WIN FOR WAIKATO

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21875, 10 August 1934, Page 15

WIN FOR WAIKATO

CONTEST AT HAMILTON NORTH AUCKLAND BEATEN TWENTY-TWO TO SEVEN [FROM OCR OWN corresponpfnt] HAMILTON. Thursday Keen football was seen at Rugby Park, Hamilton, this afternoon, when a Waikato Rugby team defeated the North Auckland representatives by 22 points to 7. The superiority of the Waikato inside backs was largely responsible for the success of their side. After recent rain the ground was heavy. The weather was fine, although the sky overcast, and there was a fair attendance. In the first minute a free kick was awarded to Waikato, and from a difficult position, Davies kicked a goal. The Waikato forwards, with Story. Wynyard and F. Cassidy prominent, forced play into the North Auckland twenty-five, but a series of short punts by Fergus, the visitors' halfback, relieved the situation. The visiting backs showed pace and were dangerous, the ball going out to Davis on the left wing. He was neatly brought down by D. Solomon, however, and Davies, the Waikato fullback, found the line. Forwards Work Hard Both sets of forwards, big men and well matched, worked hard. From infringements by North Auckland forwards. Davies had two unsuccessful shots at goal. Then a third penalty gave Allen a long shot, which was successful, making the scores: Waikato. 6; North Auckland. 0. Consistent attacking by the Northern team saw a try by Cooper narrowly averted, while a shot at coal by the fullback. Kerr, just missed. From a scrum near the North Auckland twentyfive. Russell made valuable ground for Waikato. and passed to Story, who went over. Allen converted just on halftime, bringing Waikato's score up to 11. The advantage given by the wind was immediately apparent when play was resumed. North Auckland attacked, but Solomon gathered up the ball from the feet of the opposing forwards, "dummied" his way clear, and passed to Wynyard, who broke through, being stopped on the visitors' line by the fullback. Again and again Solomon led the home backs, but each time the defence held. Davis cleared and play remained in mid-field for a spell. A short punt brought the ball to Kerr, who, with no support, surprised the crowd with a magnificent drop-kick with his left foot. The ball sailed high between the posts, giving North Auckland four points. The Final Stages Solomon kicked across-field to Oliver, the home team's right wing, who, in spite of a good effort by Davis, scored. Allen's kick failed. The scores at this stage were: Waikato, 14; North Auckland, 4. Repeated attacks by the Northern team kept plav on the home line, Franich, on the right wing, several times being close 'to scoring. A little later Solomon started another passing rush. The ball went out rapidly to Carroll and Aitken. and finally to Allen, who scored with ease. Aitken converted. A determined rush by North Auckland was followed by a scrum, from which Fergus set his backs moving and Campbell scored. Kerr's kick failed. The visitors returned to the attack, and' looked like scoring again when Carroll picked up and sent the ball to' Oliver; The home winger, displaying great, .speed,. ran. almost the whole length of the field to score. The kick failed, leaving the score: Waikato, 22; North Auckland 7. The visitors were on the attack when the final whistle sounded, before any further score. Mr. A. C. Watkins was referee.