EXCITING FOOTBALL IN NASH CUP FINAL.

Shannon News, 21 September 1926, Page 3

EXCITING FOOTBALL IN NASH CUP FINAL.

* WANDERERS WIN THE DOUBLE. EXTRA TIME FLAYED. Alter one of the fastest and most exciting games witnessed in Levin for some time, Wanderers narrowly defeated Shannon in tile final for , the Nash Cup on Saturday hy six points to three, two 'Unconverted tries to a penalty goal. Although full of incident, the game ''could scarcely be called brilliant. It was of too hard a nature for that, the taickling by both sides being deadly. As an indication of the closeness of the contest, it. became necessary to play two extra spells of ten minutes each, for when the usual time was up both teams had scored three points. As the minutes ticked on and neither side could increase , their score, it appeared as if they were • fated to- meet on some future date to- decide the argument, but then the •unexpected happened, and right on the call of time a supreme effort by Jacob and T. McDonald proved fruitful, and amidst intense exeiteinent the former hurled hjmself over the line for the winning try. Neither side accepted the full advantage of the strong westerly wind.. As a matter of fact Wanderers on each occasion that they played against fty displayed .much better football than when .they had it behind them. Hunt evidently had left his -kicking boot at li-ome, for be failed with several penalty kicks from fairly, easy positions. The Blacks held a distinct advan-

tage in the scrums, but this was of little use to them,, for the Red backs were quick to get to their men and many'movements were smothered at the outset. Mr Hands, of Palmerston North, proved an efficient referee. Winning the toss, the Blacks, with tlie wind at their backs, were early l on the attack. Following a mark by Winiata, the Blacks were starting to make things lively, when, from a punt by Hakaraia, Roberts and Hunt became associated in a dangerous movement down the left wing, but Ryder, gathering in Hunt’s short kick, saved well. - ‘ Hunt narrowly missed with a good attempt from a penalty, a fine effort in the face of the wind. Then the Red backs essayed, a passing movement, but lost control and H. McDonald and Skelton headed play ' into Shannon’s 25. A long throw-in saw Hunt dash through . with a lightning burst. When faced with Ryder’s tackle, the Shannon centre booted towards the line; and an interesting race for the leather saw ' the speedy Williams get their first and find touch. •' From the line-tiut, Jscob started a dangerous • move' among the Black forwards, but the Red backs retaliated and kept play at midfield. Gaining, from several line-outs, the Shannon scrummages gradually ■ worked their way into Wanderers’ area, .until" off-side 5 play by Moynihan allowed Jacob, aided by the wind/ to find touch with a hefty kick’a few yards from the Reds’ line. BLACKS OPEN THEIR ACCOUNT. Getting possession from the throwin the Black backs handled until Graham missed his pass, and Roberts booted to touch. Graham made amends with a neat kick to the corner a few moments later. It was from the ensuing line-out that the Blacks opened their account. T. McDonald received from his forwards, and sending on in approved fashion, each man drew an opponent, for Williams to finally receive, and race around Whyte to score a spectacular try wide out. Jacob made , a poor attempt to convert. Wanderers 3, Shannon 0. When play re-started, the Shannon backs took up the attack, but bad handling again allowed the Black forwards, who were breaking quickly to get in with some spoiling work, and transfer play to the Reds 1 end, and Shannon were hotly pressed for some moments, until Walls eventual- . lv brought off- a good save. ' Wanderers maintained the pressure and kept in the ascendancy. An excellent piece of play between Winiata and Hakaraia down the centre, saw the latter badly fool several Reds and return the 'ball infield to Winiata, who passed to Tohu, and 6orfie exciting loose play on Shannon’s line ended as Boyes forced down- m the nick of time.

FAST PACE MAINTAINED. The kick out did not relieve matters for Shannon, hut they were flaying an excellent defensive game, and subsequently they were given a breather as Whyte intercepted a pass from Graham to Williams, and raced away (past halfway until held up by Ryder.' Play ranged up and down field at a tremendous pace, with neither side gaining any distinct advantage, one moment defending, the next attacking. Then from midfield, the Wanderers’ back-line swung away hut just as the movement was developing possibilities, a pass went astray. A tremendous forward tussle took place near Shannon s-25. from which K. Dalzell was penalised for hanging one, hut Jacob mJ-S&ea an easy kick. Hunt, contrary to expectations, did. not force and tuning out, found touch at half-way. Excellent work in the McDonald, Tohu and Skeiton was nullified by K. Dalzell, who marked in the face of the -rush and half- ' time sounded after Jacob had n rowly -missed with a pot fro mid-field. , , When the teams changed ends, tne Shannon supporters with only three • points up against their favourites, were in high spirits, but the Wanderers quickly dispelled any idea of a walk-over, and set out to fight every

