THE NATIONAL GAME

Manawatu Standard, Volume LI, Issue 207, 3 August 1931, Page 2

THE NATIONAL GAME

HOROWHENUA DEFEAT MANAWATU. _ HONOURS WITH THE LOSERS. Conditions could hardly have been worse than those on Saturday for the first of the' home and home trial matches between Horowhenua and Manawatu, which precedes the selection of the Manawhenua representatives. However, despite the fact that the ground was quickly a quagmire with pools of water thereon, the players rose above the eruditions and spectators were treated to a display of fast football which was not without its humorous incidents. Horowhenua won a few moments before the close of play per. medium of a penalty goal, but doubt was expressed as to whtTaer the ruling was correct. Both sets of forwards played great football, while several of the individual members of the back lines performed wonderfully well. Although beaten, Manawatu were probably deserving of success on the run of the play. The teams which filed out were as under:

Horowhenua (blue).—Ryder, Gee, Graham, Broughton, Johnst-on, Enoko, Winiata, T. Parata, Fitzgerald, Roddick, Gordon, Satherley, Payne, Ransfield, Tatana. Manawatu (green and white). — Bramwell, L. Moffatt, M. Moffatt, Griffin, Robb, Fletcher, Shapleski, Le Quesne, Henry, Hight, Williams, Yendell, Dalziell, McKenzie, Findlay. Owing to the visitors arriving without any jerseys, it was 3 o’clock when the teams * made their appearance, the visitors being clad in colours of Manawhenua. The toss of the coin favoured Manawatu and they elected to defend the southern goal with the driving rain at their backs. Tatana had three unsuccessful essays to kick off and his final effort passed to Fletcher, who lined out well down. From the position gained Shapleski opened up tp Robb, to Fletcher, and the five-eighth cut in only to be halted a foot short. A free kick relieved the pressure, while another assault saw Le Quesne coming round the scrum too sharply. The greens returned and Le Quesne charged down a clearance by Ryder to pounce on the ball to register the first crossing. Yendell goaled. From the kick out the blue forwards worked to the assault and Winiata sent Gee away but the winger could not get far and Findlay went off with the ball at his toe, only to over-run the. leather, as did his supports until Shapleski got his foot to it. Horowhenua were securing the ball in the set scrums, and they steadily gamed ground, although Le Quesne led the greens free, but Graham replied with a ground kick through to Bramwell. Shapleski opened up and Fletcher exchanged kicks with Ryder, the blue full-back finding touch with the final exchange. J. Broughton accepted a hand on from Graham to beat M. Moffatt, but he was tripped up in the slush when preparing to get in his kick. Aided by a nice kick by Enoko, the blue forwards worked the far touch line to go down to the home line, where Bramwell got in an opportune clearance as the attackers were about to pile through. Roddick essayed a long shot at goal, but the range was too great. Payne accepted Fletcher’s return to burst round the blind side to feed Tatana, but the infield pass went, astray. A long kick by Fletcher from a free kick a few yards from his own goal brought relief, but the blue forwards came back in a solid rush and, although the greens replied in like coin, McKenzie being in the van, Gee again gave the blues the advantage. Fletcher, who was* revelling in the conditions, was proving very active on the defence, his big kicks being of distinct value. However, the Horowhenua men were not to be denied and a loose rush swarmed over the defence and Roddick touched down after the ball had slithered over the line. The scorer failed. A return by Robb found the line well down and, although the play worked across field, Findlay broke free with the ball in possession, but lie was brought to earth and Parata got in a lucky clearance. Johnston was called on to save immediately following, but the greens came back in a handling bout, Griffin-making an effort to go on after being grassed. Yendell was afforded a shot at goal, but the range was beyond him and Graham lined out. Broughton secured on the right wing to turn back across his own goal and then cut through the greens to send upfield—a great save. Henry and Williams led the greens to the centre line with a solid rush, a mark by Winiata halting their further progress. Williams broke free from the line-out to send on to his supports, and the rush went to the line before being stemmed. Ryder, who was proving very sound, saVed a dangerous onslaught by the greens and they went to the opposite end only for Manawatu to reply with a stirring rush, L. Moffatt going in with Williams. Half-time was souiided when L. Moffatt lined out a few yards from the corner. The display during the spell had been far in advance of what might have been expected. CLOSE SCORING. Hard on the kick out the greens went off in a concerted rush which swept right to the goal front, where Ryder saved very opportunely by marking. Fletcher attempted to send infield to M. Moffatt, but the centre came to earth, although he managed to get in his pass to L. Moffatt, the winger dancing through to be pushed out at the corner. Griffin made a bold effort to get through on the right wing, but he was held up. However, from the ensuing scrum the greens hooked to Shapleski to Robb, who cut in and then sent on to Le Quesne for the rover to complete. Yendell’s shot at goal was ruled out. Stung by the reverse, Horowhenua fought their way to the assault, but their stay was brief, although the scene was repeatedly altering. A fast follow up by Griffin and Le Quesne saw Ryder caught in possession and the blues were fortunate to escape with a force. M. Moffatt, Le Quesne, Fletcher and L. Moffatt were associated in a series of exchanges, the winger being caught by Graham when almost through. Shapleski came away from the base of the serum to kick through to Ryder, who returned, the ball going over the green line for Bramwell to force.

