THE LEAGUE GAME.

Waikato Times, Volume 97, Issue 1600, 31 May 1924, Page 18 (Supplement)

THE LEAGUE GAME.

MARISTS—HAMILTON. (By "Verax.") The Marist Bros (Christchureh) Hamilton match was not the spectacular exhibition expected. Nevertheless, taking the ground and weather conditions into consideration, the game was a decidedly interesting one, and provided more than a few thrills for the spectators. One thing was obvious practically from ihi kick-off, viz., that Marists held too many "guns" for the local boys. The combination and passing of the visitors was such as is rarely seen, even in Club football, and their play generally was right up to expectations. The forwards were a splendid pack, and made their presence felt in many a dribbling rush and passing bout. The backs showed nippiness, and I brew I lie nail about, always to find someone handy to carry (he oval onwards.

There were a lew "finer" points in Hie code, which Marists seemed not to have yet grasped, but with a season gone, this team will hold its own with any League tcamin the country. Tiie local boys were all "at sea," and sadly lacked the understanding between the backs to carry a concerted passing bout eo a successful conclusion. The team looked well on paper, and judging from individual displays in Club competitions, should have given a much brighter display. The team will require several alterations if success is desired.

Peckhum was Hie outstanding back, but received little support" from openings made, and his brilliant; efforts were resulliess. Without this player, Marists scon? would have reach >ci a much higher total. For Marist, Rrosnahan at fullback, gave a sound exhibition! but his powers as a defensive player were little' I axed. O.lroy and Mullins (win,? threcrfuarlers) both showed pace and handled the.ball well. Gilroy, perhaps i\-is llm better of the two.'' lie is a fine stamp of scoring Ihree-qu.'iri.er. Tiie Fitzgerald Bros, were also prominent and carried mil their afternoon's wcrk 11: a crc-rlUable manner. C. Fitzgerald's goat kicking was a power lo his side, and contributed largely to the score. Kirw.in. at half-back, pb-.yod a good game, and immediately se-l Pis backs in molien. when the ball came his way from the scrums. In the forward--;, each of I he six members showed his worth.. It would b 3 unfair to individualise, although Peteiton and Devine were mosi prominent. Devine. a heavy-

weight showed plenty of pace-, and participated in many passing bouts. His two tries merited the applause accorded. Undoubtedly, Marists was a fine team, and seldom has the League code seen a better balanced pack. For Hamilton, Jacques (full-back), gave an indifferent display; at times, however, he gave a glimpse of his real worth, and got his side out of difficulties, when the onslaught spelt danger, Appleby was most prominent in the three-quarter line, and v;hen opportunities came his way. made most of them. Warm-an was fair, and did a considerable amount of solid defensive work. Buffet seldom saw the ball, consequer. tly did not get opportunities. The weakness was in the liveeighths. Bezar gave a poor display. ,1. Du fly also was much below Ills true form. Pock ham (half-back) was the kingpin, and was head and shoulders <metaphorically speaking) above the other backs. With the ball coming regularly from the scrum, Peckham made numberless openings, but received no support. On less than six occasions did the bail travel through to the wing-man. Somehow it hung with the inside backs. On the occasions the bail went along the lin'e of backs, the handling was excellent. In 'the forwards. Ycrnall heeled the ball regularly, but otherwise his display was not up lo the mark. Shephenson and Payne were prominent throughout; Stephenson bearing most of the defence. Niell has played much better football. Lund and Johnstone got through some solid work, without shining out. HAMILTON v. LOWER WAIKATO. Next Tuesday, Hamilton will meet Lower Waikato, at Hinemoa Park, and an exciting game is expected. _ln previous years, the matches against Lower Waikato have produced sparkling games, and next Tuesday’s match promises, in every way, a repetition of above. The Hamilton team Will require several changes, to go near success. No doubt the selector had an eye on Tuesday’s match, and “new blood” will be included in the local team. After Hie above match a South Auckland team will be chosen to meet the Australian Universities team 'in Hamilton on June 11.