Football.

Matamata Record, Volume XVI, Issue 1444, 24 July 1933, Page 8

Football.

MATAMATA RESULTS.

RATANA CUP.

Matamata 13, Thames 3.

CUCKSEY CUP.

Matamata 6, Waipa 3.

Football in the Matamata district was played under vile weather conditions on Saturday, the downpour being the heaviest experienced on a Saturday afternoon for some seasons.

Matamata defended two cups successfully—the Eatana Cup for Maori players and the Cucksey Cup for third grade representatives. In both games a draw would have been a fairer indication of the merits of the opposing teams. Under the conditions good football was impossible, and only a small crowd attended the games.

RATANA CUP.

Matamata 13, Thames 3. The teams lined out as follows: — Thames (blue and black). —D. Brown; J. Wilson, W. Savage, P. Te Ngaio; J. Ake, W. Christy; L. McRae ; C. Hikairo, E. Robson, S. Thompson, B. Moore, J. Robson, C. Abraham, T. Abraham, P. Royal. Matamata (red and white). —I. Inman; J. Graham, Jack Wilson, K. Wilson; W. Carroll, J. Wilson; Manawai; Story, Kauhau, Mita, R. Rawiri, W. Douglas, J. Fox, Tui, Thompson. Referee: Mr. W. D. L. MacDonald.

Matamata showed up early and compelled the visitors to force twice in the first few minutes.. Savage relieved with a good run and dribble, and caught Inman in possession. The visiting forwards attacked and McRae tried to dummy over from two successive scrummages. Carroll cleared with a clever kick and Jack Wilson carried on to halfway. The new ground was standing up to play in a surprising manner, but conditions prevented the players from showing their true football ability. P. Ngaio made a good effort but Story and Jimmy Wilson regained the lost ground. The latter player bustled Brown, who threw to touch to save. W. Carroll failed to score from the penalty. The antics of the players caused the crowd a great deal of amusement, and the conditions were so bad that even forward rushes were difficult. Thames improved, their forwards showing dashing form in the loose. From one rush Royal just failed to score. Douglas and Thompson relieved and more mud-larking took place in midfield. Story lead a home rush and a scrum developed near the line. Manawai served Carroll, but the ball fell short. Carroll kicked ahead and beat Brown for the touch. The same player failed to convert. Matamata 3, Thames 0. Royal, Robson and G. Abraham dribbled well for Thames and got over the home line. A five yards scrum was ordered, from which Fox cleared to halfway. Manawai was penalised and the visitors attacked hotly for five minutes. Conditions were such that the referee had to shut his eyes to many lapses in midfield, and the crowd obtained much amusement from the continual showers of spray the players sent up. Carroll saved Matamata repeatedly by his covering tactics, and the visitors were unfortunate in crossing over three points down.

With the wind behind them Matamata showed up better in the second half, and Jimmy Wilson was early prominent. The home team tried to open out, hut Ake intercepted and with Christy got to the Matamata 25. Mcßae put in a good solo run, and Thames looked like scoring when J. Carroll and Story dribbled clear. W. Carroll joined in and the ball was taken to the opposite 25. Thames were penalised for holding the ball, but their pack cleared. Playing with great vim Thames were all over the home team at this stage, and Robson finished off one rush by scoring. Brown failed to convert. Matamata 3, Thames 3. In an effort to balance conditions the referee wisely allowed greater latitude to the players when danger did not threaten, and the crowd roared (Continued m Next Column).

its delight as individuals were upset in the numerous pools of water. Hikairo was penalised for lying on the ball, but W. Carroll’s shot fell short. W. Carroll, who was easily the best back on the field, picked up in the loose and running across field made a great opening for the right wing. Rawiri, who was in K. Wilson’s place, was too slow in joining in, however, and Carroll was caught in possession. There was almost more water showing on the ground than grass at this stage, and play was somewhat farcical. At halfway vj. Carroll kicked ahead, and Jack Wilson joined in. Coming up fast J Carroll carried on and led a hefty rush which ended in Thompson touching down for a somewhat lucky try. Jimmy Wilson converted. Matamata 8, Thames 3. The score was against the general run of play, but far from being disheartened Thames kept hard at it. B. Moore led a great rush, but W. Carroll effected a brilliant save. The Thames attack fizzled out and Jimmy Wilson with a run and kick cleared to halfway. Tui carried on, but Mcßae returned. Inside the Thames half Jack Wilson intercepted and running strongly scored by the posts. W. Carroll converted. Matamata 13, Thames 3. Time followed immediately afterwards with Matamata fortunate victors.