LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

Waikato Times, Volume 98, Issue 15308, 8 August 1923, Page 9

LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

JOTTINGS. (By “Verax.") It was indeed unfortunate that after a week of crisp, spring weather rain should again fall last Saturday and mar the success of Sunshine League Day. The local sporting community would not have cared so much, for winter pastimes, particularly so this year, do not carry on under the best of condition, hut on Saturday a fine day would have meant considerable funds for- the worthy objects of the Sunshine League. The soccer, hockey and League officials left no stone unturned to make the day a successful one from a sports point of view. The weather, however, nullified their efforts considerably. Heavy rain overnight and throughout Saturday morning, turned the planting area at Seddon Park into pools of water, which later turned into a sea of mud. Good football under such conditions, was impossible; nevertheless, a good gathering of spectators witnessed an interesting game, in which were quite a number of spectacular movements. Both Lower Waikato and Hamilton .teams were below full strength, owing mainly to the “’flu.” The teams taking the field were nevertheless evenly matched, and the final score, ii—0, in favour of Lower Waikato, serves as a fair indication of the run of play. Hamilton wer| unlucky on two or three occasions; the same can, however, be said of their opponents.

Under the conditions it would be unfair to freely individualise. “Tut”' Wilson ably led Lower Waikato, and never “let-up” until the final whistle. He is a good type of breakaway forward, very fast, and a good example to his team-mates. Hutt and Giesen also played a good hard game throughout. The backs did not have many opportunities, the ball being too slippery for concerted passing movements. Miki and Johnston, the' two wing three-quarters, played well, and these men would be dangerous on a dry ground. Both Holly and Hall were also prominent. For Hamilton, “Tim” Peckham was in the thick of the game right through, till a collision with an opponent necessitated his being assisted off the field. Both Dufty and Lineham were in the lime-light, Dufty making some nice breaks through the defence. He was, however, unsupported on these occasions, and his efforts were resultless. Jacques, at full-back, had plenty to do and it was done in a creditable manner. He was unlucky in not scoring just before the final whistle. Of the forwards, Dent, Gawn, Neil, Loughlin, and Grice all played solidly. Gi'ice, unfortunately, hurt his ankle jn the second half, and was assisted to the side-line. Congratulations to Lower Waikato in winning the fine Sunshine League Cup. Next season, it is hoped, the contest for I lie cup will eventuate under more favourable conditions, and that Hie gate proceeds will be considerably larger than was the case last Saturday.

Witli tlio first “big” match, Wellington versus South Auckland, near at hand, the team In rlo battle for the Northern Union cup-holders will shortly he selected. Hanilton League supporters expect, lo see at least live local players in the team this season, and it would occasion no surprise if Jacques was the chosen full-back. Both Stewart and Peckham should lie certain of their positions. Dent, Neill, Gawn and Payne should he in the running amongst the forwards.