Australia y. Manawatu.

Feilding Star, Volume XXVII, Issue 38, 7 September 1905, Page 3

Australia y. Manawatu.

The special trains yesterday brought a large number of spectators to witness the match Australia v. Manawatu and Hawke's Bay, played at Palmerston North. It is estimated that between 5000 and 6000 people were present The game, though interesting, could not be termed a good exhibition of Rugby. The Australian team apparently had struck good form on this occasion, while Manawatu were lacking in their forward dash. The visitors were strong on the attack, and being well supported by their backs, gave Manawatu but few chances. Manawatu opened busily, but it soon became evident that their game would be purely a defensive one. A try was secured by Manawatu in the earlier part of the game. The ball was extracted from the scrum by Hewitt, and with McNae and others following up well, resulted in McNae bumping the ball over the line and falling on it. This was converted by Ward. Aa exciting rush by Australia brought the ball to mid field, whgre some excellent passing resulted in the visitors crossing the line near the flag, thus securing their first try. The kick at goal failed. A goal was also kicked from a mark. After half time the visitors came on with renewed energy, and immediately swept the ball to Manawatu territory which position they generally managed to maintain. Occasionally the reds found an opening, but owing to the fleet and sure Kangaroo backs their attempts to score were rendered futile. The spell was considerably rougher than the first, and the Manawatu jerseys were strewn in all directions about the field. No score was registered and the game ended Australia 7, Manawatu 5. The Rev. C. C. Harper acted as referee.