse stirred the. Green forwards and with a dangerous gleam iii their eyes they swept upheld. A miskiek by P. McLeavey did not help the home side at all, but that player redeeemed himself by forcing down and preventing a score. The Green forwards were now running the heavy Rod men off their legs and during am exciting scramble in the hoane 1 25 Cole and McGregor were- ordered oh for laughing at each other's efforts. This incident brought forth a protest from Captain Bevan who was immediately cautioned by the referee. Play swung up and down,field for some time until P. McLeavey put his side in a good position with a nice line kick. During the ensuing play the iiorowheniia men let several good opportunities to score go by and Bevan was ordered to stand on the line by the referee for trying to rally them ! The players eagerly trooped off when half time was called.

On resuming thee Keels gave the impression that they must have had more than oranges in the way of refreshments (luring the interval for they resumed at a great pace ami Manawatu were compelled to force twice in quick succession. A surprise throw-in caught the Greens napping and Sands broke away and sent on to Kingi who went for the line with .only the full-back to beat.

The Manawatu custodian faced the oncoming avalanche of human flesh bravely and a distinct thud was heard us he upset the would-be scorer. The Greens tried hard to clear but were penned up for some time. P. McLeavey tried a pot but collected. about a "square foot of turf on the toe of his boot during the process with Die result that the ball rolled feebly forward to a Green player who found touch at half way. Back came the Beds and offside play by Manawatu gave Bevan a chance to prove that he could kick a goal if given enough opportunities. The Palrnerston men now thought ittime to step out and win and Gordon snapping up in midfield outstripped the local men in a fine dash to score under the posts. Birss missed an easy kick. The Red forwards were now done and Manawatu sizing up the situation kept play open, and at last Cockcroft shot over under the posts. The try was converted and time was called shortly after Sloan, 'Kingi and Peters had made a dying effort to save the game. AT THE FESTIVE BOARD. In the evening the Horowhcnua Referees entertained the visitors at dinner at the Grand Hotel. The usual toasts were honoured and Mr H. McDonald and Mr Campbell rendered several humorous elocutionary items. Afttr the toast ef tJh« King, propos

ed by Mr Rose, Mr E. Bevan, in proposing the health of -the Manawatu Referees, said he was naturally disappointed with the result of the game, ' but the better team won. The win- \ ning .or losing cTId not count as long as they played the game and every- > body would agree that Manawatu had i played the game. (Hear, hear). He I only hoped that the next time they i played Horowhenua would win by at least forty points to nil. Mr Campbell, in reply, said he had to thank the Horowhenua referees on behalf of the Manawatu Referees for the splendid hospitality shown. He was sorry the score was not 50—50. It would be out of place to express the work of a referee but in to-day's game I they had been treated handsomely. I They would leave with regret, but would look forward to the time when ! they could reciprocate. j Mr H. McDonald, in replying to J the toast of the HorowfTenua Referees, said that Manawatu had arrived in Levin short of one or two' players and desired the services of some good material. This had been provided and he . only hoped that when the Horowhenua Referees visited Palmerston next year they would be able io get the assistance of Brophy and a few others. (Laughter). He thanked the previous speaker for his kind remarks and could only hope this meeting would be an annual event. The weather had been against them in to

iday's match but next year in Paimerston they would certainly expect five or six thousand people present. Mr Low proposed the toast of the Combined Union, and said he felt sure in a few years the combined union would be one of the strongest in New Zealand and would hold their own anywhere. He would like to see the players collected together under better training facilities. •Mr Procter in reply, as the only member of the Combined Union present, expressed his thanks for the previous toast on behalf of the Combined Union. He hoped Mr Low's words would come true: Personally, he had always been-opposed to the amalgamation, but now that it had eventuated they must pull together in the combined interests of both districts, ne would, however, like to see the referees of both districts unite under one association with one set of rules and also a member of the Referees' Association acting on the executive of the Combined Union.

Mr Sciascla proposed the toast of the referee, Mr Emmett, in that day's match. A referee got very little thanks for his work. He had to control and try to please 3u players as well as the public and had to be very patient' throughout. His only complaint was that Mr Emmett had not ordered enough Manawatu men off. (Laughter).

Mr Emmett, in reply, thanked the previous speaker for his remarks. That day's game had been a tricky one to control. He gave his rulings to the best of his ability and was sorry he could not use the wliistie presented to him by Mr Procter. He tried, but tire "little wooden whistle wouldn't whistle." (Laughter). Mr Skoglund then proposed the toast of the Press and said that the people of the Press did not get half the thanks they deserved. It didn't matter what town it was the Press was always ready to give any sport tiie helping hand.

Mr J. Procter proposed the toast of the host and hostess, Mr and Mrs Bebbington. This was a very worthy toast, stated Mr Procter. In Mr Bebbington the town possessed one of the finest sports it was possible to find anywhere. They always made one welcome and it did not matter what branch of sport it'was Mr Bebbington was always ready to heartily assist in its advancement.

Mr Bebbington, in reply, said thai on behalf of Mrs Bebbington and his staff he appreciated the previous words. In a business like his co-oper-ation between the staff and the management was absolutely essential. He could say that his staff had always done their best to make any social function held there a success. Referring to his association with sport, he said it had always been a pleasure to help sport in any form. What little effort he put forward he did so with a great amount of pleasure. A very pleasant gathering then terminated, the visitors being generous in their praise of the kindness and hospitality extended to them.

LICENSED VICTUALLERS' CUP FINAL. MATCH LASTS 2f HOURS. Tie final for the Licensed. Victuallers J Cup was played at Otaki ou Saturday between Weraroa and Shannon, and in more ways than one proved a record for the district. The ground. was covered in miniature lakes which '• were quickly churned into mud ponds, and at times resembled mud geysers. Then, again, the teams endeavoured to play till either one side or the other scored, and despite the fact that they played for 2| hours the game had to be cried off, there being no score. The play, despite the muddy state of l.ho ground, was of a vigorous nature from start to finish. Shannon started off at a great pace and quickly forced ths "Weraroa team to their territory. For a quarter of an hour they endeavoured hard to cross the line, but the fine defensive play staved off all onslaught?. Then Weraroa took a hand, and from this onward the game was first in one end of the field and then the other. Several attempts were made at the goals from free kicks, but on account of tire heavy, greasy ball, were failure?. The hundred or so spectators, who attended, were treated to a deal of amusement on account of the scrum work in the big water-holes. Players oftimes had tha appearance of half elrowiied

raits, and judging by their looks felt like it. Water at times was sent 10 <n 12 feet in the air, while players in tho ymd had an unenviable time. The two ordinary spells of forty minutes Were played, then the game, with a change of ends, was carried on, while with other changes. Avithout a moment's respite, saw the game carried on till spectators called for time. Eventually, the referee acquiesced and the game ended —no score. It is probable that the •game will be carried on next Saturday. Mr. P. McGregor was referee, and controlled the game in a way that would have put many senior referees to shame.