Wairarapa v. Manawatu

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 7502, 3 July 1903, Page 2

Wairarapa v. Manawatu

The Wairarapa Thursday " reps " met the Mamuvatu juniors on the Masterton Park Oval yesterday afternoon, and although Wairarapa won comfortably by 21 points to nil, an interesting game resulted. The principal features of the match was the excellent spirit in which it was played; the Unexpected excellent combination shown by the home team ; the frequent passing rushes inaugurated by the Wairarapa's backs, and the, at times, brilliant forward rushes, loose play and attacking strength of the winners. The Manawatu team was deplorably weak in the back division, while the forwards were completely outclassed by their opponents. Instead of keeping the ball at their toes and dribbling, the visitors' vanguard persisted in either kicking too hard or laying on the ball. From the very outset, Manawatu were placed on the defence, and it was only through excellent collaring and kicking on the part of D. Colo and George (two Natives) that Wairarapa did not cross the line on several occasions. The latter team within the first quarter of an hour's play, had several good opportunities to score, but, owing to faulty play, nothing was done, excepting a force down. By a creditable passing rush, Fairbrother, after beating a couple of men, drew first blood for the home team. Dawes succeeded in adding the two major points. A little while afterwards, play in the meantime hovering round half-way, Wairarapa forwards, headed by Carpenter, made a determined and best rush of the day, resulting in Johnston scoring. Again Dawes converted. A succession of scrums and lino work ensued, Wairarapa getting the advantage on nearly every occasion. J. O'Leary.scored the third try for Wairarapa, but this time Dawes failed at the attempt to convert. The first spell ended with Wairarapa 12, Manawatu 0.

_ The second' half was almost a repetition of the first forty-five, only Mana watu made spasmodio attempts to reach the coveted line, in whioh they failed rather hopelessly. It was only on two occasion! that Wairarapa's territory was invaded, but, to give them their due, the vieitori stood pluckily to their guns, and made a consistent effort to withstand the continuous onslaughts ot the home team. There were several force-downs, plenty of scrums, frequent pretty pushing and forward rushes, interspersed with good collaring and defensive work. Fairbrother, in the midst of this, crossed the Manawatu line twice, one try only being converted. Mr E. McKenzie adjudicated with satisfaction to both teams.

D. Cole and George, of the vieitori team, both wing three-quarters, played most prominently throughout for their side. Cole, especially, was the mainstay of the team, his defensive work and kicking being excellent, and he was here, there and everywhere. Campbell, at five-eight was the best of the remainder of the backs. The forwards were only mediocre, but even, and it would be invidious to individualise.

For Wairarapa Joe and Pat O'Leary, and V. Fairbrother were decidodly the best although the others played well and merited their inclusion in the Wairarapa "reps." The forwards are a hard grafting pack, and should give an excellent account of themselves in the matches to be played. A little faster following up would be a great advantage. Johnston, Boss, Hurley and Dawee were conspicuous, while Carpenter, on the wing, followed up well, always being on the ball, and was a constant source of trouble.

In the evening the visitors were entertained at a dinner at the Empire Hotel. Mr J. Wickens presided. An appetising spread was provided by Mr Cress. A short toast list and programme of musical items was gone through. The toast list included, " The King," " Manawatu Junior Beps," " Wairarapa Thursday Union," " Beferee," " Press," " New Zealand Bepresentative " (Mr A. F. MoMinn), and the Chairman. A most enjoyable evening was spent.