ON THE BALL.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 2671, 4 May 1925, Page 2

ON THE BALL.

FEBLDING DEFEATS K(A TO A. GOOD START BY YELLOWS. Feilding seniors made a good start in Hie 1925 Rugby competitions on Saturday on the Polo ground, although the game called for (lie best that was in (lie team to win out by 1 t points to G. Before the match started, it was stated that (lie local fifteen had been doing some good practice, and when the players took the held, it was evident that whatever time had been devoted to training, had been well spent. There was a fair gathering of spectators to witness the initial game of the season and the standard of play, whilst showing no outstanding Improvement, was certainly on a par with that witnessed towards the end of last season’s games. Feilding kicked off against a. strong bleak breeze and the blues took wliar, advanago was offering in the matter of wind, and quickly had the ball in the yellows’ quarter. Loose play followed and then the yellows’ got away with a forward rush, which McSwoeney checked to the cost of a free kick. However, Benge misjudged his direction in allowing fox - the breeze and the game continued in favour ot the yellows. The bines got the heller of a struggle in the centre, and pressed home to the yellows’ line, when the visitors were .awarded a free kick through a breach in a scrummage. Mullins sent (ho leather over the bar amidst applause. The local team was utilising its hacks to advantage against a superior combination, and Bramwell, on tlie wing, maintained an open game. His efforts at Hits stage enabled Bailey to pick up the ball but his progress was stayed and G. Darragh brought the play nearer the visitors’ goal, with skilful play. His solo effort was chocked by MsSweoney, who was perfectly safe. Howse returned MeSwccnoy’s kick with the leather at his foot, but the blue backs rescued Hie ball and were away until H. Darragh saved a try Play was returned to the centre of the field, when “Mick” Bowler made an opening and passing to Darragh, still further assisted Hie passage of the leather to Bailey, who raced away and scored easily. Benge tailed with (he kick. The spell came shortly afterwards with the score three all. Playing with Hie wind, the yellows had all the advantage. It looked a certain victory and if they had not won Hie day Hie spectators would have been sorely disappointed. Contrarv to expectations, the blues did not allow Feilding to have, it all its own way and what the local fifteen did, was done against a battling defensive. Play went to the Feilding twenty-five, until Hie backs broke up the struggle and away went, (ho leather at the toe of .Spence towards the visitors’ goal. The situation was dangerous, and Spence Just missed a chance by the blues forcing. Tlio visitors returned to the offensive, 1 and swept all before them until G. Darvagh hopped in and stayed the rush. His kick brought the play lo the centre of Hie field, where Bowler made another opening, in which Bailey was conspicuous and his pass to McLean enabled him to score in the corner. Benge’s kick missed. The Tons came at it again, and were going well, when Benge flew out and nipping up the, leather, raced away, only with McSweeney to pass. Instead of kicking lightly, he punted too hard, and the ball went out of play well behind Hie posts. Shortly aftewards, another rush by the Feilding backs found the blues out of position, and a groat race between Bramwell and McSweeney thrilled the crowd. The leather was bouncing along with the wind, and although Bramwell beat McSweeney, he uas unable to pick up and the incident ended in the blues again forcing. It Mould have boon a certain try ,if Bramwell had been able, to pick Hie ball up ,or even divert its line of flight to enable Howse or Bailey to score. A long struggle took place under the blues’ goal and a free kick for the visitors relieved the situation. Following this, Spence started an opening, which culminated in his scoring in the corner, and in Benge converting. Spence got Hie leather at his feet in a scramble on Hie. line and working hard, managed to clear it from the blues, and following up, picked up nicely and fell over the lino. The next incident of-Hio game was the work of McDonald, who made away down the field with the ball at his feet, routing ail opposition until he met Darragh and then he was off again after the kick, only to return in a moment with the leather once more in his control, and scored. It, was a nippy piece of work, which the crowd appreciated. Mullins had an easy kick, but allowed too much for the wind, and the ball went wide of the posts. The game ended with Feilding the victors by 11 to 6. Mr A. AV. Thompson controlled the match. ]