Manawatu were continuing on the aggressive, but Ryder was proving a stumbling block. A short dash by Gee and a kick through which caught the greens awkwardly placed forced Bram. well to hurriedly line out. A nice acceptance by Graham and a dash along the right wing set his forwards doing and Payne topped off the assault by scoring in the corner. Roddick failed. The homesters replied with a forward rush which swept to the line, but losing close control, saw a force the only result of their efforts. With -the ball at their toes the green forwards were taking a power of stopping. With Bramwell failing to find the line, Graham took the ball on the run to send infield and the blues appeared to be off for a score when the movement was halted. However, they came back and the greens were fortunate to escape with a force. They were again on the defence when Dalziell got offside and Tatana mado a good effort to goal, but the ball went low in its flight. The defence of both sides was seriously

tested in turn, Findlay and Griffin being prominent for Manawatu and Parata and Tatana for the blues. Williams, Hight and Yendell went off in a hand to hand bout, but a kick through caught Bramwell too far upfield, and J. Broughton and L. Moffatt had a race to the ball. The leather failed to go on and Bramwell came back in play offside and Johnston found the uprights from close range. Horowhenua 9, Manawatu 8. Play continued fast and hard, the green forwards sweeping upfield only for a kick through to find Broughton get to the ball first to hand on to Johnston and the five-eighth was almost in. A stirring battle terminated in a one point victory to Horowhenua with plav at midfield. , . Mr H. Hands carried the whistle. TE KAWAU v. MANAWATU. HOME TEAM SELECTED. ' The following team has been chosen by Mr-J. A. Colquhoun, sole selector for Manawatu, to represent Manawatu on Wednesday versus the sub-union of Te Kawau: — Full-back. —S. Bramwell; threequarters, Griffin, Tremewan, Elliott (Feilding); five-eighths, Fletcher, Robb; half-back, Shapleski; wing-for-ward, J. Le Quesne; hookers, Henry and Hight; lock, \ended; supports, Findlay and Dalziell; back row, Youle and McKenzie. Reserves. —Half-back, Metcalf; wing three-quarters, Strange; inside back, C. Le Quesne; hooker, Boldt; support lines. Wells (Feilding O.B.). Williams is not available for Wednesday. SENIOR VISITING TEAM. The following will represent Te Kawau seniors : —Full-back : Coats; three-quar-ters, Moffatt (2), Gimblett; five-eighths, Goldfinch, Scott; half, Fuller- forwards, Marsh, Taylor, Alger, Millard, Robinson, Harris, Gust, Beard. Emergencies.—Pearce, Fagan, Lawton, Saunders (forwards) ; Tattle, Lapwiph, Royal, E. Gust (backs).

The following will represent Te Kawau juniors v. Manawatu third .grade reps: Murphy, Cribb (2), G. Smith. J. Hehif, R. Gloyne (captain), Wright (backs); Boswell, Sanson, Rowe, Waka, Waller, Sexton, George, Heta (forwards). Emergencies: C. Cribb and Parker (backs); Mataki, Wright (forwards) . TE KAWAU SUB-UNION. Owing to the inclement weather all the matches under the jurisdiction of the Te Kawau Sub-Union were postponed. OROUA SUB-UNION. * Senior: Kimbolton 3 v. Rangiwahia 3; Waituna defaulted to Apiti. Junior: Wanderers 3 v. Apiti 0. WHISTLERS AT PLAY. DRAWN GAME AT PAHIATUA. The annual trial of playing strength between the referees of Mapawatu and Bush was staged at Pahiatua on Saturday as a benefit for the unemployed. Unfortunately, the elements did not prove to be at all good and the attendance of enthusiasts was not as large as might have been anticipated. The teams which filed out were :

