SCHOOL NEWS

Putaruru Press, Volume XXI, Issue 1237, 3 July 1947, Page 5

SCHOOL NEWS

MATCHES AGAINST MATAMATA COLLEGE Football The School first fifteen played its first inter-school match of the season against Matamata College second fifteen at Bedford Park on Wednesday of last _week. The teams lined out as follows: — Matamata: Tamihana, Carter, Lasenby (captain.)., Gordon, Puknan, Americh, Hill, Melville, Harris, Paton, Mathews, Feist, Raymond, Wright, Cowling. Putaruru: Dommett, McAlister, Wiringi, Te Tomo, Ngat.ai, Smith, Jackson, Maxwell, Bergquist, W. Tomalin, Webby, Drowe.r, D. Tomalin, Howland (captain), Wellfare. School kicked off with the sun and wind at thoir backs and went immediately to the attack. Good play by the forwards had College on the defensive for the first Iten minutes of the game, but the School backs, failed to turn the advantage ito good account. Once College settled down, however, play was more evcin, and it was not until a few minutes before half-time that the first points were scored. The try which opened Matamata’s account resulted from a passing movement which was one of the few highlights of an otherwise drab game. Passed cleanly from the base of a set scrum, the ball travelled the whole length of the College back-line, each man drawing his opposite number before passing. Weak tackling by the School backs resulted in the College winger, Gordon, going over near the come-' for a good try. After half-time, play continued to be even, although tha standard depreciated considerably, both sides failing (to take full advantage of their opportunities. Towards the end the School forwards began to tire, and from a ruck following a lmeout, one of the Matamata locks, Mialthews, went over for a good forward try, which was converted. The game ended without furthc- score, Collage winning to eight points to nil. The game was played in. the best of spirits and the College side- are to "be congratulated on their win. There is no doubt that the Matamata fifteen were a better balanced team, both forwards and backs combining well. The School forwards played their usual solid game, securing more than their share of the ball from set scrums, but being beaten for possession ih (the linesout.. mainly by the height of the College forwards. They also did yeoman service in support of their back line, which, though admittedly weak, stood up to the more experienced College backs. After the match the School fifteen we~e entertained at afternoon tea by their hosts in their usual •hospitable style.

Basketball High School A 19, defeated Matamata B 18; and High School B 7, lost to Matamata C 17. In the first half of the High School A v. Matamata B game, Matamata showed more skill in ball handling and at half-time Matamata led 11—5. On, commencement of play Putaruru settled down better and coming up to their usual standard fought hard and evened l ,, the score. At this time both teams werei alt their best and play was hard and fast. Putaruru then secured a two-goal lead and managed to remain in front. In the last few minutes of the game Matamaita scored another 'goal, making tho final score 19—18. In the B teams’ game, Matamata played very well in the first half ito make the score 9 —4. In the second half Putaruru showed much better play, but Matamata managed to remain in front until when the final whistle sounded the score -was 17—7. Afternoon .tea provided a fine closing to a delightful day of sport, and the basketball captain, Ngaire Murray, took Ithe opportunity to thank the Matamata girls for their hospitality.