WORLD OF SPORT

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVI, Issue 173, 23 June 1926, Page 6

WORLD OF SPORT

THE NATIONAL GAME.

SATURDAY’S BIG DISAPPOINTMENT. ' CONTRAST IN PREPARATION OF TEAMS. 4 (By “Cross Bar.’’) Manawatu entered upon their first representative engagement on Saturday and, as was witnessed Jast season, their forces were quite unprepared, with the result that as in 1925, a reverse was suffered. Whereas the Horowhenua players had been furnished with the opportunity of beooming acquainted with one another’s play, the Manawatu men were, on the other hand, a composition of units who had been drawn for the; main part direct from opposing clubs. Last season, despite the fact that Manawatu played the opening game in its home territory, Horowhenua emerged the victors by a 10 points margin, while Saturday saw the margin 21 points—which were fully deserved. Local enthusiasts had not been optimistic of the outcome, but such severe reverse ha/I not been altogether expected. However, Horowhenua proved a superior force on the day, not only in the frontal brigade, but also in the rearguard. The seven scrummagers selected to do duty for Horowhenua were a fine strapping lot, averaging 13.5 in poundage and, against their lighter opposing set, were able to secure practically ail the ball in the set scrums. The advantage thus gained enabled the rearguard to make plenty of play with the ball, and that they did merrily for, not being afraid to take risks, the game was opened up from all positions. The burly Jacob, who throughout showed himself as the directing force behind the red and blues, accorded his half full protection and T .McDonald was able to send the leather on its way without interruption. Akuira, on the ouier hand, what few times he did secure the ball from the set scrum, was pounced on immediately, and before the onslaughts, he give way for a period in the first spell. Moses; who figured at inside fiveeighth for Horowhenua, was reported to have struck his best form this season, and such was early evident. He perhaps undertook too much, for he repeatedly cut through the opposing line before sending on the ball. Weak tabkling enabled him to do so with success repeatedly, but there were occasions when the delay thus caused was not profitable. Hunt, who had on earlier occasions figured in the full-back position, occupied the. centre role on Saturday and carried through his part quite successfully, his kicking being distinctly valuable, while two potted goals by this “snap shooter” furnished his side with eight points. Roberts and M. McDonald are both wingers of excellent physique, with a fund of trickiness, but neither possessed the pace of Walker, the green winger. Johnson who had been selected to play in the Maori trials at Gisborne, but who was not available for the tour, preferred to remain at home and assist his district. He carried out his task quite successfully, although he did not receive any very severe testing. The referee was rather kind to him on occasions in granting him his claims for marks which were called over late. Jacob proved a worthy leader. He played at his best, and it was evident that some of the tactics adopted had been planned before hand. On one occasion he moved out to the wing at a throw in from the opposite side of the field, and from the passing bout thus launched he was able to register his second crossing. In company with his fellow forwards he fed his backs from all positions, with the result that some sparkling bouts were forthcoming. Robinson and H. McDonald were a well matched pair in the front row, their success in the hooking department being, however, assisted to a large degree by the superiority in weight behind them. Tana, who tips the beam at 15.6 locked the scrum excellently. Moynihan still continues to play up to his old form, his partner. Bond, who was a member of last year’s Hawke’s Bay B representative team, being a worthy addition to the ranks of the red and blues. AMONG THE GREENS. Wells, who was making his first appearance in the green and white jersey, kicked and fielded well in his role of full-back, but his tackling of his burly opponents on occasions was weak. However, in that respect he was not alone, for practically every member of the rearguard displayed a reluctanoe to go low on occasions. Probably McLean would have stood up to it better than did the Western United player. Walker, on the left wing, was preferable to Darragh, his pace giving him a distinct advantage and which, given the opportunities, ho would have been able to employ to still better advantage. While iris tackling was not as good as might have been expected, weakness in the inner ranks frequently 1 left him in a quandary as to which man to tackle, and more than once he had to turn and overtake the winger when McDonald was bending for the line, his superior pace making this possible of success? Darragh was in and out, for he tackled with vim one moment and then was slack directly following. Golden opportunities were lost more than once in nis not going up to an opponent quickly following a kick wingwards. He is somewhat light, perhaps over so, to permit of his forcing his way through a press of opponents. Mullins, like his inners, was most uncertain at times, but at others he was very active. Wasley shone on occasions. Akuira seldom- shines when opposed to Jacob, and apparently his earlier experiences at the hands and feet of the opposing rover had not been forgotten for he oncned rather poorly. Jn the second half lie played much more strongly and took all the rough stuff without flinching. Walden was naturally overshadowed by Jacob and he consequently did not show his true worth, while the fast work of the red forwards prevented him showing to advantage in the loose by onening up to his rearguard. ‘ The Boidt-O’Keefe partnership was fated to last but a spell, for by that time Boldt’s knee, which lie had injured at work a fortnight previously, gave out and there now appears to be little probability that, ho will bo seen out again this season. O’Keefe, despite the fact that he suffered in the matter of poundage, played from bell to bell and was one of the most prominent forwards in the green brigade. Crawford, following the retirement of Parsons—-the Kia Toa ulaver lasting

