LEAGUE.

Waikato Times, Volume 103, Issue 17407, 21 May 1928, Page 4

LEAGUE.

SOUTH AUCKLAND COMPETITIONS. HAMILTON DEFEAT NGARUAWAHIA. The second big game in the first round for the Hamilton League team' was staged at Ngaruawahia on Saturday, when the Hamilton team,won by 21 to 11. The teams Lined out as follows: Hamilton—Hogg, Everest, Woodhall, Vernall, Quinn, Astle, C. Vernall, L. Muir, Hill, Taylor, T. Everest, S. Muir. Ngaruawahia—Menzies, Daley, Dare, Proyer, Whani, Adams, Williams, Abbott, Hall, P. Hall, Tittleton, Owen, HM. The game opened in fine weather with a strong wind blowing. Ngaruawahia pressed hard at the kick off,'but Hamilton by solid tackling stemmed all attempts to score. An Early Goal. Ngaruawahia were penalised, but Hamilton failed to score off the free kick. Ngaruawahia were again ruled against twice in quick succession, but Hamilton did not avail themselves of the opportunity. Hamilton pressed hard and Ngaruawahia were again penalised. This time Hamilton took advantage of the chance and gained two points as the result of a good kick by Hill. Hamilton 2 Ngaruawahia 0 Ngaruawahia started a passing rush, which was quickly stemmed by solid tackling of the Hamilton backs. Ngaruawahia pressed strongly and Hamilton were saved by forcing. From the kick-out Ngaruawahia pressed strongly and play was in the Hamilton territory for awhile, until T. Everest by a good line-kick cleared. Hamilton were penalised, and Ngaruawahia taking advantage h( the chance offered kicked well and followed up, and Hamilton again forced. The Scene Changes. Hamilton pressed strongly, but were checked near the line by the ball going out of play. From the scrum Tittleton secured and made a fine dash down the line. Passing in as he was collared, he gave Ngaruawahia a fine chance to score, but Hamilton beat the Ngaruawahia forwards in the race over the line and forced. The home team's half secured and flashed the ball out to his five-eighths, who transferred to Owen. Owen with a strong run got over in the corner. The kick failed. Ngaruawahia 3 Hamilton 2 Hamilton Take the Lead. T. Everest gained a lot of ground by splendid line-kicking. Astle secur^

ing from a spectacular passing rush, scored a good try. Hill converted.

Hamilton •• ■. 7 Ngaruawahia ■. 3 Half-time sounded with the scores unchanged. On the resumption of play Hamilton pressed strongly, and after a splendid run Everest scored a well-merited try. The kick failed. Hamilton 10 Ngaruawahia 3

Ngaruawahia pressed on the resumption, but Hamilton proved superior and kept them in their own twenty-five. Hamilton combined well and there were some very good phases of play. The forwards followed up and Everest, dribbling well, scored another try. The kick failed. Hamilton t 13 Ngaruawahia 3 The Scoring Mounts Up. Hamilton continued to be dangerous, but Ngaruawahia stemmed the attacks by good collaring. Everest secured, and after a strong run centred the ball, and Quinn gaining possession got over the line. Hill again converted. Hamilton 18 Ngaruawahia 3 From the resulting play Menzies secured, and after a spirited dash scored Ngaruawahia's second try. The try was converted. Hamilton 18 Ngaruawahia 8

With only a few minutes left Ngaruawahia weer making strenuous efforts to even the scores, but Hamilton defended well and held the home .team out. The ball travelled from one side of the field to the other and coming into Astle's possession the latter scored another try for Hamilton. Hamilton 21 Ngaruawahia 8

With two minutes to go the game was fast and exciting, and Ngaruawahia crossed the Line after good play. The kick failed, and the whistle sounded with the scores: Hamilton 21 Ngaruawahia 11 Mr W. Perry was referee. ■ -ir £*' Notes and Comments. Ngaruawahia had the best of the first quarter of an hour, and then Hamilton took charge and held the scoring advantage up to the end. The Hamilton team combined well and were solid on defence. Auckland. Senior A. —Devonport 12 v. Richmond 7; Marists 18 v. Ponsonby 14; Newton 13 v. Ellershe 5. Senior B.—Athletics 11 v. Mangere 8; Kingsland 30 v. Point Chevalier 7; Parnell 7 v. Northcote 5. , Christchurch. Hornsby 39 v. Woolston 21. Marist 19 v. Sydenham 14. Waimairi 26 v. Addington 5 Dunedln. City 25 v. Athletic 5. Christian Brothers 43 v. Pacific 8.