LEAGUE FOOTBALL

Waikato Times, Volume 95, Issue 14945, 16 May 1922, Page 7

LEAGUE FOOTBALL

IVSATANGI V. CAMBRIDGE* The opening of the football season took place on Saturday, when Cambridge Athletics met Matangi on the latter’s ground. There was a good attendance of Hie public, and much interest was manifested in the game, especially as tliis was the first under Hie new code. The play was fast and open, and most of those present agreed that from a spectacular point of view the League game afforded the onlookers keen enjoyment. The responsible officials should endeavour to see that in future greater punctuality is observed. Matangi won the toss. From the kick-off Sheen got possession, and by a fast run transferred play to Cambridge territory, Where a free luck was awarded Matangi through offside play on the part of Cambridge. Cranston’s kick just missed. A few moments later Matangi was again awarded a frcc-kick, but no advantage resulted. Loose play followed, Hart doing strenuous work for Athletics. Shaw secured from a kick and raced for the line, but was collared a few feet away in the scramble. McDonald picked up and passed to Shaw, who touched down. Cranston’s kick was short. Matangi 3, Athletics 0.

From the kick-off Athletics followed up fast, Keen getting possession of the ball, but Hie Malangi defence was too sound, and gradually play was worked back to Athletics 25. Good work by Christensen and McLennon kept Athletics busy, and they were forced twice in a few moments. Hall and Shostrum worked the ball to Matangi’s 25, where from a scrum Cranston secured, and passing to McDonald, Libeau and Shaw saw the later score. Anderson converted. Malangi 8, Athletics 0. Shaw missed the return, and Keen following up fast il looked like Athletic scoring, but at the critical moment a Cambridge player kicked too hard. Christensen got the ball from a scrum, and passing to Shaw, 1 lie latter kicked to Cranston, who passed to Christensen when tackled. Eventually Cranston again got possession and scored. Taking the kick lie tailed to increase the score. Malangi 11, Al biotic 0. Play travelled up and down the field, Cambridge missing several good chances through over eagerness, and half Lime sounded without further score.

On resuming Malangi again made matters interesting, Turner showing up prominently. Libeau and Robinson dribbled the ball well up the field, and Hart fumbling, allowed Robinson to secure and score. Anderson missed Ihc kick. Malangi 11, Athletics 0. Cambridge now took a band, and Keen, Hall and Killip, with valuable assistance from Hie forwards, had Malangi in a tight corner. Eventually Mat-angi was forced. After an interchange of kicks between the full backs. McDonald secured the ball, but being tackled by Keen passed to McLennan, who scored. Cranston again failed will' the kick. Malangi 17, Athletics 0. The game was now fast ,and Athiolies were constantly on the defence, only the clever work of Hall and Keen keeping the attackers out. Offside play by Malangi gave Athletics a chance to score, but Hart’s kick was a few inches wide. McLennan, by a good run, transferred play to Athletics 25, where from a scrum Slone scored. No goal resulted. Malangi 20, Athletic 0. immediately on resuming Cambridge rushed the ball to Matangi’s 25, where Shaw got possession, and running through the field scored. McDonald’s kick failed to increase the score. Malangi 23, Athletics 0. The whistle sounded soon after without further score. i

Mr F. Greenwood controlled the game, giving entire satisfaction lo boLfi teams. j