about 10 minutes, an injured ankle necessitating his leaving the field—filled the lock position. He could bo seen always in the thick of things and he boro his full share of the heavy stuff. McKenzie, who replaced Parsons, played his usual honest game, while another member of the Parsons’ family, whose sendees were enlisted at half time, made quite a fair showing under the circumstances. Gothard battled away in determined manner and by sheer dash fought his way out of the press on occasions. Had Manawatu more forwards of his type, the outcome would have been different. Parsons, of Oroua, made a very creditable showing, although he was apt to overlook the offside rules, while Hare shone in the loose during the first half, but apparently the task of fighting against superior weight told its tale for he was not seen to the same advantage the second half. « SERIOUS REVIEW OF POSITION NEEDED. There will, presumably, be a further trial before the Combined team is selected and in the meantime Manawatu will have to seriously review the position. At the present time there is locally a dearth of the heavy type of fonvards with a reasonable amount of pace, and it would certainly appear that further material will have to be sought from Oroua and Te Kawa. Saturday’s rearguard was not impressive at any stage, their handling being uncertain,- while their was a wildness and uncertainty about their passing which was far from representative standard. Whatever the fifteen selected to do duty at the next meeting, due opportunity must bo afforded the members to acquaint themselves with each other’s play and thus not have a repetition of the opening matches of tho past two seasons. Based on Saturday’s game, ’ Manawatu’s share of representation in the Combined team must be very small—possibly two backs and two forwards—and to merit equal representation a vast improvement will have to be forthcoming. It is now mooted that a southern tour be undertaken, the expense of which will be borne to a large extent by the funds of the Manawatu Council. It would be reasonable for local players to request that some portion of the sum be devoted to installing electric light at the Showgrounds oval and thus enable night practices) to be carried on out in the open. At present Manawatu frequently experiences difficulty in getting its representatives together for day practice, but there is no reason why night practices should not be carried out if electric light were installed-

