LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18763, 17 July 1924, Page 6

LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

HAMILTON TEAM BEATEN. SUCCESS OF LOCAL PLAYERS. AN INTERESTING CONTEST. . . . . . _ ■■ ( ■ The Auckland B team defeated the Hamilton League representatives by 28 points to 18 after a keen, interesting contest at Carlaw Park yesterday afternoon. The local team had been selected with a view to giving a number of the younger players a chance and proved too strong a combination for tho visitors, who, however, mad-3 a great stand in the second Epell and nearly equalised the scores. Auckland's victory was duo chiefly to the speed and combination of their backs on attack, and the fact, that the forwards secured the ball from the majority of scrums &nd so gave them ample opportunities. Though several of the Hamilton bwks had great pace their concerted attacking movements lacked the dash shown by their opponents, and their passing was not as good. They did not get the same chance. There were many spectacular rushes during the game, despite tho fact that handling at times was faulty. Tho first spell was played in fine weather and the local team had the upper hand nearly all the time, the back division outclassing the opposing backs. But in the second half, when rain made the ball greasy and difficult to handle, the visitors gave a much bettor showing. For a long period they had Auckland strenuously defending and very nearly equalised tho scores. Once the Auckland backs got going, however, they put the issne beyond doubt. Probably the most exciting incident was provided by the- Hamilton centrethreequarter, Hemingway, -when he intercepted a pasß on his own side of halfway and set out .for the line. He beat the Auckland fullback and raced on, with Paul in hot pursuit. Hemingway was tackled just as he reached the line, but scored. His fine performance was warmly applauded. Had the visiting team had a little more finish the result of the match might have been different. They were right on the line on several occasions, but just failed to get over. Hamilton opened their scoring account ehortly after the game started, Dufty kicking a penalty goal. The visitors were aggressive for a time, but then the local backs got into their stride and etarted to throw the ball about freely. Stewart, Brisbane, and Paul were asEociatsd in a fine bout, but the latter was well tackled by Jacques when in a good position. A little later, however, the ball was smartly handled by Brisbane, Wilson-Hall, Paul, and Te Whata, and th? last-named scored, Gregory fading with the kick. Garrett continued to set his backs going, but it was Gregory who initiated the movement which brought _ tho next Auckland score, Shirley touching down. Ta Whata's kick failed. Littlewood raised Auckland's score to 14 with another try which was not converted, and soon afterwards Shirley kicked a penalty goal. Hamilton worked into Auckland s quarter, chiefly by line-kicking, and an infringement gave Dufty another chance. He made no mistake with the kick. Hamilton were soon back in Auckland's twenty-five again, McGerty finally diving over the iirie. Dufty converted. The second spell opened brightly, with good handling bouts by both sidgs. lUe advantage was with Auckland and after Beveral attractive movements had been broken down Shirley touched down. Gregory's kick was successful. Just afterwards Dufty kicked another penalty goal. Auckland were on the attack when Hemingway, who was always prominent among the Hamilton backs, intercepted a pass, and after sprinting more than half the length of the field, scored a great try which Dufty converted. Bain was making the ball difficult to handle, and this had more effect on the local backs than on the visitors. Wilson-Hall broke _ his collar-bone and had to retire. Hamilton were on the offensive when Garrett sent his backs away and they took play to Hamilton' 3 twenty-five. Mason kicked a fine penalty goal. Hamilton set up a series of attacks and Hemingway potted a goal. Hamilton made great efforts to break down Auckland's defence and strenuous play ensued in the local team's quarter. There was more than one exciting rally right on Auckland's line, but the visitors could not get "through. Finally, the Auckland backs got going again, and the ball went from Brisbane to Te Whata, who scored* Gregory converting. The game ended with the score unchanged.'