SCHOOL FOOTBALL

Shannon News, 30 August 1929, Page 3

SCHOOL FOOTBALL

HUTT VALLEY DEFEAT HOROWHENUA.

On Friday evening the boys, representative of the HoroAvhenua district, journeyed to Petone and on arrival were met by members of the Hutt Valley Rugby Union and given a warm reception. In the evening the lads were taken to the pictures, and on Saturday morning shown over the works of the General (Motors. All evinced the keenest interest and the assembling of a car delighted all.

In the afternoon the football match took place and an even contest resulted. The teams were well matched, and despite a very heavy ground play was of a fast nature. Forwards on both sides played good football while the backs handled the ball most creditably. All kicked and collared well. Shortly after the kick off the Hutt Valley representatives became aggressive and an injudicious kick saw Bell smartly snap up the oval and cross at the corner. His kick at goal was a splendid one, the ball falling under the bar. Owing to an umpire slipping, thus causing him to put up a hand, the referee thought he signalled a goal and made the award accordingly. After this fast rushes up and down field eventuated and before the spell closed Bell scored another try by smart work. Winnie failed to convert, B—o. The second spell was well contested, and the Horowhenua boys, backs and forwards, played well. Despite the ball being greasy their passing was good, and splendid headway was made. The defence, however, was sound, and the game ended: Hutt 8, Horowhenua nil. Mr. -Fittall ably controlled the game. Mi\H. Jones, Horowhenua manager, expressed himself well pleased with the display given by Ms lads. He was accompanied on the trip by Mr. Chipper (Foxton) and Mr. J. W. Procter (Levin). Others from this district arrived in time to witness the match.

After the game the visitors were royally entertained at afternoon tea, when Mr. J. Burns (President of the Union, and at one time a resident of this district) presided. He was supported by Mr. McKenzie (Mayor of Petone), Messrs Miller, Melody, Tunnicliffe, and other well-known football enthusiasts. Mr. Burns gave the Horowhenua lads an. official welcome, and in doing so hoped, that the visit would be followed by more. He and his lads were very pleased to see the boys of the northern district present, but were naturally proud to -win. Had it been a dry day, however, the tables may have been turned. • A long time ago, said Mr. Burns, he resided in Levin, and he know members with them that day. He -was indeed pleased to see Mr. Procter and Mr. Nicolson, two fine sports, present. They were very keen on Rugby 25 years ago in Horowhenua and, apparently, were just as keen now. Mr. Burns hoped that the boys had had a good time, but he trusted ai! would remember that it was due to their, supporters that such liad happened. • The boys now had trips provided for them and their expenses paid, and this was only clue to those who showed interest in them. Mr. Bums spoke of the value of sport, and trusted that such games as played that day would have after effects and that in days to come .some of the boys would be Ali Blacks. He trusted all boys would ap predate the good work done by supporters, and that they would always "'play the game" on and off the-field. (Applause). Mr. Burns then called on Mr. McKenzie (Mavor) to address the lads. In doing so'His Worship said that he was very"pleased to be present to extend fco the visitors a hearty welcome. He ■commended the lads on their fine display of Rugby. He had hoped that the visitors would win, but evidently the ground was too heavy for them, while the district they represented was a scattered one which no doubt was a handicap, as they did not have the same opportunities as the Hutt lads. In his days there was but little football, and his master did not encourage I

it. ' All that his teacher did was to enjov his pipe or go fishing. He was pleased to see now-a-days the change for recreation. (Applause). Mr. Melody, wlio was described by Mr. Burns as'the live wire of sport and sole selector of the Hutt team, said that he had enjoyed the game very much, but considered Horowhenua unfortunate in being defeated. A draw, he considered, would have been a good indication. He was pleased to see tho splendid sportsmanship of all the boys; there had been no talk and no rough play, and if the lads continued on in life like this they would reap a benefit and make a name for themselves. He advised all to play the game and spoke of the hearty support given by enthusiasts. In his days he had to be content with playing with a bladder; now the boy« had games- (provided and trips free of cost, to_say nothing of afternoon teas, etc. (Applause). Mr. Jones (manager) in replying on

behalf of the visitors, said the lads saw enough of their teachers without having to listen to more from them. They had all had a most enjoyable trip, while the game, was one which w r ould do the boys good. He thanked Mr. Burns and others for their great hospitality and promised the Valley representatives a good time when they visited Horowhenua. (Applause).

Mr. Melody said all may have had an enjoyable game, but they must not overlook the fact that it was under the control of a most capable referee, while credit for the spread was due to the girls who had. so willingly and cheerfully helped. He asked all to show their appreciation by giving cheers. Hearty cheers followed, and further ones exchanged between the ■lads of the two districts.

Full justice having been done to the Onany good things provided, the visitors were escorted to the train w r here further cheers wore exchanged, and hopes [•expressed that another such game I would soon eventuate.