Football.

Opunake Times, Volume XXII, Issue 773, 15 September 1905, Page 3

Football.

Manawatu defeated Taranaki by 6 points to Bnu Wednesday. The game was willing and exciting from start to finish. The teams were fairly evenly matched, the Manawatu forwards were in better condition and more effective, the Taranaki backs were the best in all-round play. Bourke scored a clever try for Taranaki and Johnston crossed twice for Manawatu. None of the tries converted. Rothery had to retire owing to an injured leg. This is the first time Taranaki have been defeated by Manawatu. At Rotorua, 1400 people witnessed the match between the Australians and Maoris. Australia won by 12 to 8. To-morrow the N.Z. team play their first match in England—against Devon county team. If the Taranaki team do not beat Wellington the Union should cancel any further matches, as tho milking season is now in hand and the players would be better engaged milking the “ old man’s cows ” instead of losing the country’s reputation. Geo. Piper, who was killed by an accident at Meremere, was an ex-vice captain of the Hawera Club. He was one of the gentlemanly and manly sort.