MANAWHENUA RETAINS IT

Evening Post, Volume CIV, Issue 57, 5 September 1927, Page 14

MANAWHENUA RETAINS IT

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

PALMERSTON N., 3rd Sept. In the second' challenge match for the Kanfurly Shield Manawhenua retained the trophy against Wanganui, winning by 25 points to 0. The weather conditions were idea], and there was a crowd of five thousand. . .

The Manawhenua forwards again were the deciding factor, their last,' solid game disorganising and wearing down the defence. Wanganui fielded a strong set of forwards, who gave M&2awhenus supporters many anxious moments. Play was fast and exciting from beginning to end, the applause scarcely dying all through the game, which in the first' spell was more even than the half-time score, 11 to 3, indicates. The greater part of the exchanges was between the forwards, although the backs treated the public at times to some exciting movements. Wanganui were unlucky at times in not getting across, but on the whole the defensive game of Manawhenua wa6 very sound. The Wanganui pack got down better in the set scrums, appearing to use their weight to more advantage than the home team' did, while they also hooked the ball more often. As the game went on the home forwards improved and developed a decided ' superiority m the loose, while in the closing twenty minutes they entirely ' dominated play. The back display, considering the excellent state of .the ground, was.disappointing, although there were some flashes of bright open play and many exciting moments which brought the crowd to its feet with a roar. The general standard in both rear divisions showed a deal of room for improvement. Both sides demonstrated that they, possessed backs of undoubted, individual ability, but there appeared to be lack of co-operation, which in too many instances spelt disaster, their ' methods appearing haphazard. Manawhenua felt the loss of .Brophy, who is suffering from an.injured knee. Darby, Wanganui's full-back, delighted the crowd with his kicking and anticipation. For the"winners M'Donald scored three tries and Parsons and Tremewan one each; Jacobs a try and a penalty goal, and converting two tries. For Wanganui Leahy kicked a penalty goal and Johnson .scored an unconverted try. •"■<'■••