EAGUE FOOTBALL

Waikato Times, Volume 98, Issue 15283, 9 July 1923, Page 6

EAGUE FOOTBALL

ENDEAN SHIELD WATCH. HAMILTON BEAT HOLDERS. Attracted by the promise of a good fast match tlie public were present in large numbers at Ngaruawahia on Saturday afternoon to see the Hamilton representatives play the elect of Lower Waikato for the Endean Shield. They were not disappointed, for the game proved one of the best, if not the best, ever seen in the Waikalo. fast, exciting play being witnessed throughout, and the issue remained in doubt until close on the call of lime. The ground despite the recent heavy rains was in good order, and the conditions generally were worthy of the occasion. Lower Waikato has hold the shield ever since it was presented in 1911, and on the last occasion when Hamilton challenged, the countryites defeated them by 5o points to 5." Matters quite'-dif-ferent on Saturday, for Lower Waikato, on account of two or three of their best men having left for other climes, and their star half-back, Peckham, now playing for Hamilton, were naturally not able to put such a good team in the field as on previous occasions. Moreover, it was generally agreed that Hamilton had a better team than last year, even without the presence of Peckham. Hamilton quickly showed that they were going to give the holders a very anxious time in defending the shield by securing eight points before Lower Waikato opened their scoring account. That is the first: time in the history of the shield that any challenging team should score before Lower Waikato. At half-time Hamilton led by li points to 8, and having a lead of 14 points to 14 a few minutes before the oall of time appeared certain to emerge victorious. Just before the final. bell sounded, however, Lower Waikato scored two tries in rapid succession, bringing them within two points of Hamilton, and much excitement ran high in the last few moments as they tried desperately to gain the lead. Hume was to have played in the three-quarter line for Hamilton, but owing to illness decided to leave the field early in the game. His place was taken by Corlicson, who later scored two tries. After the match a dinner was held at the Delta Hotel, in the course of which Mr handed the

shield over to Mr R. H. Wood, chairman of the management committee of the Hamilton Rugby League. Although in a sense he was sorry to see the shield, lost to Hamilton.he was glad to see it go around, and thus "bring about more competition. In replying, Mr Wood stated that tlie Hamilton League were very pleased at their success, as it meant a further step in the advancement of the code in the town. Cheers for all concerned, including Tim Peckham, the captain of the Hamilton team, followed the presentation. The Play.

Lower Waikato (red, white and blue) kicked off against the sun, and carried play into the visitors' territory, where they were awarded a free kick, of which Paterson, despite a good effort, failed to take advantage. Tht Lower Waikato backs then moved away to a nice passing rush, which, however, was spoilt by a faulty pass from Sheran to Johnson. The countryites were still pressing, but a free to Hamilton relieved the pressure, and the visiting forwards took play to the other end. The tri-colours quickly . cleared, and, headed by Johnson, ;'; completely changed tire venue of play, ' a good chance being lost by the ball • going over the dead-ball line. Not to be denied, however, Lower Waikato maintained the pressure, and Giescn was almost over, but was stopped by Jacques almost on the line. The game . was now of a very even nature, play .veering up and down field at a' fast pace. Giesen intercepted, and backed . up by Johnson, led a rush into Hamilton's territory, which compelled the j visitors to force. From the resulting kick Peckham made a good run, but ; Hume, who eventually obtained pos- : session, was not fast enough for the opposition, and he was grassed '■ inches from the line. A free kick to ', the countryites brought them but '. slight relief. Whalen made a good :; eTTort, kicked in to Dufty, who fed out to Payne and Dent, the latter scoring a good ' try. Dufty failed to take ■ advantage of the kick. Hamilton 3 . t Lower Waikato ■.. 0 ; Encouraged by this early success, Hamilton made matters warm for the opposition. The visiting forwards, Gawn, E. Vernall, and Grice broke through, and dribbling the ball splendidly from over half-way, cleared away from the rest of the field, Gawn scoring between the posts. Dufty added the extras. Hamilton 8 Lower Waikato 0 The tri-colours then changed the venue of play, and confined the scene of activity for a term to "the" visitors' territory. Sheran made a good opening, and Stevenson, following up fast, -ecored a try which Patlerson failed to convert. Lower Waikato 3 Hamilton 8 The countryites were now- holding the upper hand. When ,in a good "attacking position Stevenson opened •up a movement in which Scott and ■Giesen participated, Hie last named player diving over to score a good try. Patterson again failed with the kick. Lower Waikato .' 0 Hamilton 8 Following Ihis, play remained in . neutral territory for a few minutes, but several fla.--.hes of aggressiveness were witnessed from both combinations. When on about the half-way line Molly made a good run, and passed lo Davis, who ran around the opposition to score a good try between the posts. Patterson this lime niadc no mistake with the kick. Lower Waikato 11 Hamilton 8 The half-time bell went shortly afterwards without any alteration to the scores. The Second Half. Following the half-time spell, the game had been scarcely set in motion before Peckham secured from a scrum near the half-way line, and with a beautiful effort carried play on to the Lower Waikato line. Having only the full-back to beat, Peckham kicked over Ids head, and Dent, following up fast, touched down. Dufty's kick, from a difficult angle, failed. Hamilton 11 Lower Waikato 11 From the drop-in, Peckham's good play again came into prominence, the little half-back obtaining possession, and racing for the line to score between the posts. Dufty added the extras. Hamilton 16 Low."/ Waikato H The countryites were now striving hard lo equalise the scores, a rush in which Tut Wilson. Scott ;<nd Giesen. participated, nearly resulting in a score. Giesen, however, was collared, and Hamilton cleared per medium of a good mark. Takinsr full

advantage of this opportunity Hamilton then completely changed venue of play, and took the ball down to the Lower Waikato territory, where Payne made a good effort, and passed to Corleison, who dived over in the corner. The kick was unsuccessful. Hamilton I<J Lower Waikato 11 Tlie tri-colours were now attacking determinedly, their backs moving away to several nice passing rushes, which, however, were brought to nought by the deadly tackling of the Hamilton men. At last the countryites pierced Hamilton's stubborn defence, Holly putting in a good run, and passing to Tut Wilson, lo Scott, to Davis, who scored in the corner. No extras were added. Lower Waikato 14 Hamilton 10 Play was now becoming intensely exciting, Lower Waikato, if anything, holding the upper hand. Then the visitors cleared, and Whalen, making a good opening, fed out to Corleison, who scored. Jacques converted with a good kick. Hamilton '.'.. 24 Lower Waikato ...... 14 Almost immediately afterwards Lower Waikato, through the Instrumentabiliiy of Johnson.and Tut Wil'son, annexed two tries which Patterson and Rayner failed to convert, and the game closed with the scores:— Hamilton .._ 24 Lower Waikato 22 Mr Glceson was referee. JUNIOR GAMES. As a curtain-raiser Hamilton juniors played Lower Waikato juniors, Ihe game resulting in a win for ;,\\6 countryites by 14 points to .. Fu the winners Berry, Hall i'l), and C. Bell scored tries, while Tir) i-rnlin converted one. Hamilton's seven points were made up of a try .snored by Molesworth, and converted by C. Taylor, and of a penalty goal kicked by the last named.