REPRESENTATIVE MATCH.

Shannon News, 21 June 1927, Page 3

REPRESENTATIVE MATCH.

HOROWHENUA 16, MANAWATU 14.

'MANAWATU UNFORTUNATE TO LOSE AFTER EXCITING GAME.

On Saturday, in the presence of about 800 spectators, the first of the annual home and home matches between Horowhenua and Manawatu was played on • the Shannon 'Domain. Although the atmosphere was keen, brilliant sunshine prevailed during the game, but before the commencement light showers _ot rain caused the ground to become slightIV greasy, but not sufficient to impede the play. At no stage the same, did the play reach an exceptionally high standard for a representative fixture. Nevertheless, from start t> finish a fast pace was maintained and the onlookers were called upon to wixie*B many stirring episodes that gradually developed to a climax, when, dur'«i the final 15 minutes each side alternately assumed the lead, leaving the same in doubt right up. to the final bell. -It might be said that the visitors came, saw, but* did not conquer, stul in the latter respect it must be freely admitted that they were decidedly unfortunate. It was realised during tlm first.few minutes of the game, that the early predictions this season that Manawatu would be more formidable than last year, were quite true, for the Green and Whites fielded a well-balanced fifteen', comprising a fast dashing set. of forwards ably supported by a combination of backs that were quick to seize opportunities when they were presented. With the score standing at 5 all. when the final spell 'started, Manawatu clapped on the pace and a couple of pretty and'effective back movements that terminated in scores, gave them a commanding lead, but just-when"they appeared to 'iave victory within thengrasp, a couple of penalties, one of ivhich at least was doubtful, allowed Jacob to even the scores up again with two beautiful conversions. v There is an old adage to the effect that a team is as good as the opposition allows it to be, but taking this fully into consideration, the fact remains that Horowhenua's play, in many respects, did not come up to expectations. Territorially thev held an advantage, this being , due principally, to superiority in the tight forward play, but one lamented the absence of those dashing loose rushes that have always characterised our forward play in seasons past. In the scrum work, particularly when it came to hooking the ball, Horowhcnua appeared at a disadvantage, and when thev did obtain possession more often thaii not, it was after Manawatu had got the ball, only to be pushed back bv sheer weight. '" Horowhenua's five-eighth line was not a happy combination, Parata persistent ly going too far with the ball, and to make matters worse, Chishoilm, who . -Jraa been playing a serviceable garni /fijbhind the scrum, was compelled to retire through an injury to an arm jusi before .half time.

THE PLAY. Manawatu won the toss find vleetei! to play with-the sun at their backs. The teams lined out as follows: — - MANAWATTJ (Green and White). Williamson H. Darragh , Brophy (capt.-)- Walke: Dewe - Akuira McKenzie Walden Anderson . . Persson T. Parsons Hare Crawford Heapley Tremewau HOROWHENUA (Red and Blue). Rvder Satherlev Hunt J. McDonalr ■T." Parata Mete. Chisholrn H. Jacob (capt.) . , Mackcrsey.V M. Hakaraia Bond Glees6'n Dalziell K. Dalziell Tatana Mr K. Davies refereed.

HOROWHENUA FIRST TO SCORE

A couple of serums right at the com meneement saw the Manawatu backs given possession of the. ball in no uncertain manner, but the new knoek-oi; rule, operating freely, held them ir. ehcck, Dewe being the principal offender. Prom the following scrum, Jacob toed the leather back to Chisholm. who opened out to his backs, but tlm time Hunt failed to hold his pass, and McKenzie punted high into Horowhenua's 25 for Rvder to mark in the face of the Green forwards. Bond got in front, but from the ensuing serum, McKenzie, the visiting half, was eaughl sneaking the ball out, and Jacob re lieved with a hefty kick. The Red backs then indulged in a handling moveaent, but Brophy up-ended Hunt before much ground had been gained. lher. from a line-out in midfield Chisholni received from a knock-back, but sent r . difficult pass to Moses, who failed to gather the oval in. Away came the Manawatu forwards, but .l«st when a dangerous movement was developing, Walden got off-side and Jacob retrieved the ground-lost ' Good play in the tight., saw the Horowhenua forwards gradually work their way to within ten yards of Manawatu'a line,' where Akuira fumbled the ball and Jacob, snapping up, sent on. to K. Dalzell who threw himself across but was ruled off-side. The : visitors immediately appeared dangerous as they swept into Horowhenua's territory, but with all their efforts concentrated on attack, they were quite unprepared for the lightning counter that the Reds initiated. Receiving thebail f torn. Chisholm in his own 25, Hunt, realising "that the opposing backs were out of, position, did the unexpected, and instead of kicking, raced away on the left with J. McDonald in support. Dar-\-rftgh had. been caught out of position, '■if- and Brophy and Co., realising the predicament desperately rushed across