toe^kick-out Jacob dribbled well into Shannon’s territory, but . Boyes returned to midfield Roberts, - nrUrk had come in to the five-eighth ‘ iX" to slaTrt L. DaMl, .. “fortiLtely E a ““SI ; collarbone earlier in the g ’ IeVG I : conspicuous for several clever

runs; but while they placed his side ? in an attacking position, he was in- | dined to get out of touch with his | outside men, and the support was not forthcoming just when needed. One of "these rune was the means ‘of transferring activities to within a few yards of Wanderers’ line. This was the scene of a strenuous forward battle in which Hirst and Co. battled desperately to break through the opposing forwards. RYDER’S DEFENSIVE PLAY. After Hunt had failed with a couple of shots from penalties, the dependable Ryder raised enthusiasm among the spectators with sseveral fine saves, only to see Hiendricksen charge down a relieving kick by Hakaraia which allowed the Reds to remain on tlie attack. T. McDonald was caught picking out of a scrum, but Hunt brought groans from the Red ■ supporters as lie missed an easy shot. Then the Red backs handled, and Hunt raced through the opposition in a dangerous manner, until brought to earth by Nicholson. At last the Blacks lifted the siege, and with Jacob ip the van removed play to Shannon’s end. This did not suit the Reds, and as a pass from T. McDonald to Winiata was smothered, Hendrickson and Go swept downfield only to be held up* with a timely mark by Ryder. HUNT EQUALISES. Little ground was gained with the kick, and play hung around the Black quarter. Then from a scrum on the 25 Shannon again were awarded a penalty, and this time Hunt made no mistake with an easy kick. Wanderers 3, Shannon 3, This was a signal for both teams to increase their efforts, and play became even faster.. The Red backs were seen in action, but the passing broke down at Maihi, and Williams, .quick to jump into the gap, streaked '.away in possession. When hemmed in, he cross-kicked and the Blacks swarmed to the .attack, Jacob particularly, making superhuman efforts to break through, but the tackling was all that could be desired, and Shannon managed to keep their line intact. Wanderers were now playing better than at any stage, and despite the heavy wind kept Shannon busy on defence. A pretty piece of play between Rvder and Graham ended with the latter being obstructed, and Jacob tried a shot which proved wellnigh hopeless against the elements. Hunt was ;then prominent with several heady kicks that drove the attackers out, but it was only a temporary respite, until Tohi, Hendricksen and Whyte, with a great rush, shifted play to neutral territory. _ Both teams were now showing signs of tiring, and eagerly accepted a breather as a search was made for some fresh nether garments for Roberts. .

When play was in motion again, Winiata worked his way. through tlie Shannon backs and sent his forwards away, but Matthews accepted a good mark and time was called.

FINAL ‘.TWENTY MINUTES.

Owing to each team having scored three points, it became necessary to play another twenty minutes, two spells of ten minutes either way. Jacob won the toss, and the teams changed over once again, but, peculiar to state, it was not with the advantage of the wind that the Blacks won their hard-earned victory, for during the first ten,, minutes they wqpe very quiet and appeared done and the Reds were satisfied to play, safe in anticipation of the final ten minutes with the wind. But many well-laid plans go astray, and when' the teams changed over for the last time, the Blacks appeared to gain a new lease of life, and, if anything, had the better of the play. Play set off in the concluding stage in a sensational manner. Jacob kicked off into, a gap, and smart following up by T. McDonald, saw that player gain possession and had he been assisted in any way, a possible try may have been the outcome, as it* seemed to take Shannon by surprise. A line-out near Shannon’s line saw Tohu work close, and from the forward scramble that followed T. McDonald endeavoured to get his hacks moving, but Roberts nipped iu smartly, intercepted, and ran through to half-way. Several loose exchanges in this area ended in the Reds’ favour. | .Shannon gradually worked, closer, their forwards endeavouring' to battle through after the backs had failed to make, any impression upon the defence. ‘ During an exciting rally on. Wanderers’ ‘2d line, T. McDonald was penalised for obstruction, and the atmosphere was tense as Hunt tried a shot. Again he failed to do t-e trick, allowing a bit too much for tne wind, and the Blacks breathed again. A strong run and a hefty punt by Graham, sent Shannon flying back to defend their citadel. The Black sernrnmagers in a dying effort, rushed ■plav to the Reds’ line, only to see Walls beat them for the leather as it. bounced over the line. JACOB’S WINNING TRY. Two very tired teams lined np for the kick-out with only a few moments left, and the issue still undecided. It was during those last few moments, however', that the spectators were treated to the biggest thrill l of all. The Black backs handled from the kick-out and Hakaraia on getting possession, short punted to Boyes. That player, who appeared to be run to a standstill, failed to gather in, and like a flash of lightning the merciless Jacob was upon him. Both players fell, but T. McDonald shot up, and dribbled the ball to within a few yards of Shannon’s line, and the Wanderers' skipper, retraining his feet,' raced up at top speed, gathered the leather m his stride, and threw himself oyer witli Walls hanging to his legs. It was a fitting climax to.. a game that was worthy of a final in every respect.

