Old Boys v. Awahuri.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XL, Issue 7862, 13 June 1904, Page 8

Old Boys v. Awahuri.

The large crowd that assembled on the Show ground on Saturday was evidence of the keen interest taken in this particular contest. The position of the two teams before playing was that if Awahuri vanquished the Old Boys, the country team would practically win the 1 sj»eld, and if, ou the other hand, Old Bojs won, theywould have a splendid winning chance. During the first spell the pky ran rather on the sensational side and gave tho " barrackers' of both sides a chance to display a great deal of lung power. From the kick-off, Awahuri rushed the play well down into the Old Boys' territory, and after a few moments' play there tho Old Boys cime away with a fino passing run (one of the best witnessed this season), and carried the play to within a few feet of Awahun'a goal-line. .Awahuri ex- . trncted themselves from this difficulty and punting high, the country forward's [ came down on G. McMinn (full-back), who mulled. Johnston and Whisker carried the ball over the line, where the first-named dropped ou it, scoring the •first try. Colo missed ,the kick. Aw;ihuri 3, O:d Boys nil. Shortly after the kick out, the Awahuri forwards were down on McMinn, who failed to take the bill. Mclntyre gained possession and dropped across. A«ain Cole failed with the kick. Aw>huri 6, Oid Boys nil. The game now became very exciting, and the spectators being oqually divided, urged their respective sides to do their utmost to score. The Old Boys' ardour was not damped by the score against taem. They kept their opponents on the half way line, when a high kick was sent up, and Cole mulling' allowed Belfit to score, Garnet MeMmn placing a neat goal. Awahuti 6, Old Boys 5. On changing ends, the Old Boys worked with urent determination, pressing Awahuri and keeping them very busy in their tweutyifives, when rrora a kick the ball struck tho goal post. It re-bounded into the field of play and Gordon McMinn secured it. He dashed for the lino, and " whipped" it out to G. Hammer in the nick of time, the lastnamed scoring. 'Garnet McMinn placed a beautiful goal. Old Boys 10, Awahuti 6, The game then resolved itself into magnificent forward play. The Old Boys' backs were playing safe, which nullified any superiority of the country forwards, while, on tho other hand, Awahuri backs were anything but reliable, and repeatedly spoiled their forwards' brilliant work. Near the conclusion of the game.. Old Boys secured a free kick, Garnet McMinn again placing a fine goal. Old Boys 13, Awabun 6. From this out to the end Old B jys had the best of tho game.

For the winners, Hammer played hi? best game this season, tskelley was as sound on dofence as ever s but should pass more ;Tuohy, at half, played a neat game, and is very smart at getting the ball away from the scrum, while Hall put iv some smart work. G. McMinn, full-back, was very faulty during tho first spell, but showed sound defence during the second half. The forwards are of the stamp that know no defeat, and worked with great organisation. Alex. McMinn and W. Smith were brilliant, and Hepburn, Bateman, Belfir, Galloway and Dilks area n'ue quintette. The Awahuri backs played a miserable game in comparison wi-h their forwards. Of tho tormer Baker and N. Campbell were tho pick. The forwards are a grand lot and they played with great dash. Whisker. Johnston.-Stewatt, and Meads were the pick Mr Footo gsiTe every satisfaction as referee.