Manawatu Defeat Wanganui.

Manawatu Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 7757, 6 July 1903, Page 2

Manawatu Defeat Wanganui.

The Manawatu reps., under the management of Mr J. Manning,- journeyed to Wangauui on Saturday and pl-iyed their annual fixture with the home team. Mr A. N. Gibbons, Union, secretary, also accompanied the team. Manawatu were weakened by tbe absence of Cleaver, E. Wingate and Boon. Bush was brought up from fullback to centre three-quarters, and Baker was played at full. Furrio took the right three-quarter wing, and Wingate, jnr., filled his brother's place in the forwards. Wanganui met-their opponents with a strong team, altnough at the start they only had thirteen men. . From the kick-off the Manawatu backs, particularly Furrie, were brought into requisition, and performed well. Not long after the start Hewitt obtained a mark during some loose play," and Eush taking the kick placed a fine goal. Manaw.itu had decidedly the best of the spell and pressed their opponents hard, but once they wete forced down dangerously near their goal. Wanganui also nearly got a penalty goil, the ball just falling short. In the second spell the Manawatu forwards went to pieces, and were overrun by their opponents. Consequently heavy work devolved upon their backs and to the latter stands the credit of having saved the team from defeat. The line kicking of Furrie and Rush and the fine defensive pixy of all the backs won applause and effectually prevented Wanganui getting home, except upon one occasion when Seeling made a strong run and passed to Sheehan, and the latter scored a try. Tregear took the kick, but failed. The game soon after ended: Wangjnui 3, Manawatu 4. The visitors were provided with every convenience in the way of quarters and conveyances, but they were not favourably impressed with the sociability of the home Associ ition. In fact with one exception the only acquaintance they had with their opponents was on the battlefield. On their arrival and at their departure they -were left severely alone. The Feilding Seniors defeated Waituna on the ground of the latter on Saturday by three to nil. D. Reid scored. Huia II were defeated at Awahuri on Saturday by the Awahuri 11. Mr M. Q'Reilly refereed,