and time was called as Jacob failed ' to convert his own try. ■ manawatu not COMING. POSSIBLES v. PROBABLES MATCH | INSTEAD. j Mr J. Casey, secretary of the, llorowlienua District Rugby Council has received advice that tManawatu will I not be able to play Horowhenua a<t Levin on Saturday next. In lieu of I this a Possibles —Probables match j will be played from which will be selected tlie team to meet Hawke’s j Bay on October 2nd. Tlie teams are: Probables: Ryder (W.), Roberts (S.), I i-lunt (S.), M. McDonald (C.), Warren tC.j, Winiata (W.), T. McDonald (W.), J'alcob (W.), Maihi (S.), Greig (C.), Tana (H.M.), Moynihan (S.), Glee-son (0.), Bond (W.), Dalzell (S.) Reserves: Williams (W.), Walls (S.),i Edginton (W.), S,t. CPalr (W.). Possibles.—Johnson (H.M.), Wallace (H.M.), Graham (W.), Bryant (H.M.), Fuller (F.)' Hakaraia (W.)., W. Parala (C,), Matthews (S.), Palmer (C.), H. McDonald (W.), Dunn (C.), Tuna (C), C. McDonald (F.), Gardner (11. M. Tohu (W.). Reserves: Taylor (F.), Spring (S.), Ward (W.), McKinnon (G.). MAORIS IN DAUPHINY. ANOTHER HANDSOME VICTORY THIRTY-FOUR TO SIX. (Received This Day, 9.55 a.m.) PARIS, Sept. 9. At Grenoble, in Daupliiny, the Maoris beat the Alpes team by 34 to 6. RUGBY CONTROL. MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING. The Management Committee of the .Horowhenua Rugby ’District ’Council met last evening. Mr J. J. O’Connor presided -and there were present also.: Messrs J. Procter, F. Robinson, N. Emmett, S. Austin, H. G. McDonald, W. Hannan, M. Winiata, H. Lynch, W. Neville, and W. N. Anderson. LATE IN STARTING. Foxton asked that, the Wanderers— Foxton Third Grade match, played on Saturday, be replayed on this. grounds that two 25 minutes spells were played in lien of the (■ustdrnary < 45 minutes, such- action being taken without reference to the Foxton captain, who.complained in consequence. ] Mr Neville , said it was complained that two short spells were played, \ whereas the Foxton captain had ask- , ed for two spells'of 40 minutes. When •remonstrated with the referee had stated he ‘'wanted to see the big match.” That, contended tbe speaker, was not at all a fair proposition. , Mr-, Herni, the referee, whom the letter concerned, gave evidence that two spoils each of 30 minutes dura- 1 tion, were played because both, teams wore late, and the- match started shortly before '2 o’clock. A. man named Broadbelt, on the line had Kept the time. As a matter of fact, •some of the Foxton players themselves thought. that, even the 'Short spells played were too Hong, hut when t%y lost matches they maue excuses.

Mr Robinson: There was no other match on .that afternoon?—No. Mr Robinson: Why, then, did they not have sufficient time in which to plav for tire full period? Mr Hemi: Why weren’t they there at the proper time? The fixtures drawn up by the Union show tnatall these matches should start at 1.30p.m. . Mr Emmett said these ■' questions were quite out of order. If the match started latte, ’ itha- 'referee wtas sole judge of the time, as a matter ot fact Such times were final and could not be altered, even though matches might be played for 15 minutes only. Mr O’Connor said he thought tl.ie question of time-keping was m the hands of the referee but not. so far as what spells should,, be played. Mr Emmett: Yes, but it they start late it is in the hands of the referee. . . , -Mr Hemi: The captain «a«l nothing to me and made no complaint, whatever, until , the match was over. Mr Winiata observed that tno whole tiling seemed to be one ot whether or no the two teams wen. I,l Mr Neville (heatedly).: When we arrived here in'Levin it was about tw-o minutes before 1.30. Tne whole lari is that the referee has a spde against Mr O'Connor said the question was: Was the referee withm rights? Personally, he thought tne referee was not permitted to impose these conditions upon players, wnnout having consulted the captains. Mr Emmett: Hie would be qunc within his rights to call off hie match. , , ' „ Mr Procter said, he had seen several of the lower grade matches, none of which had comprised two spells of 45 minutes each way.' He had often seen teams plav for 30 manures each way, so he failed to sec what Foxton had to grumble about. Mir Robinson said that,, to put me matter in order, he would move that the match be re-played in Levin. Mr McDonald considered that n the referee had decided upon 30-min-utc spells because the tela ms had been late in arriving, he had the speaker’s sympathy. Mr Austin seconded the motion, winch was carried, six for find three against-. REP. JUNIORS. Weraroa Juniors will; play 'Feilding Old Boys Juniors at iPalmorston N. on September 25tb.