FOOTBALL.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXXII, Issue 2768, 28 August 1931, Page 5

FOOTBALL.

TO-MORROW’S PROGRAMME. SEVEN-A-SIDE TOURNEY. Through the generosity of local supporters of Rugby, the Union has been given a shield for a seven-a-side tournament, to be played at the local Domain to-morrow. Seven teams have entered, three from West, three from East, and one from Veterans. Four rounds will thus be necessary and the draw has been made as follows First Round: West A v. Veterans, West B v. East B. • Second Round: West C v. East C; East A v. Winners West A and Veterans. Third Round: Winndr West B— East B v. winner West C—East C. Final: Winners of East A-v. West A and Veterans play winners of West B and East B and West C v. East C. The tourney will commence at 2 p.m. and the games will be of ten minutes’ duration. The Veterans’ team will be as follows: J. Verran, J. Fallon, G. Masters, Wardem G. Neil, H. McKee and F. Patterson. Emergencies: C. Vincent .-and E. Handley. JUNIOR REPRESENTATIVES.. . TEAM TO, PL AY THAMES. The junior representative team to visit Thames, to play, a challenge .. match for the Johnston Cup,,has been selected as follows:— Full back: A. Alp; threequarters, T’ Marshall, C. Ward, R. Mead; fiveeighths: J. Smith, A. Pivott; half: Turner; rover: J. Walls; hookers: Smith. Morrison; lock: Holes; supports: Duncan, Swift, Avery, Geary. Emergencies: — Backs: E. Verran, 'Craig; forwards: Heappey, Craig. The Thames team will be: E. Lan- . ning, R Coutt, H. McMillan, J. Maxwell, W. Mcßae, K. Otto, N. Ladner, K. Fitzpatrick, A. Lefevre, L. Paulsen, J. Holden, J. Gibson, R. Smith, S. Thorn. Emergencies: W. Flooks, L, White,- R. Christie, R. Merriman. PRIMARY SCHOOLS.

ROLLER MILLS SHIELD. The primary schools’ annual Rugby football tournament for the Northern Roller 'Mills Shield has been in progress since Tuesday at Te Awamutu, - Hamilton, Morrinsville,«and Cam/bridge. . *• On Tuesday Thames Valley lost to Auckland Central by three points to nil, in a very evenly contested game. The Auckland points were gained by a free kick half way through the first spell. The Auckland team displayed better handling, but the. forwards were not equal to the Thames Valley van. On Wednesday morning Morrinsville and Thames Valley met in a B section match at Morrinsville. and the game resulted in a draw, each team scoring a try. The final score, 3 all. ■ was a fair indication of the.merits of the teams. - It was one of the best exhibitions of Rugby seen on the ground this season. The Morrinsville boys although rather tired after their hard game at Hamilton the previous day, and considerably lighter than their op- . ponents. held their own well in the scrums, and their passing was. good. The Thames Valley team, picked from several schools, were a very even lot. '.showing plenty of pace, and several times looked dangerous, but could not beat the Morrinsville backs. There was no score in the first half. In the ; second session Donaldson made • a brilliant run from half way and scored for Morrinsville! The kick i failed. . Even play in midfield fol-lowed,.-arfd just on time the Thames forwards made a great rush, and from a scrum on the line Lemond got over and scored a try, which was not convefted.. Yesterday afternoon Thames Valley -met Hamilton at Hamilton, and the local boys were successful by nine points to six. , ■ Thames Valley pressed immediately the ' match started in their gameagainst Hamilton at Rugby Park and had hard luck, the ball bouncing out behind the goal. Porter intercepted a pass and with a strong run placed. ’ Hamilton on attack. The hacks handled and Haughey cut in and reached Thames. Valley’s line, but a five-yard scrum was called. The defenders were penalised and Pearson opened Hamilton’s account with a good kick. Hamilton, 3; Thames Valley, C Jenkins placed Thames Valley in a handy position with a good run down the line. O’Loughlin.received the ball from a five-yard scrum and ran across, ; equalising the Thames Valley, 3; Hamilton, 3. The visitors kept up the pressure and after several line-outs near their objective, Hampton pushed over for ■an unconverted try. Thames Valley, 6; Hamilton, 3.

Hamilton retaliated strongly, but the ball went out behind. The home team kept up the attack, but ''''alley forced down. The Hamilton backs participated in a good rush and Powell got across in the corner. Pearson’s shot just failed. Half time was called shortly afterwards with play in midfield. With a succession of useful line kicks, Valley forced down field on the resumption. Haughey and Powell relieved, but the Valley backs returned play ancT the home team were kept defending for a long spell. Hamilton were relieved by a free. Porter’ dribbled clear when Valley were looking dangerous, but Neate gathered in and after a great dash he crossed the line well out. The kick failed. “ Thames Valley, 9; Hamilton, 6. The Hamilton team returned to the attack and a series of five-yard scrums followed. Haughey cut in and made a good dash, but Valley forced down. The home team were back again, but the visitors gradually worked down the field. Neate made a great dash, but time was called with the visitors on the attack and the score: Thames Valley, 9; Hamilton, C.i ■ Thames Valley thus became the ruhners-up to Auckland Central in the section.