Kamo Take Honours In Senior Knock-out Final Replay

Northern Advocate, 19 September 1938, Page 2

Kamo Take Honours In Senior Knock-out Final Replay

' League

qpHE LARGEST ATTENDANCE FOR ANY CLUB GAME THIS SEASON TURNED OUT AT KAMO ON SATURDAY FOR THE REPLAY BETWEEN CITY AND KAMO IN THE FINAL OF THE NORTHLAND RUGBY LEAGUE’S SENIOR KNOCK-OUT COMPETITION. AFTER A VERY HARD GAME BETWEEN TWO EVENLY-MATCHED TEAMS, KAMO WON o—3.

The Kainc ground was in perfect order for the game, and each team in turn had the benefit of a strong northerly wind blowing straight down the field. Each side secured one try in the first half, and in the second Kamo took the decision with their second try. City made strenuous efforts, but met with solid defence. ,

Kamo fielded as good a team as they have ever had. but City were somewhat depleted, being without the services of Phil Child, their regular full-back, and W. Lester on one wing.

Kamo Stronger Team

Both teams were all out to achieve a definite decision alter the draw of the previous week at Jubilee Park, but Kamo were a stronger team on the day and achieved a merited decision on the improved form they have shown throughout the knock-out. The game was not only hard,

but definitely willing throughout. Trouble was brewing from the

initial kick-off, and although the blame lay with both sides, it was remarkable that the final whistle came with nobody ordered from

the field, as incipient bouts of fisticuffs were the rule rather than the exception.

City set the ball in motion against the wind, and for five minutes held the advantage.' although the Kamo forwards, breaking away fast, prevented their backs from making much headway.

City were short of one of their regular wingers in W. Lester, but their greatest difficulty was at full-back, where Dent was substituting for Phil Child, Dent went well, and made some beautiful saves, but the team lacked Child’s brilliant handling, clever kicking and safe defensive play. Kamo forwards worked their way deep into City ground, where J. Taylor had an unsuccessful attempt at goal from a. free kick.

Kamo backs went away in a promising movement which was spoilt by a weak pass. Play went close to City’s line until a free kick relieved. City rallied but Thompson again made up the ground with a snappy run down the sideline.

Assisted by the wind, Kamo held proceedings in Cit£ territory, the backs making repeated attempts to get going. Smothering a City clearing kick in fine style, Lenne gave Taylor an opportunity to get close to City’s line, but a free kick again saved the situation for the visitors.

A misunderstanding between Doel and Hooper spoilt a bright Kamo passing movement, but the home team were not to be denied and from a scrum the ball came out to Taylor, who. handed on to Lenne in a beautiful effort which had the defence tied in a knot, and the latter scored. Taylor failed with the kick.

V.l' City’s Lucky Try,

It was a few minutes later that City equalised with the luckiest try of the year. City sent a grubber kick on to Kamo’s line, and Hooper and Love both dashed in to save, but between the two of them both missed with their attempts to send the ball dead, and ovor-ran. V. Payne, following up fast, had nobody tc question him when he touched down.

In the closing stages of the first spell, L. Hooper retired with an injured ankle, and was replaced by McDonald.

The Second Spell

Kamo backs initialed the second spell with a passing bout which gained an appx’ociablo measure of ground, and then the forwards rushed the City stronghold in a bunch. When the bodies were sorted out, M. Thorburn was found to be lying on the ball for the home team’s second score.

The scrums were fairly even, each side securing an equal share of the ball, but City forwards worked their way down the line until Abbott and McMillan cleared. Kamo came again until Murray cleared with a brilliant kick which sent the leather deep into Kamo ground. Bland caught Thorburn in possession and City was knocking at the door, but when awarded a free kick. Murray failed from a difficult angle.

Thorburn, Kamo's full-back, was playing an excellent game, his fielding being irreproachable, but the fast City forwards again had him in difficulties. From a loose melee on the line. Fyfo actually crossed, but was pulled back for an infringement. City hold the pressure but could not quite make the equalising score, Love and Gough eventually clearing although the latter was dumped by Murray. A deep kick by Fyfe when he received the ball from F. Lester looked troublesome for Kamo, but with the City forwards bearing down in full cry. Doel fielded brilliantly and returned play to City's quarter. City again held play in the Kamo half, but could net quite make the grade against a determined defence, and the game ended with no further score. Mr Bon Scott refereed a difficult game. .