P field It was of no use, however, for the Shannon centre, judging the moment uit-civ, transferred to J. McDonald, who "carried on at top speed to the visitors' full-back, and when faced with Williamson's tackle, threw infield for Hakaraia to accept at top and gallop over for a' spectacular try near the posts. Gleeson converted an easy kick Horowhenua 5, Manawatu 0. Strenuous forward play with Horowhenua in the ascendancy confined activities to the visitors' area for some Mn-e The Bed backs attempted several movements, but resolute tackling by the' opr.osing rearguard, who were playing close up, kept them at bay, however on one occasion, Akuira was compelled t« seek relief with a force down. MANAWATU ON ATTACK. Eventually ,a penalty to the Greens allowed the last-named to lift the pressure, and a further kick by Williamson compelled Hunt to hastily lack to touch near his 'own line as the Manawatu forwards speedily, followed; up. ." Chisholm accented a mark from the line-out, but gained litle ground Avit,-i his kick and the attackers' backs-gave a taste of their quality. Walker received on the blind side from Akuira and tried to penetrate in the corner. Finding his progress blocked, he centred, but a glorious opportunity went bv as Walden accepted well off-side. I 'Back came Horowhenua, the ball tra ! veiling from Jacob tc Hunt to J. McDonald, in a sudden movement that again caught Manawatu napping, and after traversing the length of the ground, Maihi was just held up on the line Scrum followed serum, but the defenders could not get the ball away cleanly. They, however, Avorked oui to the 25 line. From a throw-in Tatana broke away cleverlv and Avas nearly over, but on being "tackled- by Williamson, found ['himself unsupported and Brophy relieved. Good play by the visiting backs i saw Darragh centre at the end of a passing rush. Chisholnt mulled, and lloroAvhenua Averc in difficulties as the I Green fonvards came into action. In J an attempt to stay their progress, Gleeson got off-side, but Akuira failed with a shot at goal and then the County Aving-fonvard Avith a gool solo dribble removed play back to midfield. i MANAWATU EQUALISE.

Up to this stage the pace had been a cracker, and becoming more and more open, the ManaAvatu vanguard immediately excelled as they held, an advantage'in this respect. Persson opened out to his backs and attack after attack Avas launched, but mistakes were numerous. At last success attended the invaders' efforts. Jacob gained control ■ near midfield, but instead of booting, endeavoured to beat a couple of opponents, lost the ball, and like a flash Brophy gathered it in, shot away down the centre, then passed infield to TreniOAvan, Avho in turn sent on to Crawford for that player to run in unopposed near the posts. Akuira made no mifctake Avith the kick. Manawatu 5, Horowhenua 5.

Chisholm was compelled to retire a? previously mentioned, Warren replacing him just as half-time sounded.

THE SECOND SPELL

MANAWATU ESTABLISH A LEAD. \ During th«J first half- of the final spell, Manawatu had more than their share of the play and at one stage established a lead of six points and were playing- so confidently, that they kept Horowhenua's supporleis in anything but a jubilant frame of mind. Maim- , watu went straight to the attack and kept Ilorowhenua busy defending tlrf: line. From a scrum, McKenzie worked his backs, bat Akuira Knocked on at the crucial moment. A movement between Hunt, Parata and Satherle'y gained temporary relief, but good work •bv Bond and Tatana on a line-out, was nullified by Parata, who fumbled badly and back came Hare, Tremewan ami Co. The ball came out to Darragh, who showed a nice turn of speed, but was well tackled by Hunt'. s This, however, was the means of placing the Greens in a handy position, and during .1 solid forward battle, they were awarded a penalty for an'infringement by the defenders, and Akuira placed his side in the lead with a good goal. Manawatu 8, Horowhonua 5.