Rearguard movements such as were undertaken by Horowhenua are only possible by previous planning and carrying into execution on the practice field. Night exercises on the turf would freatly improve the Manawatu team if ayligkt practice is not possible. A coach who can devote plenty of time to the development of the rearguard play is also urgently required, for the methods adopted at present by Manawatu are of the old stereotype style and lack initiative. Such a,movement as was brought into operation by Horowhenua from the kick out on Saturday when the receiver, fielding the ball practically on the touch line, immediately swung direct infield and thus set in operation a passing bout which caught the greens right out of position, is one worthy of emulation. The in-ter-clianges carried the winger on the opposite side of the field well down into foreign territory and he returned in field for the five-eighth to complete a magnificent and spectacular movement. STATISTICS OF INTER-UNION MATCHES. Since the opening of the 1924 season, Manawatu and Horowhenua have met on six occasions, .the outcome of the series having been as under:— 1924 SEASON. May 3, at Palmerston North, Manawatu won 23-17. June 21, at Foxfon, Manawatu won T 9-11. September 13, at Palmerston North, Manawatu won 40-10. 1925 SEASON. August 8, at Palmerston North, Horowhenua won 16-6. September 5, at Foxton, Manawatu won 10-5. 1926 SEASON. June 19, at Levin Horowhenua won 30-9. Over the whole series Manawatu has registered a grand total of 117 as compared with Horowhenua’s 89, the composition of the totals being as follow: Manwatu 21 tries, 11 goals from tries, three penalty and one field goal. Horowhenua 17 tries, 9 goals from tries, 4 penalty and two field goals:} ALL BLACKS MAY PLAY IN AUCKLAND. Per Press Association. It is practically certain that the All Blftcks will be seen in a match against Auckland representatives after returning from New South Wales. The All Blacks will leave Sydney on July 30, sund should reach Auckland on August 3. It is hoped to arrange a match against Auckland for Wednesday, August 4. The Auckland Rugby Union communicated with the New Zealand Rugby • Union on Saturday evening, and received a definite assurance that the match will take place if, as is expected, the steamer arrangements suit. AUCKLAND REPRESENTATIVES. AUCKLAND, June 21. The Auckland Rugby representatives to play Thames at Auckland on Saturday are:—Full-back, Goodacre: three-quarters, Lucas, Mattson and Hook; five-eighths, Meyer and Sheen; half, Wright; rover, Keane; forwards, S. Hadley, Palmer, Cathcart, Knight, Batty, McWilliams. RUGBY CONTROL. MANAWATU DISTRICT COUNCIL. FIXTURES FOR SATURDAY. The regular meeting of the .Manawatu Rugby District Council was held last evening, when there were present: Messrs T. Collins (in tiie chair), T. Pagan, C. W. White, E. Glevely, N. Martin, A. S. Faire, tl. Crawford, J. R. Hardie, IV. Carruthers, K. Esrlin-

