RUGBY FOOTBALL.

Waikato Times, Volume 97, Issue 15273, 25 June 1923, Page 2

RUGBY FOOTBALL.

HAMILTON DEFEAT FRANKLIN. DOUBLE FIGURE SCORING. The weather was beautifully fine on Saturday when Hamilton and Franklin met at Steele Park. The local Rugby Union have been extremely lucky with the weather this season, not having what could be called a bad day. Consequently there was another very large attendance when play commenced. There was a strong wind blowing down the field, while a strong sun hampered the players, at times. The ground was also heavy. < HAMILTON (17) v. FRANKLIN (11). Hamilton had the advantage of the Wind in the first quarter, but had to contend with a strong sun in their eyes when the ball was set in motion. 'Hamilton were the early attackers, and it was not long before Marcroft made an opening and sent to Beaver, who scored near the corner. Peach made a' good attempt at goal, though' he failed. Hamilton 3, . Franklin nil. After some even play the ball reached Bayly, who ran strongly, and badly Beating the full back (Smead) scored near the corner. Peach, with a brilliant kick, sent the oval over the bar. Hamilton 8, Franklin nil. The ball was- handled by a" couple of the visitting back brigade, and sent to -the wing three-quarter, Mansell, -wito made a great , run, and after eluding Bayly and looking like scoring, he'was pushed out inches from the line bv Matheson. Smead marked in a good position, but his shot went wide, a force resulting. Bayly put in a good run, but Mansell grassed- him. From a jscrum Dromgool broke away, and got to the twenty-Ove, but his side was penalised, and play taken to midfleld. Here Bayly got possession and crbss-kieked to Kemp. The latter secured and whipped out to Maroroft, to> Beaver, who crossed the line, peach made another good, but ineffectual, kick. ■ Hamilton 11, Franklin nil. Hamilton were again the aggressors. Peach opened up and sent to Marcroft, to 1 Beaver, back to Marcroft, the latter being brought.down close to the line. The visitors now made a determined onslaught on the home line, and when a score looked imminent Matheson cleverly extricated his side. They came back again, but Matheson sent lliem back to midfleld.- They were, however, not to be denied, and from the loose J. Dromgool got over. Mansell's kick, though a good one, was fruitless. From a Hamilton rush S. Clarkin booted over the line, but Smead saved. Kemp made a splendid run, and sent to Peach, to Marcroft, to Bayly, the latter, being brought down- by Austin. Play was nOw fast, Bishop, Gray and SoWman, getting close, ' but Dromgool and Markham were hi the lead of a rush which took play to midfleld, where it was-when the bell rang for half-time, ,with the scores 11 to 3 in favour of Hamilton.

After the interval the localites went to the attack, but Mansell saved, and the Franklin forwards, with the Dromgcols in, the lead, got close to the line before Matheson ,sent them back with a powerful kick. From , a scrum Buckingham sent to Marcroft, to leaver, who was nailed by Austin when; looking dangerous. Hooper and ' Beaver were associated in a passing bout, which ended in Beaver being pushed' out by Brownlee near the line;Murray transferred to the half-way Hag, and play hovered here for a time. Alexander and Wray headed a rush which was stopped by Matheson close to the line. From a scrum here JDromgool snapped up and got over, but Matheson held him up, and he was carried back. From a scrum Ave yards out the ball was carried over the line, Matheson forcing. Frankljn kept up the attack, and from a penalty against the local team Mansell landed & goo*d goal, making the score 6 to 11. The Blacks, who were having the best of matters now, were awarded a free, ManselTs kick going just outside the posts, Matheson finding the line near niidfield, from where Dr. Gray headed a dangerous rush, which was stopped owing to an infringement. From the kick C. Dromgool took to Hamilton's twenty-five, where he passed to Anderson. The latter kicked instead of passing out to his supporting backs, and a certain try was lost.' Hamilton now took a hand in the attack, and Peach and Matheson had unsuccessful pots at goal in quick time. From a • struggle on Franklin's line a penalty ; brought relief. Bilkey and Searell got •well down the field, and the ball was punted high. Matheson failed to take, and Brownlee, coming along fast, gathered up, and scored near the corner. Mansell landed a beautiful goal, making the scores 11 all. The bell irung for the final quarter shortly after. In play the Blacks rushed to Hamilton's territory, but Buckingham drove them back, and play hovered about midfleld till Searell sent to Hie .Yellow's twenty-five. Sowman and" iGray broke away from the line out. and play went to half-way. From here Austin sent to Murray, to Bilkey, fb' Mansell. The latter'beat Bayly, but Matheson brought him down in the nick of time a few inches from the line. The visitors were worrying Hamilton at this stage, the latter taking several marks. Matheson took the ball smartly with several players on top of him close to the line, and sent i past midfleld with a nicely-judged kick. .From here Gray and Hooper dribbled ;to Franklin's twenty-five, where Bayly ! picked up, and, eluding a couple of Imen scored near the corner. Peach's kick was just outside the posts. The local team kept up the pressure, and looked like scoring again, but a penalty saved the Blacks. J. Dromgool broke through, snapepd up, and booted down, field. He got possession again, but Matheson was in the way. .However the Blacks came again, and got near the twenty-five, where Bilkey •marked.- His kick failed, and a force .resulted. Play now became fast and exciting, and was of an even nature. Hamilton got near their opponents' ; twenty-five, where a penally gave' a shot, and he landed a mnggoal, making the score 17 to "11. Time was drawing near now, and "the Blacks made a desperate onslaught on Hamilton's line. However, the defence was too solid to penetrate. ..lust before the finish Mansell made a great run, but Matheson brought him .down about a foot from the lino. From •here play was gradually worked to ' midfleld, where it was when the bell rung for time, with the final scores:— Hamilton 17 Franklin 11 Mr W. Bryden had charge of the game.

