Rugby Football

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6645, 4 September 1931, Page 10

Rugby Football

MATCH AGAINST HAWKE’S BAY The following comment on the Mana-whcnua-Hawke’s Bay match last Saturday is made by “Rambler,” of the Hawke’s Bay Tribune: — Last-minute defections rendered necessary an appeal to the principal ot To Autc College for assistance, and three of the College’s first liftecn in Buru, Kihi and Goldsmith took the Held, for Hawke’s Bay. In the subsequent victory the Maori lads played no small part, as the first try was directly due to Kihi, who cut through the defenco and, using a powerful fend, sent Smith away on a tryscoring run. It w r as bright football, and the onlookers sat down in anticipation of further thrills. They were not long in coming, and Setford, emulating Kihi, cut deep into the enemy territory to send the speedy lturu over. However, that was practically the end of the show as far as Hawke’s Bay were concerned, and for tho greater portion of the remainder of the game they woro hard put to it by the visitors. Tho Manawhcnua men staged many bright movements, and it was only lack of finish that prevented their score from mounting. With the loss of Meta Johnson early in the second spell much of the effectiveness of tho Manawhcnua attack departed. Their forwards carried on the good work, however, and a last-minute score brought their tally to within three points of tho homo side. Due to injury, A. D. Smith retired at half time, and a rearrangement of the Bay back line made a place for Percy Botherway at first five-eighths. The disposition of the Bay pack -was altered in the second half, too, Wanoa being shifted from lock to the back row in order to allow him more freedom to carry out spoiling work. Reancy took his place and held the scrum in excellent style. _ For Manawhen.ua, Tama Parata, the big wing forward, did not appear owing to a knee injury, and Jack le Qucsne took his place. Jack made a great showing in the position, but he was allowed a good deal of latitude by Referee Berry. The youthful Maori lad, Broughton, impressed as a player of promise on tho end of the Manawhcnua three-quarter line, and playing in the centre position, Fletcher attacked and defended in capable style. In tho vanguard none approached Roddick, a well set-up young fellow. His control of the ball was excellent and he infused into his play any amount of “devil,” without which forwards cannot gain the respect of their opponents. Miles and McKenzie came next in point of merit, the former especially impressing as an honest rucking forward. In the second half many of tho spectators were of the opinion that Setford scored a fair try after a race with a Manawhcnua player. Actually he did, but as he had obstructed his opponent by pushing him, the try was disallowed. However, the first goal awarded to the visitors was very doubtful, even though both umpires raised their flags.