ATHLETIC DEFEATED.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 7 August 1933, Page 7

ATHLETIC DEFEATED.

FOXTON FIRE BRIGADE WIN 11-^6 WINNERS GREAT SECOND SPELL RALLY. T*he game between the two above junior teams took place on Easton Park, Foxton, on Saturday afternoon, before quite a large assembly of interested spectators. This game was late, in starting, owing to both teams agreeing to await the finish of the Foxton —Pirates game which was start ed early, and so play on the Park instead of the Racecourse.

The game was not as spectacular as when Athletic played Foxton but it was a strenuous one throughout. Play was mostly 'by the forwards, but there were plenty of back movements. With the sun at their backs Athletic had the best of the first spell but they only managed to secure two tries. The second spell revealed Fire Brigade in a different light and there was only one team yi it in this half and they kept Athletic on the defensive practically throughout. Fire Brigade forwards played a great game headed by Castles who played an outstanding game, and they, rattled the opposition who seemed to fail to put any sting : into their play. Athletic's rearguard,

usually a dangerous combination, was not so on this occasion, but "all at sea" and badly lacked cohesion. It was surprising the number of hold-ups that were caused by injuries to players during the game. The teams took the field as follows: Foxton Fire Brigade (White). —Fullback Stevenson; three-qtxarters, Anderson-, D. Dunn, Broad; five-eights, Chrystall, Bills; half, Hutchins; forwards, J. and-T. Devonshire, Castles, McCarthy, Alexander, B. Gregory, Cummerfield, Adams. Athletic (Blue and Black). —Fullback, A. Galpin; three-quarters, Morgan, Fallooiij Mitchell; five-eights, Crisp, Curtis; half, J. Hogg; forwards, H. and S". Frew, E. Hogg, E. Galloway, A. Vizard, C. Dome, J. O'Donnell, M. Wilson. Athletic defended the west end and Fire Brigade kicked off, facing the sun. Their 'backs swept on attack to Blues' 25 when Athletic forwards cleared to the Whites' 25. In the ensuing play Adams was hurt and had to retire, L. Gregory taking his place. By a 'series of line-outs, |Fire Brigade returned to half-way, where Galpin was hurt. Athletic worked back to near Whites' line but a free kick relieved the*f ension and play was in midfield. A scrum saw the Athletic backs away but Falloon held on too long and was caught in possession. In the ensuing play Foxton forced. With play in neutral territory Bills -ivas hurt. Fire Brigade, through their forwards headed by Castles, worked down field to near Athletic's line where a penalty to Whites saw J. Devonshire miss and Athletic forced. Athletic had to force again shortly afterwards. The kick saw Fire Brigade follow up fast and Broad gathered.in the ball to run over Unopposed. J. Devonshire's kick failed. Fire Brigade 3, Athletic; <>. The play following the kick saw both Falloon and H. Frew hold up the game through injuries. Athletic went on the attack uuii hesitation by the Fire Brigade full-back allowed "Mitchell and Vizard away for the former to score near the corner. The kick failed. Athletic 3, Fire Brigade ?>. Dunn followed up smartly and looked like getting away but Galloway's speed was instrumental in stopping him. From a scrum in midliekl Curtis with a good solo effort took play to near Whites' line, where a scrum saw 11. Frew dive over and score. Galloway's kick missed. Athletic G, Fire Brigade 3. Broad came into the limelight when lie broke through and kicked over the fulDbaek's head but was beaten in the race for the ball by Galloway. Fire Brigade then had to force to stop an Athletic rush. White's backs, with a passing rush, relieved the onslaughts on their line by Athletic and their forwards with Castles in the lead, carried play to near Blues' line where they tried hard to score but half-time sounded before they could do so.

Whites pressed from the interval but Galpin sent them back to the 25. Fire Brigade backs started a rush but the ball went straight across field where 8. Frew wa6 hurt. The Whites were having the best of the play and they were rewarded at last when Cummerfield scored from the ruck. Dunn converted. Fire Brigade 8, Athletic 6. Galloway held up the game through a knock. Fire Brigade were 'bustling Athletic who were on the defensive, but Galpin sent Fire Brigade back to the half-way with a hefty kick. Pressing hard Athletic had play in Whites' 20. A penalty to Blues, resulted in Galloway's kick going just under the bar and Fire Brigade forced. The Whites returned to the attack and a 5-yards scrum saw. Anderson pushed out on the corner. However a little later the same player scored in the corner and was hurt in doing so. Castles attempt was futile. Fire Brigade 11, Athletic 6.

■ Athletic forwards worked down to Whites' line but a free kick sent them back to near half-way.. Fire Brigade backs in a passing, rush looked liked scoring but a. knock-on epoiltthe" movement. Falloon then put in a good run but was well tackled by Stevenson and the ball went into touch at half-way. Anderson went off here through an injury. Athletic were kept defending and J. Hogg was hurt. Blue backs returned play to Whites' 25 but that was as far as they could get. A •series of line-outs gained much ground for the Whites when their backs swept down to Athletic's line, but Galpin forced in time. Fire Brigade were pressing when time sounded leaving Fire Brigade victorious by 11 points to 6. Mr McKay refereed.