LEAGUE FOOTBALL

Waikato Times, Volume 97, Issue 15222, 26 April 1923, Page 9

LEAGUE FOOTBALL

LOWER WAIKTTO RESULTS. The season was opened on Saturday at lluntly, when patrons were supplied with a line exposition of the game. Two matches were played, Orini v. Taupiri and Ngaruawahia v. lluntly. The whole of the gate proceeds were devoted to the League funds, which, owing to the big financial strain of last season, were in a depleted state. Orini v. Taupiri. Taupiri won by 19 points to 5. In the first spell Orini got the ball from the scrum on nearly every occasion, but their backs could not handle it. Taupiri threw the ball about in good style, but usually there was ' some weak link in the chain of backs. In the first spell Littlewood and Guthrie scored for Taupiri. Just after the commencement of the second spell B. Young, for Orini, got over by clever work, and D. McConnell converted. Further tries for Taupiri were obtained by Littlewood, J. Bishop, and N. Jackways, while M. Wilson kicked two goals'. Mr A. Harlock was referee. Ngaruawahia v. Huntly. Play was fast and exciting, and both teams threw the ball about in good style, but stubborn defence on either side prevented much scoring. For Ngaruawahia M. Allen scored, while for Huntly A. Rayner got over. The game ended in a draw, 3 points all. Mr R- T. Hill was referee. By their fine showing against Huntly the Ngaruawahia team promises to be well up in the contest. The Huntly team is vastly changed from last year, several of their strongest players having left, and juniors promoted.

Next Saturday Taupiri play Huntly at Taupiri, and Orini meet Ngaruawahia at Ngaruawahia. The junior and colt contests will also probably start as well.