Bush. —Smith, Harvey, Reeves, Draper, Moynahan, Udy, Lett, G. Smith, Siddells, Guinnane, Galvin, Stainton, Matson, Hunt, Henry (captain). Manawatu. —Holman, Dorrington, Gordon, Seeker, Cope, Ross, Heggie, Hughes, Rapley, Cliote, McKegg, Garner, Berry, Rowlands, McCullough (captain). After leading their fifteens on to the field the respective captains retired to direct operations per medium of megaphone from the side line. Heggie brought the rival combinations into action and All Black Siddells burst into the picture with one of his characteristic runs. The homesters were carrying the aggressive when Rapley set off downfield with the ball at his toe and, per medium of a series of kicks and fast follows-up, he went to the Bush goal to score between the posts. Cope did not prove capable of adding the major points. Manawatu 3—o.

Working the touch line, Bush invaded and they met with their reward when Moynahan went over. A no charge gave Udy a free shot at goal and the kicker made a good effort to find the uprights. The second spell found hostilities waged from zone to zone without anything exceptional happening, the closing moments finding Bush making great efforts to secure the lead, but the referee, Mr W. Duthie, of Bunnytliorpe, blew the final whistle with the honours even.

In the evening the visitors were tendered a dinner when Mr 0. Stone, president of the Bush Referees’ Association, occupied the chair and a toast list, which included the following toasts, was honoured : —“The King,” “Manawatu Referees’ Association” and “Bush Referees’ Association.” The toast of the evening was “The Referee, Mr W. B. Duthie,” proposed by Mr S. Smith. Mr Plank, in replying to a toast, apologised for the unavoidable absence of Mr C. White. He then presented to the president of the Bush Association the “Manabush Gold Cup” to be competed for annually between the two associations. The cup was made and donated by Mr McCullough, and is eighteen inches high, and based on an engraved ebony stand. Seeing that the game had ended in a draw that day Mr Plank contended that Bush Association should hold the cup for the first six months. Mr McCullough was accorded musical honours for his donation. Musical items were rendered by Messrs Stainton, Udy Bros., Robertson, McKegg, Seeker, G. Smith and Thompson, while the star item was rendered bv little Frances Boyle, four years of age. MANAWHENUA UNION MEET. REPRESENTATIVE MATCHES. A meeting of the Manawlienua Rugby Council was held on Saturday when Mr J. A. Colquhoun presided. Others present were Messrs J. McGill, F. Robinson, J. Casey, T. Richards, M. Winiata (Horowhenua) and J. R. Hardie, H. Crawford, T. McHerron and Eglinton (Manawatu). Apologies for absence were received from Messrs Pagan and Mitchell. The New Zealand Union advised that the documents had now been completed and a cheque for £ISOO would bS sent forward immediately in terms of Manawhenua’s application for a loan. The Taranaki Union advised that as a result of the amendment in the date of the Australian match, the fixture with Manawatu would be fulfilled on September 16 at Palmerston North—its original date.—Received. The Wellington Union sought information in respect to the annual fixtures, Wellington juniors v. Manawhenua juniors, Wellington thirds v. Horowhenua juniors, and Wellington fourths v. Manawatu thirds.—lt is not intended to play any lower grade competition matches this season, with the exception of the Wellington thirds v. Horowhenua juniors which was referred to the Horowhenua council. The Wairarapa Union confirmed August 19 for the date of its fixture with Manawlienua at Masterton.—Received, it being decided that the team make ±he trip to and from Masterton

