THE MIGHTY

NZ Truth, Issue 1233, 18 July 1929, Page 16

THE MIGHTY

"BAY"

Waikato Unlucky In Not Winning

(From "N.Z. Truth's" Hawkes Bay

Rep.)

Eleven all was the score when time was called m the Waikato v. Hawkes Bay game on Saturday, but Waikato were unfortunate m not obtaining, a clear-cut decision. QN the day's play the game was quite up to inter-provincial standard. Both' districts are likely to improve on the for Vii displayed. Play was fast throughout and perhaps it was the terrific pace that found the Bay backs out m the second spell. The first spell ended m the Bay leading by 11-5, and so well were they playing that it looked a good bet that they would win by at least a dozen points. But the second spejl wass no more than minutes gone ■ when it appeared certain that Waikato "must win, as the Bay inside backs had completely crumpled. The visiting backs showed plenty of dash and their handling was sure. They were fortunate that their long passes did not bring trouble. The Bay backs failed to take the opportunities offering so often. ' Waikato' s forwards, although fair and hard triers were second to the Bay pack. Thomas, the yellows' finl-back, played up to reputation, his fielding, kicking and running being fine. Anderson and Graham, the two wingers, were up to standard, the former being the pick. He may win higher honors. Vospor, at centre, was the best back on the ground, and if this was his usual form, it Is surprising he did not get a trip to Aussie with the present tourists. ' ■ His/ play was brilliant throughout He takes immediate use of any opportunities

PONIES AGAIN

Manukau Could Not Hold Them

(From "N.Z. Truth's" Auckland Rep.) The bottom fefl out of the sky immediately prior to the big matches at Eden Park last Saturday, and most of the rain fell on the oval. What would undoubtedly have been a star game was turned into a mud fight, when Ponsonby and Manukau took the field.

DLAYGRS skated all over the ground, sometimes on their feet— but generally with their boots m the air. ' It was no day for back play, nevertheless the Ponsonby rearguard did marvellous work. With the difficult ground and ball ,sppiling play, and the surprisingly large crowd of spectators m the grandstand throwing verbal "mud" at Referee Sutherland, the game was not all it should have been. Everything went, well until Mr. Sutherland gave a try to Ponsonby, with the linesman frantically waving his flag and the corner-flag down to show that Hook had hit it before he got across to score. The supporters ■who had come all the ' way from Ifranukau area almost had hysterics. From then on they thought the referee could do nothing right, and there was a continuation of the usual "smart" heckling heard on such occasions. Hook's try was a brilliant endeavor. His fine dashes down the line had previously been smothered by the bustling Manukau forwards, but on this occasion he battled his way through In great style, to put the finishing touch with a spectacular leap into the air. The last man to try to stop him had Hook pressed on the touch-line, and he took the only way out. He leaped almost over him, crashing into the corner flag before flying over to score. The next Ponsonby try, coming soon after half-time, was the result of another