ton, R. E. Hatch, P. O. Skogland and J. B. Proud. CORRESPONDENCE. . The Manawatu Hockey Association wrote making a request that the oval at the Showgrounds be not played on on Saturday in order to give the Hockey Association the opportunity of preparing the area for the visit of the Indian Army team.—The chairman stated that the visit of the Indian team was an exceptional event, and, if possible, he would like to meet the needs of the hockey players. Following a statement by the secretary that No. 3 ground was not at present available, it was considered that the oval could not he vacated oil Saturday. The Western-United .Club wrote making application for the transfer of Alex Anderson, of the defunct Jackeytown Club.—Granted. The Oroua Sub-Union wrote making application fqr a match versus the Manawatu A team at Kimbolton on July 14.—Agreed to, the matter being referred to the selectors for their attention. The New Zealand Rugby Union wrote forwarding the conditions governing a challenge for the Moascar Cup. One challenge, it was mentioned, had been so far received —the Palmerston North Boys’ High School.— Mr P. O. Skoglund, the High School delegate, reported that it was not now the intention of the High School to fulfill the engagement and the letter was accordingly received. St. Patrick’s Club wrote directing attention to the fact that its fourth frado team had travelled away from offno three times within the past four playing Saturdays and, owing to difficulty in getting a full team away on the last occasion, the fifth grade players had been called upon to such ail extent that that team had been compelled to default its match.—While the position was regretted, it was held that the club would reap the benefit in tlie next round. The Wanganui Union wrote asking .whether it was the intention of the Manawatu Council to send its junior and third grade teams to Wanganui this season. —The secretary mentioned that Manawatu had visited Wanganui last season and he was accordingly instructed to request that the return visit be made this season. Te Kawau Sub-Union wrote asking whether a match could be arranged between the Manawatu thirds and Te Kawau jnifiors at Sand/on.—lt was left to Messrs Hatch and Clevely to report as to a suitable date for tile game. The Sub-Union further asked whether the same teams could not meet as a curtain-raiser to the Hawke’s BayCombined match on August 7. —Pending a, reply from the Wanganui Union relative to a visit by its third grado team, the matter was held over. The Bush Union wrote making application for a junior representative match at Pahiatua on July 24.—The reply was held over pending ascertaining the date of the second match with Horowhenua, an endeavour to be made to arrange the match for / the same day. PLAYER REPORTED. Mr T. H. Hope, the referee in the Feilding-Western United senior match played at Feiidmg on the 12th inst, reported having ordered off the field oi play 0. Hight, of the Feilding team, lor passing remarks following the awarding of a try to Western United. The player concerned tendered a written apology, stating therein that he had acted on tne spur of the moment and without intending to cause trouble, or throw reflection oil the referee. He had never previously been warned by a referee, and trusted that he would never again be an offender in this respect. Mr Collins mentioned that he had, at the conclusion of the game, enquired of the referee the reason for liis action, and that official had informed the speaker of the position. Hight had undoubtedly been in the wrong, but the speaker was pleased to see that he had promptly apologised. As Hight had been debarred from taking his place in the representative team last Saturday, the punishment thus meted out to him was, in the speaker’s opinion, quite sufficient. Ho accordingly moved that the apology be accepted, and the suspension of ono playing Saturday be considered sufficient. Mr Carruthers seconded the motion, which was carried without opposition. GENERAL. Messrs C. u W. White and E. Clevely, the respective managers of the Manawatu A and B teams which visited Levin and Sanson on Saturday last, reported on the trips and made certain suggestions, particularly with reference to assembling teams for practice prior to fulfilling fixtures on future occasions. —The managers were accorded votes of thanks for their services. The secretary was instructed to write to the Horowhenua Council suggesting July 24 or 31 as 4 the date of the return match at Palmerston North. . Permission was granted the Old Boys Club to play. Tokomaru on Saturday, Terrace End Park being allotted for the match. FIXTURES FOR SATURDAY. Seniors.—Kia Toa v. Western United, Oval, Showgrounds, 3 p.m., Mr H.’ Seward; Feilding v. Woodville, recreation grounds, Woodville, 3 p.m., Mr A. Gordon; Old Boys, a bye. Juniors. —High School v. Western United, Oval, Showgrounds, 1.30 p.m., Mr R. E. Hatch; Bunnythorpe v. Kia Toa, Bunnythorpe, 2.45 p.m., Mr N. Martin; Old Boys v. Fcikling, Polo grounds, Feilding, 3 p.m., Mr C. Eade; Feilding Old Boys, a bye. Third grade.—Kia Toa v. West End Old Boys, No. 4 Showgrounds, 3 p.m., Mr W. Kilpatrick; Old Boys v. Woodville, school grounds, Woodville, 3 p.m., Mr W. Rowlands; St. Patrick’s v. Western United, No. 5 Showgrounds, 1.30 p.m., Mr E. W.. Low; Bunnythorpe, a bye. Fourth grade.—Feilding v. Technical, polo grounds, Feilding, 3 p.m., Mr H. Pope; Feilding H.S. v. Feilding Old Boys, polo grounds, Feilding, 1.30 p.m., Mr F. S. Hewitt; Woodville v. Western United, No. 6- Showgrounds, 3 p.m., Mr L. Berry; High School v. Kia Toa, No. 5 Showgrounds, 3 p.m., Mr E. Clevely; St. Patrick’s win by default from Jackeytown. Fifth grade.—Phoenix ,v. St. Patrick’s, No. 6 Showgrounds, 1.30 p.m.; Gordon v. Kia Toa, school ground, 3 p.m ; Albion v. Technical, No. 4 Showgrounds, 1.30 p.m. Sixth grade.—Albion v. Phoenix, High School ground, 10.30 a.m.; Kia Ora v. Technical, technical ground, 10.30 a.m.; Gordon, a bye. Referees for fifth and sixth grade matches by arrangement. (Continued on poke 7.)