Smart work by Gleeson from the kick out, saw the Ilorowhenua forwards prominent, and Warren, who had -changed places with Moses, initiated a nice movement, but Parata aga'ji persisted with his previous tactics and was caught in possession, enabling Walke. to clear. Tr.en followed one of Horo whenua 's finest rushes in which for wards and backs participated, and they ran al. over the opposition practically the entire length of the ground, only to lose control on the line, and from the ensuing scramble a drop-out wa*. .ordered. Indecision on the part of tin 1 Red and Blue backs, allowed the opposing forwards through, but again:they knocked on at the wrong moment. A PRETTY MOVEMENT. However, from the scrum that followed on Horowhenua's 25, McKenzie neatly worked the blind side, and after receiving the ball cleajnly from the ''hookers, sent on to Brophy, to Walker who sped over in the corner. The kick was too difficult for Akuira. Manawatu 11, Horovrhemia 5. HOROWHENUA RETALIATE. Hunt, Maihi and Satherley, were seen to advantage with clever handling when play resumed, and interest increas-. ed as they headed play into Manawatu's territory. A well-judged kick by Warren further improved, and the Reds swarmed to the attack, almost immediately scoring in a similar manner to Manawatu. Moses gained from a scrum and transferred to Warren on the blind side. The latter player ran J. McDonald nicely into position, and gaining the ball that player cleverly swerved past Darragh and ran round under the posts for an ; excellent try. i Glc?snn's kick struck the upright.

but went in the right direction making the scores — Manawatu 11, Horowhenua 10. The fireworks uoav commenced as both teams set, out to decide the issue, and play travelled up and down tinfield at a tremendous pace. A clever movement on the part of the Manawuui forwards headed by Parsons, culminated as Walker accepted a pas's off-sid.' near Horowhenua's citadel. Then a briMiant solo effort by Jacob-transfer-red activities to the opposite end in the space of a few seconds, and th .> Horowhenua captain battled hard for a score.

A five yards' scrum was ordered and K. Dalziell was noticed handling the ball in the ruck in an endeavour to battle over, and instead of Manawalu receiving a penalty, for some unknown leason tlieyweie penalised themselves and Jacob landed a splendid goal. Horowhenua 13, Manawatu 11. AN EXCITING FINISH. The visitors were clearly puzzled ov >r thi? reverse, and made determined efforts to regain the lead and retrieve their position. Darragh appeared dangerous as he was observed streaking down upon. Ryder. The Ilorowhenua full-back, who was playing a fine game, proved equal to the occasion and downed his man hard and true, and even then regained the leather and relieved.

Not to be denied, Manawatu hammered away at the defence, and then came one,of their effective and successful back movements. From loose play on Horowhenua's 25, Dewe sent on to Brophy, who clapped on the pace, passed to Darragh, who crossed the line amidst wild) cheering from, the onlookers. Akuira failed to-improve. Manawatu 14, Hcrowhenua 13. Time was now.obviously* close c 'at hand and Ilorowhenua, led by Jacob, made desperate efforts to save the game. McKenzie stemmed . a determined forward rush with a clever mark, but a Green forward being in front, a scrum was ordered in Manawatu's territory. The Green forwards were on the point of breaking through, when Hare handled while offside and Horowhenua's chance came as Jacob prepared t-> take the shot at goal. Silence reigned ns the Red's skipper took careful aim, it becoming apparent thaf the winning or losing of the match relied solely upon his effort. Displaying a coolness' only to be expected from a player of his experience, he piloted the ball safely between the uprights and the final bell sounded almost immediately, enabling Ilorowhenua to leave the field victors after a memorable game, the final score being— Horowhemta 16, Manawatu 14.

BEBBINGTON SHIELD TEAM.

TWENTY-ONE MEN TO TRAIN. The following players have been selected to train for the first Bebbington Shield . match .against Dar.nevirke on Wednesday,'29th June:— Backs.—Rvder, Hunt, J. McDonald,. Satherley, Roberts, M. Mete, W. Parata, T. Parata, Warren, Chisholm. Forwards. —Jacob, Mackersey, Bond. Hakaraia, Tana, Tata,ua, L. Dalziell, Greig, Payne, Gleeson, Satherley. The final selection of the team will ■be'; made next Monday night. Practices will be held orii'Thursday night and on "Monday night.