the same day, the means of transit being held over. The Wanganui Union requested an amendment in the date of its fixture originally set down for August 22 to September 5 at Palmerston North.— It was decided to agree to the request. The Wairarapa Union invited matches with the Manawhenua junior or third grade representatives.—The secretary reported that he had advised that Manawhenua were not playing any lower grade fixtures this season. The action was confirmed. GENERAL. Messrs H. F. Gibbons, Colquhoun, Crawford, Eglinton, Hardie and the secretary were appointed a committee to arrange for the entertainment of the Australian team during its stay in Palmerston North. Mr C. W. White was appointed manager of the Manawhenua team to visit Masterton on the 19th. The Horowhenua delegates agreed to forgoing a home’ representative match this season conditionally on Horowhenua receiving 50 per cent, of the nett gate takings of the Otago match, Messrs Casey, Robinson and Richards expressing appreciation of the generous offer. REPRESENTATIVE MATCHES. AUCKLAND FIFTEEN BEATEN. Per Press Association. NEW PLYMOUTH, Aug. 1. The Auckland Rugby touring team met Taranaki this afternoon. The game resulted in a win for the home team by 11 points to 9. Solomon scored two tries for Auckland in the first spell, the first being merely a race for the ball in which the Aucklander won, and the second having much more merit. After half time Guy scored for Taranaki and Collins converted. Satherley from a loose rush scored to increase Auckland’s score to nine, none of the northern team’s tries being converted. A penalty goal kicked by Collins brought Taranaki within one point of Auckland and play was very exciting in the Last quarter of an hour. Taranaki became definitely superior for a time and a meritorious try was scored by Kinsella, giving Taranaki the victory by two points. CANTERBURY DEFEAT WAIRARAPA. Per Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH, Aug. 1. A Rugby match was played here today between Canterbury and Wairarapa. The final score was: Canterbury 28 (seven tries, two of which were converted, and a penalty goal), Wairarapa 17 (two tries, one converted and three penalty goals). The visitors were at least equal of the home team in the forwards, but were outclassed in the backs. BULLER DEFEAT GOLDEN BAYMOTUEKA. Per Press Association. WESTPORT, Aug. 1. Buller retained the Seddon Shield today against the second challenge of the season, defeating Golden Bay-Motueka by 11 points to 0. The match was played in wintry weather. MORRINSVILLE DEFEAT HAMILTON. Per Press Association. HAMILTON, Aug. 1. A match for the Peace Cup tyas played here to-day between Morrinsville and Hamilton. Morrinsville proved victorious, winning by 3 points to nil. MATCHES ELSEWHERE. Following arc results of Rugby matches played in the centres on Saturday : Hawke’s Bay.—Hastings 17 v. Napier Technical Old Boys 5; Hastings Old Boys 14 v. Tamatea 3 (at Hastings) ; Marist Bros. Old Boys 6 v. Pirates 3; High School Old Boys 22 v. Celtic 6 (at Napier). Wanganui.—Technical Old Boys 11 v. Marist 11; Piratos 15 v. Old Boys 13; Kaierau 17 v. Ratana 0.

Dunedin. —Kaikorai 13 v. ’Varsity A 3 (Ainge Charity Shield)Metropolitan 21 v. Combined Country 8. Wellington.—Senior A : Poneke 16 v. Old Boys 5; Hutt 11 v. Wellington 9; Oriental 18 v. Petone 3; university 52 v. Berhampore 11; Marist 16 v. Eastbourne 8. By their defeat of Wellington in the Senior A competition, Hutt regain the lead, the totals being: .Hutt 23, Wellington 22. Auckland. —There were not any senior competition games on Saturday, the programme consisting of Pollard Cup matches tor secondary schools. The games resulted : Mt. Albert 6 v. Sacred Heart 3; Auckland Grammar 21 v. King’s 3 (King’s second defeat by Grammar this season)-. Dannevirke. —Rangers 11 v. Old Boys 3; Pirates 11 v. Excelsior 0. Wairarapa. —Gladstone 26 v. Carterton 11; Greytown 12 v. Daleficld 5; Old Boys defaulted to Masterton. NORTH ISLAND TEAM. MANAWHENUA’S NOMINATIONS. The joint selectors for Manawhenua (Messrs J. A. Colquhoun and M. Winiata) have sent forward the names of the following players to the Neiv Zealand Rugby Union as being available for selection for the North Island: —Henry, Williams, McKenzie (Manawatu), Gordon, Roddick and Tatana (Horowhenua). All six players are member of the frontal division. OTHER NOMINATIONS. Other nominations for the North Island team are as follow: Wairarapa.—Backs, D. Oliver, C. Stringfellow and L. Roach; forward, K. Reid. Taranaki. —Wills, Clarke, Walter, Gudgeon, Watson and Fookes. AUSTRALIAN TEST. SYDNEY, Aug. 2. In the Rugby Union Test, New South AVales defeated Queensland by 37 points to six.