LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

Waikato Times, Volume 97, Issue 15267, 18 June 1923, Page 2

LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

HAMILTON COMPETITIONS. UNITED DEFEAT CITY. The Hamilton Rugby League's competitions were continued at Hinemoa Park on Saturday, when United met City. A very keen, exciting game was the outcome, the issue being in doubt until the close of time. United, fortunately for themselves, were one point In the lead as the final whistle went, but must be accounted rather lucky, as City appeared to hold the stronger hand throughout the game, a point which was improved upon by the good kicking of Patterson, who landed two excellent penalty goals. On the other hand, Unitcd's combination was superior to that 'of the opposing players, and this fact was in large measure responsible for the defeat of City. Two good junior games were also played, a feature being the defeat of Whitiora, who have been unbeaten for the last two years. UNITED (8) v. CITY (7). United won the toss, and City started off with wind and sun against them. S, Prisk marked, but Paterson missed at goal. City.forced matters, and narrowly missed scoring several times. A passing rush, headed by Payne and Jacques, took play to City's territory, where a lot of give-and-take play took place. City then changed the venue of play, but United relieved by marking, and shortly after Payne started a passing rush, and sent to Jacques, and back to Payne, who scored. Jacques failed to convert. United 3/ City 0. From the drop-in,,play had not bch long in motion before, from loose play on United's line, McPherson scrambled over. No extras were added. City 3, United 3. City were now playing the better game, but Uniir !'s defence was equal to the several attacks made by the oppo-Viuj foiwards. Play hovered up and down the field, both teams- playing with great vim. Munce secured, and corkscrewed the City backs, but lost the ball when on the line, and City relieved by kicking out. A breach gave United a,free kick, Jacques putting the ball over with a neat kick. United 5, City 3. The half-time bell then went with the scores unaltered.

The second spell opened at a fast pace, play sweeping up and down field with both sides disputing every inch of the ground. Shortly after resumption as City were pressing United gave their opponents two chanoes by infringements, and Patterson, by two splendid kicks, took full advantage of them. City 7, United 5. The game was extremely willing at this stage, and United were a little unlucky in not scoring. The red and blacks, however, drove them out, and changing defence into attack they swept down on the City citadel. City were given a rather anxious time for a few minutes', and, picking up from the loose Molesworth, dived over near the corner. Jacques' kick, a good one, failed. United 8, City 5. Following this reverse, City attacked strongly, but the United backs moved away to what promised to be a fruitful effort, but forward passing lost them an opportunity, and play hung in mid-field for some little time, the bell bringing the game to a close without further score. Mr Herrlck was referee.

HAMILTON V. CAMBRIDGE.

A match between the Hamilton and Cambridge Rugby League representatives was played on Victoria Square, Cambridge, on Saturday. The weather was fine, but the ground, after heavy rain, was a bit soft. There was a fair attendance, and although the scores show the game a little onesided, the spectators witnessed some brilliant play on both sides, especially that of the Hamilton backs. Cambridge showed up here and there with some real good play, but on the whole were outclassed by the solid combination of the visitors. The teams were as follows: —

Hamilton (black and white). —Fullback, Galbraith; three-quarters, Corlieson, Solomon, Lynam; five-eighths, Pilkington and Stewart; half, Dufty; forwards, Burstal, Lewer, Gawn, Parkinson, Dent. Bond. Cambridge (red and black). —Fullback, Woods; three-quarters, Shaw, Pow, <• Robinson: five-eighths, McDonald and Cooper; half, Marshall; forwards, Kelly, Campbell, G. Robinson, West, Reynolds, Appleby. Hamilton won the' toss, and decided to /play with the sun behind them. Soon after play started, Hamilton jvas pressed hard on their own goal line, but were awarded a free kick, which relieved the situation, and play was taken back in the Cambridge twentyfive, where the Blacks' wing threequarter picked up neatly, feinted, and then made straight for the line, but was brought down within a yard of it. From a scrum the ball went over the line, and the Reds' forced. Give and take play ensued after the kick-off, until Corlieson got possession again, and breaking away, ran straight through the Cambridge backs, and scored the first try. Dufty tpok the kick, and landed a nice goal. Hamilton 5, Cambridge 0. Play was confined to midfield for quite a time, when Hamilton forwards got going, and Parkinson, picking up, got over the line, and scored their second try. Dufty converted. Hamilton 10, Cambridge 5. Cambridge got going after the kick-off and Hamilton were in difficulties for some time, when Cooper broke away, and passed to Appleby, who scored the first try for Gambridge. Stewart took the kick, and converted. Hamilton 10, Cambridge 5. The play seemed to move rapidly from one end of the field to the other, the Hamilton backs making use of every opportunity, and from a brilliant piece of passing work, Burstal scored anolher try for the Blacks. Dufty kicked a nice goal. Hamilton 15, Cambridge 5. The whistle sounded for half-time, and play could not be stopped till the ball went out, <nnd in this short spa.ee of time Hamilton scored again, Solomon getting over at the corner. Dufty failed to convert. Hamilton 18, Cambridge 5. Hamilton's next try was scored by their full-back, Galbraith, who kicked high, and following up beat his man to score. Parkinson took the kick, but failed to convert. Hamilton 21, Cambridge 5. Burstal scored another try for Hamilton, which was converted, making the score: Hamilton 2G, Cambridge 5. Cambridge then got going, and pressed hard, and Pow, picking up, got over, and scored. Pow the kick, but failed. Hamilton 2G, Cambridge 8. Cambridge immediately got on the offensive again, the ball going from Pow to Kelly, who scored another try for Cambridge. Hamilton 2G, Cambridge 11.' Hamilton had the best or it for the remainder, and scored two more trios, which were not converted, and the game ended:—Hamilton 32, Cambridge 11. Mr Greenwood acted as referee,

JUNIOR GAMES. Athletics 6, v. Whitiora 5. For the winners Gilmore and Sutton scored tries, while for Whitiora Fisher scored a try, and Andrews kicked a penalty if—'