LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 216, 12 September 1935, Page 21

LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

WAITANGI SHIELD.

RETAINED BY TAMAKI TEAM.

WAIKATO MAORIS' CHALLENGE

The holders of the Waitangi Shield, Taniaki, had a close call when they were called on to defend the trophy against Waikato at Carlaw Park yesterday afternoon, and they were lucky to win by 11 pontes to 8. The Maori thirteens mixed it willh?sly, and threw .the ball around in lively, if, more often than not, wild fashion. The keenness of. the play ,and the hard ground was responsible for many minor injuries and stoppages. The challengers in the last twenty minutes gave the home side a torrid time, and but for desperate defence and mistakes at the business end, would have scored. S. Watene, who came on late in the game, was a tower of strength to Tamaki during these repeated , onslaughts, while Murray at full-back, and Kauhoa in the live-eighths line, also defended with a will. A. and D. Nathan and Johnson were the pick of the forwards. For the visitors, Paki, both as full-back and on the wing, was outstanding. Pawson and Tauhou were also well in the picture. Among the forwards Hilton, Mininick and Mitai were always to the fore. Within two minutes of the start Turei lucked a great penalty goal to open Tamaki's account. Then J. Cooper, the visitor's full-back, started a passing bout behind the posts. H. Mason converted, behind the posts. H. ason converted. Waikato 5, Tamaki 2. After exciting exchanges a Waikato attack broke down, and Turei kicked through, followed up fast, picked up and dived for a try. His own shot at goal sailed wide. When Waikato were attacking Awhitu secured and kicked deeply. The bounce beat the opposing full-back, Paid, and 'Awhitu gathered in hie > stride to outstrip all pursuers and score under the posts. Turei missed a "sitter," and the half-time score, wae:. ._. ;

Tamaki S Waikato ....;.......-....... 5 Shortly after. tile change over, when Waikato were storming Tamaki's last line. Turner bullocked his way across. Mininick's shot failed to reach the mark, and the teams were again on even terms. Tamaki retaliated, and, following a passing bout, in which Tawhai wae prominent, Watene darted over in the corner. Hie own kick missed. Tamaki 11, Waikato 8. Waikato had the home side defending desperately, and on several occasions Tamaki had to force to keep their line intact. There was no further score, however, and the game ended: Tamaki ■ 11 Waikato 8 In the evening the teame were entertained at the Prince Arthur Hotel.