OROUA DOWNS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 147, 21 May 1930, Page 9

OROUA DOWNS.

SENIOR FOOTBALL. (From Our Own Correspondent.) OROUA DOWNS, May 19. On Saturday the second round of the senior competition in the Te Kawau SubUnion was commenced. The games proved to be very interesting, particularly the battle on the local ground, which was one of more than passing interest to both spectators and players. The game was confined to the forwards as a shower in tho early part of the first spell made the ball slippery to handle. Oroua Downs (yellow) won the toss and defended the western goal. Lawton set tho ball in motion for Awahuri and a keen contest commenced. The yellows attacked strongly and the Awahuri backs were compelled to force. From the kick-out tho yellow forwards, with tho ball at their toes, transferred play to the reds’ goal lino where L. Sargisson smartly snapped up. the leather to ground it in a handy position. The kick failed. Awahuri now livened up and kept the yellows defending for a time. Simpson, who has again donned the red and black jeraey, was playing a sterling game for the reds, his presence being severely felt by the yellow forwards. At this period of the game rain foil and the ball was kept at the toe. For a while both packs strove to gain their objective. During a tackle on tho side-line X. Lawton, of the Awahuri team, had the misfortune to twist a muscle in his leg, and was replaced by Payne. Following a high kick, L Moffatt secured and, after a long run, just failed to reach the line, being tackled from the side by tho red fullback. With tlie scores Btill tho same the lialf-timo whistle sounded. On recommencement, the game became very willing and tho reds kept the Oroua Downs on tho defensive, and only by sound defence did the yellows keep them from scoring. At this stage A. Sargisson nt full-buck, in fielding a rolling ball, twisted his knee and had to retire, being replaced by J. Scott. The rods continued to press and from a forward rush W. Scott tackled a liefty red forward, and on tho melee being broken up he was found to have injured his hand severely. Ho had to retire and tho Downs continued with one man short. from the ensuing scrum the ball was whipped out and Robbie, tho red winger, dived over, this making the scores even. Tho kick at goal failed. The yellows now livened up. Groome, after a fast sprint up tile sideline, was pushed out at the red twentyfive. With me play in midfield tho final whistle sounded, leaving the scores: Awahuri 3, Oroua Downs 3. Mr Stan. Reeves controlled the game, his rulings being strictly impartial. The many friends of Marshall Moffatt will be pleased to learn that ho is progressing very favourably after his recent serious illness. W. Scott, who injured his hand during the match on Saturday, will be unablo te play for some time as it was found that three fingers were broken. J. Conlon, who injured his back at the beginning of the season, is gradually improving, but it is improbable that he will again take the field this season. R. Scott and A. Sargisson, who have both injured their knees this season, will rank as spectators for a, considerable time.