FOOTBALL

Waikato Independent, Volume XXII, Issue 2577, 27 July 1922, Page 5

FOOTBALL

RUGBY NOTES. (By "Olympus.") Congratulations to Hautapu on winning the 1922 senior championship. Last Saturday's match proved that the wearers of the red and white jerseys are fully entitled to the honours, although, as Tuesday's report indicated, the game was by no mean 3 a one-sided contest. Leamington put up a splendid fight and during the last quarter more than held their own, but the luck failed them.

On the run of play there was little to choose between the two sets of forwards. Both played solidly throughout and each took turns in sweeping rushes up and down the field, while in scrums both had a share of the ball. It was the pace of the Hautapu threequartcr line that carried the day, for when ever the ball came their way danger threatened Leamington. A. Thompson, as usual, was the pick of the trio, while L. Bourkc also did well, but found it a very difficult matter to get past his vis-a-vis. Kennedy showed plenty of pace but failed to run straight, thus spoiling many a chance. We would remind young players that a few yards gained by a straight dash is a real advantage , but a zig-zag run of twenty or thirty yards across field gains nothing, while it takes the starch out of the runner. Butler and Voyscy, the fiveeighths, both played sound games, the latter as usual being very conspicuous. La Trobe at half got few chances, but defended well. T. Bourke, the fullback, fielded in his best style and kicked strongly, altogether giving a pleasing display. D. Bourke was the pick of the forwards, with W. Bourkc also showing out at intervals. The others all toiled solidly, none more so than Thompson, who is only a young player. The Leamington backs, although lacking in pace, performed splendidly. Johnson at full-back was very safe and showed cleverness in evading trouble. Wallis and Russo, the wing threequarters, got few chances in attack but defended solidly. Russo is deserving of special notice because it was his second game of the afternoon. His tackling was a feature of the match. Haworth was at the top of his form in defence. The same might be said of the five-eighths line, but there was a lack of 'dash in attack. Makgill has shown better form, while Tucker is rather much of a veteran. His kicking however, was a strong feature, while as a goaler ho once again was in evidence, although chances were few. Kelly, who played for the first time as half, was a great success. In attack .he was dashing while his defence was solid.

The forwards played together splendidly, and it is difficult to single out any one for special mention. Espiner, Hall, Paterson and Bourke caught the eye frequently in loose rushes. The Juniiors. In this division Leamington carried off the honours for the second year in succession and we offer them our congratulations. City put up a splendid fight and with their best team in the field, might have done better. They were unlucky to have so many men injured, but such are the fortunes of the game. The Gate. A pleasing feature of last .Saturday's Rugby was the splendid crowd which turned, out. .' The finances of the Union received a welcome addition and the officials tender their best thanks to the public. The Referees. Although the season is not yet over, we feel it is a good opportunity to congratulate the local referees on their efficient control of games in Cambridge. The bulk of the work has fallen on two or three men, but we trust that next season old players will take up the whistle and so help the good old game along. Kawhia will play Waipa Rugby representatives at Te Awamutu, on Saturday next, for the Finlay Cup. TEAMS POR SATURDAY The following will represent Matangi in the League game: —Shaw, Campbell, Thrupp, Johnson, Cranston, Pocock, Stone, Campbell, J. W. Vonala, Cave, Libeau, Tamati. THE CHINA CUP The annual match for the famous China Cup forms the centre of attraction for Saturday next, in Rugby circles, and will be decided on the Leamington grounds, when the City footballers will again endeavour in a do-or-die contest to wrest the coveted honour from the holders, lioto-o-raugi. The match occasions great interest each year, and Saturday's contest promises to be provocative of much fun and enthusiasm. The match commences at 2.15 pan. City team will be selected from the following:—-Cvaig, Kelly, Cranch, Bower, Thorpe, Leo. Bourke, W." Bourke;, B. Dunning, O. Holdea. J. Butler. Ken-

nedy, C. La Trobo, Henley, M. Whyte, F. Joyce, Hagan (2), T; Olsen, Marsh. Roto-o-raugi team will be as follows: —Everett, D. Warren, Fogarty, C. Edwards, A. White, Geo. Whyte, Fletcher, C. .Robertson, ,T. Tucker, Wallis (2), J. Dagg, C. Kelly, T. Kelly, T. Dagg, Makgill, P. Peake, C. Bobcrts, D. Burke, Johnson, Wiles.