THE LEAGUE GAME.

Waikato Times, Volume 97, Issue 16006, 7 June 1924, Page 16 (Supplement)

THE LEAGUE GAME.

UNIVERSITIES’ VISIT. MATCH ON WEDNESDAY. The Australian Universities team will plav South Auckland at Steele Park on Wednesday next. Under suitable conditions it should prove one of the brightest games seen in these parts. The visitors are a strong side and the open style of play is • their forte. They have been very prominent in the Australian competitions this season and their play at Auckland on Wednesday, though good, will be improved upon as the tcur progresses. The South Auckland side should be capable of giving a 'good account of itself. Public patronage promises to be very large if the weather holds fine for the match. JOTTINGS. (By “Verax.”) The match between the best thirteens of Lower Waikato and Hamilton drew a record attendance at Hinemoa Park, and the game was brim full of thrill from kick-off to Anal whistle. As was the result last year, so it' happened again last Tuesday, the Hamilton team in this instance unexpectedly finishing up winners by a margin of five points. Perhaps the win was thoroughly deserved, although Lower Waikato were on occasions unlucky. Penalties' against botli sides were all too numerous. Hamilton turned more than one of these into scoring points, and the latter enabled them to, leave the field winners.

After their display against the Marist Brothers (Christchurch) team a week previous, local supporters were dubious regarding the match against Lower Waikato, but the Hamilton team played well, almost to a man,, and proved that in their first match true form was not shown.

The ground was in first-class order —a trifle slippery in places perhaps—nevertheless in a considerably better condition than on any former occasion this season.

Lower Waikato fielded an exceptionally strong side, whilst Hamilton was stronger than the previous week. The two changes—Hemingway and McGerty—showed a marked improvement in the rear division. Play throughout was bright and sparkling. The ball was constantly in play, and concerted action by both sides kept the players continually on ' the move, minor mistakes by either side being quickly and smartly turned to account. The spectators were kept continually in a state of excitement, and gave vent to their feelings in no uncertain manner.

The match served its purpose well. With the coming visit of the Australian University League team next Wednesday, the South Auckland League desired to ensure that it would he represented by a strong side. The University team, prior to its' departure for Maoriland, had nßt been beaten in the Sydney League competition, consequently it is anticipated that with additions from Brisbane and Melbourne, the 1924 tourning team will be considerably stronger than the team that visited the country last season. In the South Auckland district there are many players of merit—men who have .proved their worth in the past. Also there are just as many who, by their display this season, are knocking at the door, of inter-provincial and inter-colonial honours. Tuesday’s match afforded excellent opportunities to the selectors to choose a thirteen who will uphold the honour of the present League premiers, and holders' of the handsome Northern Union Cup. As a result of Tuesday’s match many players are worthy of comment, very few failing to distinguish themselves.

For Hamilton Jacques (full back) gave a display which, if not faultless, was at least creditable. His kicking was sometimes without purpose, and the line hard to find. To get rid of the ball is one thing, to get rid of it with advantage to your side is another. Jacques did, however, uphold the Hamilton selector’s confidence, if not that of the South Auckland selectors.

Both Appleby and Buffet (wing three-quarters) were sound, their tackling was good, whilst both are determined when attacking. Several runs by both men deserved better results, solid defence alone nullifying their efforts.

Hemingway (centre) toned up the three-quarter line, and in his play showed that he is still one of the best centres in the district. His only fault is his crowding of the wing men. If Hemingway would run straighter, and I develop his side-step, his general play | would be still further improved. * McGert.y and Duftv (five-eighths) ' got, through a heavy afternoon’s work with distinction. Both players are solid in defence, although when attacking are at times inclined to forget that the bail can be passed, as well as kicked. McGcrty offended most in this direction. Nevertheless little fault could be found, on the whole, with their displays. Peckham (half back) was just the inimitable , ‘Tim.” His play was full of the spectacular movements enthusiasts look for. Peckham is always there when wanted, and his meteoric runs remind one of a hare dashing for an objective with foes seemingly everywhere. One try on Tuesday was

a ‘corker.” A player in the five-eighth position, alongside Peckham, will seldom be able to follow the latter, but by running right through he would find himself very often just in the right position to take Peckham’s' pass, with better results than by endeavouring to go with the player. In the forwards Stephenson stood out on his own, both in attack and in defence. Dent and Payne were both in the limelight, and did a tremendous amount of work. Dent’s tackling was a very pleasing feature. E. Vernall (hooker) predominated in the scrum work, although, unfortunately, in the open work this player is a little weak. S. Neill was not as prominent as usual, and the same applies to Johnstone. For Lower Waikato, G. Raynor (full back) played an excellent game. He kicked with precision, handled the ball well, and catered for his forwards. This work went a long way. The three-quarter line was strong, but not as prominent as was expected. B. Paki did not show to the best advantage. Reports from Sydney last season spoke highly of Paki as a centre three-quarter, but from Tuesday’s display he should serve South Auckland better as a wing man. Paki is a dangerous scoring three quarter, and should be the last in a passing movement to handle the ball. Johnstone, on one wing, was well marked, also at times he was crow’ded too much on to the touch line to show his real worth. This player is exceptionally fast, and has an excellent sidestep. *His try on Tuesday was a ‘beauty,” and compared with many similar dashes shown last season. Johnstone reminds one very much of the New South Welshman, Horder. S. Raynor, on the other wing, did his share with the honours. His place kicking, also, w r as an asset to his team. Jackways and Jackson, at fiveeighths, although light-weights, did exceptionally well against their weighty opposition. Both players displayed ability and participated in many nippy •movements.

Lornie (half back) was fair, and rendered every assistance to his other backs when the ball came his way from the scrum. In the forwards the evergreen “Tut” Wilson led and advised his men in his usual manner. This player is the mainstay of a team, and besides the solo w T ork Vie does on the field his promptings and advice are invaluable to his side. No South Auckland team would be complete without this seasoned “skipper.” Bishop and Miki were always prominent, and their work was of a highclass order. Both players participated in many passing movements, and can handle the ball like backs. Mason was prominent throughout, and made his presence felt. Hutt, as hooker, did not meet with the success of Vernall, but in the loose work is as good as any other fonvard in the district. Dawson was not so much in the limelight, but nevertheless was always in the thick of the fray.