FOOTBALL.

King Country Chronicle, Volume III, Issue 177, 29 July 1909, Page 5

FOOTBALL.

1 The Maniapoto Rugby Union representatives have been training assiduously during the week, and most of the team should be in good condition to undertake the trip to Auckland tomorrow. A trial match is to be played on the Domain this afternoon, after which the final selection is to be made by Mr Link. The constitution of the team is somewhat uncertain. An endeavour was being made to secure the services of one or two extra forwards who are residing in the backblocks, and whose presence would considerably strengthen the local pack. It is yet uncertain whether the players referred to will be able to join the team. The combination got together by the local Union is the strongest that has yet represented the district. In previous games this season the Union representative! with a considerably weaker team gave a creditable showing against Hamilton, and on Saturday last scored a decisive victory over Otorohanga. The team is fairly strong in the back division, but against an Auckland combination it is feared the forwards will be found lacking in combination, and will prove the weak spot of the team. The Metropolitan Union has chosen a very strong side, and one which can hardly be called a "B" team, at the forwards include the very best in Auckland, with the exception of one or two players who are on tour with the Ponsonby club. However, the Maniapoto men can be depended upon to do their best, and if hard and keen play count for anything there will bs at least th 3? factor in their favour. j The Auckland Union has arranged j for accommodation at the Waverly Hotel for the visitors, who will arrive in the City at 5 p.m. on Friday. A number of local supporters of the game will journey to Auckland by the night express, arriving in Auckland at 7 o'clock on Saturday morning. In their second match in Australia, played yesterday, the Maori touring team under the management of Mr J. T. Hetet, scored a victory over New South Wales bv 14 points to 11 points.