Australia v. Manawatu and Hawke's Bay.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 8239, 7 September 1905, Page 5

Australia v. Manawatu and Hawke's Bay.

Win For The Visitors

( 13// Telegraph — Press Assoeialion.)

Pauierston North, Last Night.

There were a clear sky and a dry, fast ground to-day for the match Australia v. Manawatu and Hawke's Bay combined. About six thousand persons were present. The visitors had the best back team, but professed to be weak in the forward division through injuries sustained at Dune din.

The Australians, particularly the forwards, made the pace very willing. The backs were clever and clean at taking the ball, but, with the exception of Woods and Penman, were inclined to pass erratically, or at wrong moments, and thus lacked a certain ability to score. Woods, at half, played a great game, initiating almost every passing attack and defending cleverly. The line-work of the forwards was superior, while in the scrum they adopted a phalanxlike formation and screwed, but did not seem to beat Manawatu for the ball. Their two-half tactics came oft' superior as against one winger, the Manawatu half being pounced upon before he had a chance to do anything.

With the sun in their eyes Manawatu attacked immediately, but soon had their faces turned homeward, chasing after their opponents. Penman went with long hops down the field, and with a short, high kick endangered Manawatu's line, but Skelley cleared easily. The game then began to settle down in home territory, Penman being prominent in the attack. Wickham essayed a goal from a free-kick, but failed, and then

some pretty, fast Work by the Australian forwards, and fast following up by Russell, again brought danger to Manawatu. The visiting forwards were working well in concert, and, with their rapid attack, were getting all over the Manawatu vanguard, but the safe back saved. Carlson and McNae were the mainstays of the home forwards. The former shot out several times, and kept the Australian backs busy. Wood's clever, snappy work behind the scrum and short brilliant runs were now beginning to attract attention. A kick by Ongley was smothered, and the home team had to force. Ward mulled badly, but Munro got his side out of difficulties, and then Furrie took play out of Manawatu territory. A few minutes after this Hewitt get in a good kick. McNae and three others following up smartly kept the ball going, the three-quarter and" fullback failed to save, and scored. Ward took the kick and converted. The ball was no sooner in motion again than Oxlade got a-mark, and, taking the kick from nearly half-way, Wickham placed a beautiful goal. Exciting play then followed in mid-field. Then a likely passing run by Ongley, Stalker and Furrie took place, but Scott failed to get Furrie's pass and the chance was lost. AVhen Australia had been striving all they knew, and excitement was keen, Woods darted away and passed near the touchline to Penman. Penman sent the ball back to McLean, and the latter sailed over and scored. Wickham look the kick, but did not convert.

Half-time came and went, and the game waged as before, Australia holding the reds penned. Murnin, Lucas, and Swannell were, a dangerous trio. Then for a time Manawatu recovered and had Australia hard held, but only for a time, for the visitors came back again, and the Manawatu full-back was kept busy. Again and again the Australian forwards went away together, sweeping over everything. Furrie put in a good run, but the full-back got him, and the chanc3 was lost. The last four minutes were fast and exciting. Both teams sirovo hard. Burden and Wickham were within an ace of crossing. The game ended : — Australia 7 Manawatu ... ... ... 5