Kensington’s First Win Of Season

Northern Advocate, 12 June 1939, Page 2

Kensington’s First Win Of Season

Under conditions which could hardly have been loss favourable, Kensington achieved their first win of the season by defeating Kamo United B—-5 at Kensington Park. Already water-logged from heavy rain in the past few days, the ground was swept by a bitter south wind, and several heavy showers during the game made the field treacherous and handling difficult, as well as adding to the general unpleasantness. At the outset each team took the field with 11 men, but just before halftime two additions were made on each side.

With the wind at their backs and playing a much improved game, Kensington had established an B—nil lead at half-time, but found stern opposition in the second spell, and in the closing stages it might have been anybody’s game. New Auckland Player. E. Child and Montague, the latter being a new player from Newton seniors, Auckland, and Franklin (wing), were the key men in the Kensington attack, with the addition oJ Chetham, last year’s junior, at fullback. and Franklin, wing. Crump, McDonald and Meiklejohn held the fort in the forwards.

McMillan, Murray, Gough and Farrell made the pace for Kamo in the early stages, while later in the day Len King took the field and infused much more life into the team.

Kensington went all out from the kick-off and Montague had an unsuccessful shot at goal from the lino. With Crump hooking well, Whatane got his backs away and the forwards carried play to Kamo’s line. From a passing bout Franklin, who was shining in his unaccustomed wing position, cut through, and from a loose scramble Child scored. Montague failed with a difficult kick.

Within a few minutes Child found the uprights with a free kick, and the score was s—nil.5 —nil.

Backs’ Good Game

Despite the soft ground and slippery ball, Kensington backs were turning on a good game, and harried the opposition unceasingly, Kamo being well penned up. Franklin and Child again took play close to Kamo's line until the latter was tipped out by Thorburn, who was playing good defence, but the homo team maintained the

pressure

For a brief spell Kamo made an excursion into home ground, but a free kick lost them the advantage, and Kensington again staged an attack which saw Meiklejohn score from a short passing bout in. the 25.

Heavy rain commenced with play still inside Kamo territory, and continued until half-time, 10 minutes later. With the wind behind them in turn, Kamo went on attack early in the second half, King leading his forwards in a masterly fashion, and later going to half-back position. Kamo were not able to turn their position to advantage, and up-and-down play followed, with both sides playing good League. Kamo Scores. Kamo made several attempts to get moving, and finally the ball went out for Murray to score under the posts. King converted with barely a hair s breadth between ball and cross-bar. Prospects wore now even, with both sides putting plenty of sting into their play despite several short showers. Each team was attempting’ to open up play, but both were adopting thorough spoiling, tactics, which, combined with the greasy conditions, seldom allowed the ball to travel far. Territorially, the second half was in favour of Kamo, and the ball was dose to the home lino when the final whistle sounded with the tally: Kensington 8. Kamo 5. Mr J. Hill was referee.