POLO

Waikato Independent, Volume XXX, Issue 2304, 27 February 1930, Page 5

POLO

CAMBRIDGE A. v. MATANGI B

FRIENDLY GAME. Yostorday afternoon a friendly game was indulged in between Cambridge A (blue and white) and Matangi (yellow and black) teams at "Gwynnelands," Cambridgo. The attendance was small owing to it being a weekday and several other ci unter attractions in the district. The Teams. The personnel of the teams was:— Matangi, G., R., T. and W. Ranstead, while the opponents were A. and W. Fisher, R. G. Blennerhassett and N. Garland. Mr K. Butler acted as referee. The Play. The first chukka was resultant of fairly even play with a little advantage to Matangi in the closing stages when T. Ranstead goaled for his side. A. Fisher broke his stick during the chukka.

Near the commencement of the second chukka Blennerhassett goaled for Cambridge, after Garland had taken the ball well up. From then on to the end of the period play was on even terms. For the third chukka play commenced with Cambridge defending the western goal. Alan Fisher again had to secure another stick at this point. A little later T. Ranstead secured a neat goal. The scores then read Matangi 2, Cambridge 1. T. Ranstead came a spill but was goon astride another mount.

For the fourth chukka play went down to the cast end in front of the goal mouth, where R. Ranstead added the points. After changing ends play went to Cambridge's goal again and a goal was secured. The scores then read 4tol, in Matangi's favour. Play went to the Cambridge goal again where Matangi had a free but failed to goal directly. G. Ranstead, who followed up, added extra pdints. Matangi 5 Cambridge 1. Play then became more even again until the end of the chukka.

At this period the visiting farmers on their way back to Hamilton, stopped to watch the play for a few moments.

At the opening of the fifth spell play centered for a while and then went right down to Matangi posts where a good , save was nuade. Shortly after play went up field where G. Ranstead hit a fine goal making the scores 6—l. Play was even for a while until Alan Fisher made a break and had bad luck in not scoring. However, another opportunity came and he scored well. Cambridge 2, Matangi 6. On turning, the locals put in another good run and were unfortunate in not scoring. A little later, Blennerhassett hit a neat shot between the posts. Cambridge 3, Matangi 6. . • Sixth Chukka. Shortly after opening G. Ranstead lost his stick and Cambridge went up to the goal where W. Fisher secured a good goal, Cambridge 4, Matangi G. Play continued in an open nature, the ball going from end to end and consequently some fast riding was put in by both sides, which towards the end of the chukka told on the ponies. Then a Cambridge man shot and secured another point. Last Spell. At the commencement of the last spell the scores read Cambridge .5, Matangi 6. Play opened by the locals in Matangi's goal area, G. Ranstead brought the ball back to half way. From here W. Fisher put in a clever shot which brought play to Matangi's goal again. During the next few minutes the play became fast with both teams showing up well. Matangi went towards Cambridge's end where they remained for a while, till N. Garland took the ball up-field apiece, however the Yellows brought it back again and the ball went out near the posts. Play became fast as it ncared the time for the final bell. Garland led a rush up the southern side to the goal, whore Cambridge goaled, making the score 6 all. Time was then sounded. Seeing that the issue was still undecided it was agreed to play till one side scored. Win for Cambridge. The yellow and blacks took play to the blue goal where the ball went out. The ball then came down to Matangi's goal area, and wont out twice at the same place. Play continued up and down the field amidst excitement, until W. Fisher scored the deciding goal, giving the match to Cambridge by one point. The final scores were: Cambridge 7, Matangi 6. Practice Game. After afternoon tea a practice match was played between two selected teams.