HAMILTON AND WAIPA DRAW. GAME AT TB AWAMUTU. The Hamilton B representatives visited Te Awamutu on Saturday afternoon, where they cog-aged the Wuipa fifteen. The ground and overhead conditions were pood, but wind and sun were factors having an effect on the play. The standard of play was not high on the whole, Waipa drawing up to Hamilton's nine points in the closing stages of the game. The yearns were: —■

Waipa.—Quinn: Noble, Prenderville (captain), Wilson; Harrison, Bell; Griggs; J. Holmes; E. Beet, E. Holmes, E. beet, Maeky, C. Crotty, R. Crotty, Kerr (rover). Hamilton.—Hunt; Littlewood, G. Clarkin, Vercoe; Campbell, Castles (captain): Mitchell; Scott, Tau Hopa, Hogg, Cooper, M-agner, Neil, Keeley, Gilmour (rover). Despite the fact that they were plaving against a dazzling sun Waipa had all the best of the opening quarter, in which the breeze was in their favour. They were, however, kicking overhard on many occasions, and presenting welcome opportunities to the defenders. From a mark Wilson drop kicked a nice goal. Waipa 3, Hamilton 0. Castles and Clarkin in turn came to the rescue when the situation was looking doleful. Towards the close of the quarter the visitors became aggressive, but Prenderville turned them ■ off more than once. Bell was also showing up, one dash by the latter being a praiseworthy effort.

Opening the second quarter Magner broke through, and turned defence into attack for Hamilton, but his pass out was too deferred. Neil and Keeley showed out shortly after, and Castles several times bore the brunt of the work for his rearguard. He broke away on one occasion, and sent on to Hogg, but the pass was a difficult one, and Prenderville reaped the advantage from it finally. In a good position Harrison was caught off-side, and Gilmour goaled. Hamilton 3, Waipa 3. Castles and Clarkin continued to show the better play among the /visiting hacks, but the standard of play was not attractive. Vercoe had hard luck on one occasion, the ball bouncing away from the • three-quarter as he dashed up to it not far from the home line. For the first lime Hamilton were having the upper' hand, but they,- like their opponents, displayed Hie fault of losing control of the ball. E. Holmes, Prenderville, and Noble were seen in a Waipa back movement, but the latter kicked when he should have gone on. Clarkin marked at his goal front, and relieved his side from an awkward situation. Hogg made' a determined dash at one stage just near half-time, but Wilson tackled him effectively.

After the interval, Noble saved well near his line, and was instrumental in transferring play to neutral territoryE. Holmes improved affairs, and from an anxious situation Gilmour forced. A breakaway by Harrison bore a promising aspect, but the defence proved equal to the demands, and play was soon in Waipa's territory. Clarldn ,and Vercoe pressed the attack forward, Quinn tackling the latter and Kerr clearing to the touch. From the subsequent pressure Tau Hopa scored. Gilmour's shot failed. Hamilton 6, Waipa 3. Waipa were next invading, Mitchell being the chief factor in turnins the tide of attack at this stage. i

The final quarter was introduced by a home attack, but the passing was by no means effective. Wilson and Ken- were' prominent. Mitchell was called upon to force down. Campbell profited from the opposing backs* transferring movements,'and put in a strong run which turned the danger. From an in-pass by Clarkin above JhC twenty-five Littlewood secured, and, dashing for the corner, evaded three would-be tacklers, and ran through, to finally get behind the posts. His kick failed. Hamilton 9, Waipa 3. Waipa were by no means done with. They forced the visitors to defend, and Griggs opened the play for Harrison. The five-eighth ran on towards the corner, and then cut in to get close to the line, and from the subsequent melee a score resulted. Kerr's shot hit the post, and rebounded. Waipa G, Hamilton 9. . After an attack by the visitors Waipa pressed again. Macky put in a strong run, and, the ball going loose, several of the pack carried on, and, overwhelming the defence, scored. The shot at goal misled, and the game ended shortly after With the scores;— Hamilton 9 Waipa .... 9 Rev. White controlled the game. HAMILTON JUNIOR DEFEAT WAIPA JUNIORS. This game was played as a curtainraiser to the big match, and resulted in a win for Hamilton by 18 points to nil. The game was a good one to watch, both sides throwing the ball about in fine style, and this put the spectators in good mood for the big game. For the winners Buckingham (2), Fitzgerald, Anderson, McKnight, and-McCormick scored tries, none of which were converted. Mr Dunford was referee.

