RUGBY LEAGUE

Waikato Times, Volume 95, Issue 14951, 23 May 1922, Page 2

RUGBY LEAGUE

MATANGI v. SUBURBS. Matangi’s colours were red and white, and Suburbs (green')’. This match was played at Cambridge on Saturday. Matangi won the loss, and played with (he sun. From the kick-off Cranston returned the ball to the centre of the field, where Mclvor marked, and an interchange of kicking resulted. From a serum the Greens secured the ball, hut offside play gave a .free kick to Matangi, Cranston’s shot fading short. Mclvor, by snappy play, gained a lot of ground. Matangi was penalised for offside. Ward secured ihe ball, and excitement ran high as he streaked for Malangi's line, but Stiaw caught him, and pushed him out near the corner. From the scrum Robinson transferred play to the centre of the field, where, from a passing rush, G. Mclvor got possession, and, getting a clear run, scored. Mclvor converted. Suburbs 5, Matangi 0. Suburbs were penalised for offside, which enabled Matangi to transfer play to their opponent’s territory. The play was now very fast, the ball travelling up and down the field. Off- , side by Kiddell gave Cranston a shot at goal, but this went wide, and Suburbs forced. Ward was prominent, but Shaw nullified his work by a sure tackle, and play was carried to Suburbs’ twenty-five. The bookers for the Greens were getting the ball consistently. Mclvor, by a splendid kick, found the. line at Matangi’s twenty-five, where, from the scrum, Shrupp passed to Shaw, who set off for the line, and, using his speed to good advantage, ran through Suburbs,* and grounded the ball behind the, posts. He took the kick, but failed. Matangi 3, Suburbs 5. From the kick-off McLennan secured, and quickly the game was transferred to Greens’ area, and Matangi looked like scoring again. Sound defence, however, prevented this. Mclvor broke away, and carrie’d play well up the field. From a scrum Cranston secured, and passed to Thrupp, who was thrown out near the corner flag. Play was very strenuous for some minutes, Suburbs eventually forcing. On resuming, Matangi again set up a strong attack, Christensen and Le Beau being prominent, and 0/gain Suburbs was forced. Matangi was penalised for handling the ball in the scrum, but the relief to the Greens was only temporary, for Cranston got possession, and took .a pot at goal, which just missed, Greens again being forced. Shaw secured the ball from the kickoff, and carried play to Greens’ line, where loose play followed. Robinson was almost over, but Riddell was equal to the occasion. Greens now got going, and from a passing rush started by Mclvor, carried play to Matangi’s line, where hand-balling bv Mclvor spoilt a spiendild chance of scoring. Matangi was awarded a free kick for an infringement. Turner, following up fast) looked like crossing the line, but McMillan brought him down. Mclvor, from a mark, had a shot which failed to increase the score, and half-time sounded with the play at half-way. On resuming, McDonald and Christensen got to work, and play was soon in Greens’ territory. Good tackling by Suburbs prevented a score, and from a scrum Mclvor again got possession, and transferred play to Matangi’s twenty-live. Ke'ddell spoilt a good chance by knocking on. McLennan and Shaw, by good nlav, carried the hall to Greens’ twenty-live. Matangi was awarded a free kick, but Cranston failed to increase the score, and Suburbs forced. Meehan, who was putting a lot of dash into his play, carried ihe hail well down the field, and Kiddell, by a good kick, found tlie hue near the corner. Suburbs, through offside play, missed a chance of scoring, and .in a few moments Thrupp, Smith and Shaw, by good play, were attacking the Greens’ line. At this ’stage play was very fast and open, and the hall was kept moving up and down the field, firstone side and then the oilier looking like scoring, but each side managed to keep the other out. Cranston again had a shot at goal from a free kick, and a few moments later Mclvor also had a try at goal from a mark. Ward brothers set up a strong attack, and for a time it looked as though Suburbs would gel through, but aMtangi, sticking to their work, cleared their line well. Both sides were now feeling the effects of Ihe strenuous game. Matangi once again was within striking distance of ihe line, hut Cranston missed the ball, and Suburbs, following up fast, carried play right down the field where halnd-balling by Cleavely : spoilt their chance. Turner carried play to halfway, but Suburbs immedii-itcly turned the tables, an'd Matangi were hard at it defending, when the ball sounded wSUi the scores;—Suburbs, 5; Matangi, 3. CAP/iBRSDGE ROVERS V. ATHLETICS An interesting match took place at League Park, Cambridge, on Saturday, between City Rovers and Athletics, both Camhri'dge teams. The former won by 10 points lo 8. Prior to the match His .Worship the Mayor (Mr S. Lewis) officially opened the new park—a large piece of ground which the League officials have secured for playing purposes in Glare Street. Mr Lewis said that although he was advised by his medical adviser to keep away from public functions, lie felt compelled lo accept, the invitation so kin'dly offered. One of the reasons he had accepted the invitation was because it had been said that he was opposed to League. It was true that lie had said, a couple of years back, that only one code of football should be played, but with the time that goes, so one becomes tolerant, and with others, his Worship said that he began to like the game. He considered League had come to stay, judging by the way it was flourishing to-day, and he wishe'd the League all success. To players he would say “play the game.” Cooperation should he their keynote, as it is the keynote of success. Mr Lewis formalv declared the ground open and nominated it “League Park.” He then asked that the keynote of loyalty of League and the general public to the King he shown by singing the National Anthem. This met with enthusiastic response. The park was declared open, and cheers were given for the Mayor and Mayoress. The Mayoress kicked off. The game was watched by a large number ol' spectators. The following players scored for their respective teams, .in the following order:- —Les Young (City Rovers), try, the kick failed, 3; McMurtrec (Athletic), try, kick failed, 3; C. McMillan (Rovers), converted try, 5; L. Anner (Athletics) try, kick failed, I 3: C. McMillan (Rovers), goal, j Shostrom (Athletics), goal, 2; Rovers 10, Athletics S. Mr B. Wells was referee.