FOOTBALL.

Manawatu Times, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 12800, 25 May 1914, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

OPENING OF THE SEASON. TEN TEAMS COMPETE. SUCCESSFUL YEAR ANTICIPATED. The Manwatu Rugby Union opened the .1914 season last Saturday with matches at Palmerston, Feilding and Awahuri. Considering the inclement weather experienced all the week the grounds, especially the Showground, were in splendid playing condition, and there were good attendances at all the matches. The Ashhnrst junior team forfeited to United, the reason being that their fifreen were depleted through illness. Results:—

SENIOR.' WESTERN (10) v. ORIENTAL (0). Exactly at 3 p.m. Mr Thompson, the referee, started this game going. The Oriental men were without the services of the Carroll Bros., who arrived in town to take part in the match but received the sad news that their eldest brother was drowned in the Mataura river, and on this account withdrew from the contest. All footballers express their deepest sympathy Avith the brothers in their sad loss.

A FAIR DISPLAY. The gam-} was interesting to watch, and at times was very fast. The want of efficiency could hardly at times be accredited to the players, for the most of them showed an aptitude towards the game, but the real stumbling block towards that display which de- j lights the spectators was just a lack of training. The Oriental men during the first half used their backs well in combined efforts, but could not materialise, the Western forwards often neutralising their opponents' efforts. Taking a few of the individual players, Thompson, the Oriental fullback, gave a safe display. K. Eglinton was gathering the ball with mory judgment, and has not lost any of his pace, Barker worked solidly, and is as dashy as ever. The other backs gave promise of better things in the future. The forwards tired a lot towards the end of the game, but Hardie and Walsh shifted tho play very fast at times, and the younger members of the team were not slow to fasten on to the openings, and with a little more experience will be sure ti turn their efforts to better account. Western backs were safe, but it is nearly time Elliott, Boon and Alsopp

worked up a useful combination for their side, as these players have the

knowledge, weight and pace this year to play important parts in Manawatu football. Arnott also shaped well. The forward team are solid (and it is stated that Roderick, a New Zealand rep., is to be included in their ranks), so they will have a splendid pack Best is as good as ever, and lie fairly forced his way over when he scored his try. Jack Brown, who is never caught out of condition, was in fine form, and the Baigents toiled hard all through. M. Baigent scored a wellearned try. J. Brown converted both the tries; the- last one was a beautiful kick. Bonny Childs is one of the most useful players Western have, and is always found working hard tor his side. FEJLDING (tl) v. UNITED (0). The above teams met on the racecourse at Feilding last Saturday. The I'nited team played with thirteen men, Gardner and Coombs failing to put in an appearance. The team played without a wing forward and one liveeight. It was mainly a forward game, which was fast at times. The back play, although sound, was not too good on the offensive, as numerous opportunities of scoring were lost through players failing to display good judgment at the critical time. I'liillips and Jacobsen did a lot of useful work, the former making the most

of his opportunities. MeDowall, a last year's junior, made a line impression. Simeon had not much to do. Of the forwards Hope stood out from the rest of a good pack. The I'nited forwards played well, R-eggs, Johnston and Hardness showing good form. Among the backs Ford was in fair form and did a lot of useful work. McKenzie, at centre three-quarter, proved a player of all round capabilities. Halpin, at full-back, was very safe. If there was any advantage in the merits of play probably Feilding. had the advantage, as the United's goal was threatened on a number of .occasion?, and the ball two or three times just shaved the posts. Mr Williams refereed.

JUNIOR. HUIA (8) v. LINTON (14). A great deal of interest was centred around this game, as Linton were reported to have a good team, and the Iluias, who had three or four Te Aute boys included in their team, were expected to win, but Linton got to work early and with vigorous play made an excellent :;ttack on t K e Huia's defence, and a free kick being awarded Kingsbeer dropped a lovely goal. This reverse woke the Huia's up and a rush to Linton's line and passing between Larkin, Edwards and Ray, the latter got across. Linton got under way again and Rex ran across and scored. He converted his own try. Duriug the second spoil the game was very fast, and W. Terry ran across, and then 0. Terry got over. A final rally by the Huias carried phiy up to Linton's goal line, and Ray, taking the ball smartly, scored near the posts; Edwards converted. The game shortly after ended. Mr Meuli refereed.

FEILDING (S) v. AWAHURT (fi). This junior game was played at Awahuri. There was a large attendance and excitement ran high. Feilding after a strenuous effort proved victorious by the above margin. 'J BIRD CLASS. UNITED 111. (7; v. FEILDING (0). United journeyed to Feilding and ! won a hard p r ; ie by 7to nil. The I score was obtained by a try by ! Sheerin after running nearly the ( length of the field and a pretty drop i kick by Hill from near half-way. Mr H. Sly refereed. ASSOCIATION. j St. Andrews beat Pohangina by 3 'goals to 1 after a fairly interesting game. Gordon, Cameron and Perry scored for the winners.