THIRD GRADE. Cambridge v. Marist Bros. Old Boys. A third grade representative match was played at Cambridge on Saturday between Cambridge and Marist Brothers Old Boys (Hamilton)). The weathter was fine but very cold and there, was quite a large attendance of spectators. Marist Bros., kicked off against a fairly strong wind, and with a dry ball it was soon seen that the game was going to be an open one. Play raced from one end of the field to the other, the backs on both sides handling the ball, until the Cambridge blues came with a good rush, when the Marist Bros, full back failed at a critical moment, and Darrow got over the line and scored for Cambridge. Woods took the kick but failed to convert. Cambridge 3, Marist 0. From the kick off the Greens soon had the Blues in difficulties, and from a rough and tumble near their own goal line Cambridge were awarded a free kick which brought relief. ."The ball went out at' mid-field and the whistle sounded for change over. Soon after the start of the second quarter the Greens got gging with a clev'er passing -rush which resulted in Atlwood scoring a nice try. Kelly took the kick and converted. Marist Bros. !">, Cambridge 3. For some lime the play was even, both sides putting in some clever work. From a scrum the ball came out and Altwood picked up cleanly and with a great run beat all the Cambridge backs and scored Marist Bros', second try. Kelly took the kick but failed to add to the score. Marist Bros. 8, Cambridge 3. Play became very willing, and Cambridge were pressing hard when the bell sounded half timo. From the kick off, the Cambridge team tried hard to score, and the tackling and handling of the ball of both teams was something like senior form, but the Green backs were too safe, and the Blues were once more on the defensive, and from a penally Marist Bros, were awarded a free kick in a very handy position, and Kelly kicked a very nice goal. Marist Bros. 11, Cambridge 3. The last quarter was uneventful, neither sides being able to cross the line, and the game ended: Marist Bros. .. .. 11 Cambridge 3 Mr Everett acted as referee.

Fourth Grade. Technical defeated Marist by 9 points to 6, after a great game. Old Boys drew with High School.

Juniors. Leamington 15, Hautapu 0. Third Grade. , Monovale 6, Cadets 3. PEACE CUP. RETAINED BY THAMES. By Telegraph —Press Association. THAMES, Saturday. The first Peace Cup match was played to-day. The weather was very cold and wet underfoot. The Thames, the holders of the Cup, met the Hauraki Plains, and the result was a win for Thames by 8 points to nil. A junior match, Thames v. Hauraki Plains, was a draw. AUCKLAND RESULTS. By Telegraph. —Press Association. AUCKLAND, Saturday. University 5, v. Marist 0.8. 0. Grafton 8, v. College Rifles 8. Grammar 12, v. Suburbs 0. North Shore 6, v. Newton 0. ■ Eden defaulted to Ponsonby. SOUTHERN MATCHES. WELLINGTON, Saturday. Petono 19, v. Berhampore 9. Poncke 24, v. Hutt 0. Athletic 27, v. Old Boys fe. Oriental 13, v. University 0, Marists 6, v. Selwyn 3. GHRISTCHURCH, Saturday. Marists 11, v. Old Boys 3. Sydenham-Lyttelton 3, v. Albion 0. Merivalc 17, v. North Canterbury 0. Christchurch 25, v. University 6. WAIKATO REFEREES' ASSOCIATION. At the annual meeting of the Waikato Rugby Referees' Association Mr Chas. Speight occupied the chair, and delegates were present from Waikato, Hamilton, Waipa, Cambridge, Putaruru, and Raglan. The following officers were elected: President, Mr Chas. Speight; vicepresidents, Messrs Vause (Cambridge), J. McDonald (Waipa), Rev. Brother Calixtus (Hamilton), and the presidents of affiliated Associations not present at the meeting. Mr R. Humphreys was elected to the Association. Messrs Bryden, Cleaver, White and Brown, with a representative from each sub-association not in attendance at the meeting, were appointed the committee of tHe Association. Mr R. Humphreys was elected delegate to the Waikato Rugby Union. Revi Bro. Calixtus and Mr Kivell, with a nominee of the Waikato Rugby Union, were appointed to act as selection committee. Mr Chas Speight was appointed the Association's vice-president, of the New Zealand Referees' Association. The secretary was instructed to write to the secretary of each union asking for nominations 'of referees suitable to control representative matches. Rev. Bro. Calixtus and Messrs Cliffe and Bryden were appointed an emergency committee to deal with rulings. The New Zealand Rugby Union asked that a list be submitted of referees capable of controlling interprovincial fixtures.- i