A DAY FOR FORWARDS

NZ Truth, Issue 1293, 18 September 1930, Page 15

A DAY FOR FORWARDS

Matamata Go After Peace Cup . DISAPPOINTED (From "N.Z. Truth's" Hamilton Rep.) A FTER their mediocre display against *» Te Aroha, the croakers and pessimists predicted a licking for Hamilton Rugby reps, at the hands of Matamata, who were known to be a, young, virile team which has improved out of all knowledge during the past two seasons. For two-thirds o>f the game it appeared as though this opinion was justified. With; the score three all after half-time, and Welsh forced to retire with a broken nose, Hamilton battled on with fourteen men, and their supporters were as dumb as Arapuni officials. However, good soldiers never die, and with odds, against them Hamilton won a pitched battle by fourteen points to nine. For this Hamilton have to thank their forwards, who, led by Wylie, Bayly, Hughie McCormack and Henry Charliston, slightly dominated the Matamata pack and enabled their backs to go into action. The game was a willing one. Welsh. Caasidy, Fitzgerald and Reynolds all had gory mementoes of the contest. At full-back, "Rocky" Going was the salvation of his side, and saved his forwards with brilliant line-kicking. At goal-kicking he was disappointing, and the one that he did put over was disallowed; to the amazement of spectators. The referee ruled that it was not the correct spot where the infringement occurred, although since the ball had been placed m position, a pair of trousers had been changed. "Slip" Griffiths again showed his speed and added to his bag of tries. Alf. St. George, by fast following-up, scored a try which would otherwise have gone begging. He had a day off with his "Bennie Osiers." Jack Turk shaped well after being laid up, but shows a fatal disinclination to go down on the ball. He kicked a nice penalty. \ ' " Welsh beat three men to score a neat try v but could take a pass better. Johnnie Hooper and McCormack can hook. For Matamata Fausett was speedy and dangerous and scored a brilliant try. Egan, at half, and Waikato full-back against Auckland, put it all over Denz and fed his back line. Carlson, another Waikato rep., was. vigorous — too vigorous onee — and a hard man to bring down. Storey, who also graces the Waikato reps., was always a source of danger, but is often off-side m scrum work and works points In throwing the ball m the scrum. Kneebone is a solid winger. Ensor, Short, Hodge and Ford were the pick of a hard-working pack, which did pack round, although Short was caught off-side at times. , Kikikiki are the winners of the Waipa Union's senior championship. Thi3 carries with it the Spear Cup and Rose Bowl. Te Awamutu were runners-up. Kikikiki also won the knock-out competition, which gives them possession of the Ballistite Cup for a season.