Lower Waikato Rugby League.

Franklin Times, Volume XXIV, Issue 78, 11 July 1934, Page 6

Lower Waikato Rugby League.

HUNTLY DEFEATS TUAKAU. MARGIN OF FIGHT POINTS. Tuakau, representing the Lower Waikato Rugby League, played lluntly at Grawi'ord park on Saturday, and after a keen contest, victory went to lluntly by 20 points to 8. The ground was in excellent condition but a strong wind cheated both teams out of a few goals. Four tries were registered by each side, but accurate goal kicking by Huntly was the deciding factor. It is stated that six members of the visiting team represented South Auckland last year while two others have played for New Zealand and considering the remainder have played League football for several years, Tuakau's display was very creditable. The game should have ended in a draw, as the teams were evenly matched. Outstanding among the Tuakau forward's was Warbrick who proved a most versatile player. The next best display as a battling forward was given by Ngataki, while Rauwhero proved that he possesses a wide knowledge of the code. J. Cooper and J. Hapi were most conspicuous in the backs, with R. Cooper showing up at intervals. Nepia’s display was below his usual standard. For Huntly Peckham and Singer were the star backs and Trautvetter and Timms the pick of the forwards. The Teams. The teams were: — Huntly (red) : M. Lee, J. Allen, M. Scott, "J. Fleming, K. Peckham, T. Singer, G. Knight, T. Timms, A. Baker, R. Laing, 11. Puve, S. Rayner, R. Trautvetter.

Tuakau (red and black) : R. Nepia, R. Cooper, J. Cooper, J. Paru, D. Peter, J. Hapi, C. Anderson, I. Rauwhero, C. Moses, M. Ngataki, G. Piggott, B. Hapi, W. Warbrick. Huntly decided to play against the stiff wind in the first spell and Peckham set the ball rolling. When play had settled down Huntly forwards bustled Tuakau and Singer snapped up, sent to Timms, who sent Peckham over to score in less than a minute. Rayner failed to goal. Huntly'3, Tuakau 0.

The Huntly backs swung into action but Peter - neatly downed Scott and then Piggott, Warbrick and J. Hapi made a thrust which gained about fifteen yards. From this J. Cooper snapped up and punted. Paru followed up, but, in attempting to pick the ball up, mulled and lost a try, Lee then finding touch at the twentyfive. Piggott next gained possession and sent to Rauwhero, to Warbrick, to J. Cooper, to R. Cooper, back to .T. Cooper and play went into touch. Still Tuakau attacked and R. Cooper eventually crossed the line. Peter's kick went wide. Tuakau 3, Huntly 3. Soon after the kick off Tuakau were again hammering at the visitors’ line. R. Cooper made a bid to score but Lee grassed him. Tight forward play followed from which B Hapi received and scored. Ngataki missed. Tuakau 6, Huntly 3. Tuakau’s defence was temporarily broken, and play took place in the twenty-five for a period, but the home forwards, led by Ngataki, Warbrick and Piggott reversed play from which R. Cooper gained possession and scored again. C. Cooper failed to convert. Tuakau 9, Huntly 3. Halftime was then called. With the wind against them • the Tuakau players continued to press and the visitors were again forced back to their goal line. Lee cleared with a good kick and following this Huntly was awarded a penalty, Knight landing an easy goal. Tuakau 9, Huntly 5. A beautiful line kick by 'Lee again put his team in an attacking position. From a scrum Knight received and sent his backs away. When the ball reached Scott at centre, Lee, the full back, ran into line, collected the ball and punted to the goal line. Tn the race Singer scored a fine try and converted. Huntly 10, Tuakau 9. After three minutes of hard play Huntly notched another two points as a result of a penalty by Singer. Huntly 12, Tuakau 9.

The Copper brothers. Peters, Hani and Paru set off in a passing bout which was stemmed by a good tackle by Singer. Peckham punted downfield and Nepia waited for the bounce. Allen, going at top speed, beat him for the ball and covered half the field to score a fine try. Singer goaled. Iluntly 17, Tuakau 9..

From tight play Tuakau was awarded a penalty but the wind cheated Peter of a certain goal and another tussle look place. Anderson received and sent to Peter, to ,T. Hapi, to J. Cooper who scored an easy try. Peter failed to goal. Huntly 17, Tuakau 12. The final try of the match soon followed. When Tuakau was hard pressed Peter punted the ball but Allen took it on the full, passed it to Lee. who again ran in from his position at fullback. He sent the ball on to Singer.who gave il back to Lee. who punted and followed up to score a great try. The kick went wide. Huntly 20. Tuakau 12. Mr Chalmers of Auckland, controlled Hie game. The members of the Huntly team were later entertained to dinner at the Tuakau hold.

LEAGUE AT WAIUKU

MEETING LAST WEEK. At a meeting held at Waiuku last we«k, Mr L. Newth presiding, it was decided to form a Rugby sub-league at Waiuku, and to 'affiliate with the Auckland League. The following committee was elected: Messrs Newth. A. Healey, D. Coe, P. Tong, B. Flavell, H. Murray and L. Wassell (secretary).

It is hoped to obtain the services of a coach from Auckland, and to play an exhibition match at an early date.

The sub-league has received several donations of trophies, including a cup from Air S. C. Sycamore.