WALMATE, 23; KAPONGA. 0.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXXI, Issue LXII, 13 May 1912, Page 5

WALMATE, 23; KAPONGA. 0.

This match was played at Manaia under good weather conditions. From a spectator's point of view the game lacked interest, as Kaponga apparently took the field anticipating defeat, and played on the defence as much as possible. Waimate, winning the toss, elected to play with the sun at their backs. From the kick-off Burgess found the line, and from a line out A. Paterson marked, and unsuccessfully attempted a goal. After the first scrum Waimate took the ball at their feet, but A. Paterson cleverly saved. The piay then got into Kaponga's 25 by clever footwork, and fast following-up of Taylor, McKay, Bourke and Tamu. Play was then removed to Waimate's 25 by smart following up by J. Kissick. Kaponga were making good use of the line, and stopped any attempt of the home team scoring. From a scrum in Kaponga's 25 Wells, at half, got possession, and quickly transferred to Coiman to Franklin to Burgess, and out to Meuli. who scored near theeorner. ■ George failed at goal. Upon resuming Waimate made a great attempt to increase the score, and a passing bout between Waimate backs took place, ending in Meuli crossing the line; but he lost the ball. Waimate continued to press, and good work was shown, by Nicholls. Paterson, and Kissick in defence. For a time Kaponga attacked. From a miss-kick of Mellows Tamu got the hall, and raced down the field, with Pini and Franklin in attendance, the latter scoring in a fair position. Prince landed a nice goal. Half-time was then called. From a line-out Kaponga took the play to Waimate's 25, but Waimate soon cleared their line. From a weak return of Kaponga's Prince secured the ball, and scored a nice try, which he failed to convert. On resuming Burgess got possession, and raced for the line, but not being backed up, when collared a certain score was lost. Kaponga, headed by Kissick, Winters, and Powell, madv, determined efforts to score. Taylor, from a line-out, broke away, arid scored near the posts. Colman's kick wa<s unsuccessful. Waimate kept attacking, and from*a nice passing rush Franklin touched down, Prince failing at goal. Waimate forwards were now olaying with more dash. Tamu and Prince took the ball right under the posts, but Nicholls saved. From a freekick a nice goal was placed. Waimate forwards, again attacking, took the play to Kaponga's 25. Kaponga were penalised, and George placed a good goal. From this out Waimate had the best of the game, and the whistle sounded with play in Kaponga's 25. Mr J. O'Sullivan made a capable referee. There were many infringements of the rules, Waimate being the most penalised. For the winners all the backs played a good game. Out of a set of good forwards Pini, Taylor, Tamu, McKay, and Young were most prominent. For the losers J. Kissick played a great game by his fast following-up and play on the line. Winters, Powell, and Norcate were the best in the forwards, the Paterson brothers, McCarty, and Nicholls being most noticeable amongst the backs.