RUGBY FOOTBALL.

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 18024, 20 May 1930, Page 11

RUGBY FOOTBALL.

WAIPA CHAMPIONSHIPS. SOME EXCITING CONTESTS. Rain somewhat marred the enjoyment of spectators at Albert Park, Te Awamutu, last Saturday, when a further stage of the Waipa Rugby Union’s championships in all three grades was dealt with. However, the players themselves seemed to appreciate the softer conditions, and at least a couple of ding-dong contests eventuated. Walkeria v. Pirongia. This match opened brightly with a good display by both sets of backs, but Walkeria eventually caught their opponents out of position, and a Waikeria forward bustled over. The kick failed. Soon after the change-over Askew took play right to Waikeria’s line and transferred to Hamilton, but the latter was grassed, and the Waikeria full-back relieved with a good line-kick. Then play was gradually worked back to Pirongia territory, where a good passing bout among the Waikerias ended in a try, which was not improved upon with the kick. Just before half-time Waikeria manoeuvred into a good position again, and in some tight play a forward secured and dived over. The kick at goal was disallowed. The next few minutes saw even play with Pirongia doing well but not quite good enough to get over. After the spell Pirongia attacked hotly, and had their opponents in trouble several times. From one attack the ball went out to their j backs in Waikeria’s 25, and for an infringement W. Beil had a penalty shot which he sent over the cross-bar. Pirongia, heartened by this success, attacked hotly, but could not sustain the effort, # and some good line play saw a Waikeria wing flash through the opposition to score the fourth try. ! Again the kick failed. Not long after- ' wards the final whistle sounded with | play in neutral territory. j Mr J. Williams had the whistle. I Te Awamutu v. Rovers. Rovers kicked off against the wind, and quite early it was seen that the j pace was going to be solid. Te Awa- j mutu were first to attack, and a penalty was taken by Smith, who kicked a beautiful goal. Even -play' followed, and again Te Awamutu advanced, but a knock-on by Martin let! Rovers clear. A penalty put them J on the 'attack again, but with a pas- j sing rush Rovers returned play to mid- j field. Rovers tried passing, but i fumbling was bad. However, . they 1 pressed forward and Pollard failed : with a penalty. Hard struggling in j mid-fleld followed till, headed by ] Hiskens, Te Awamutu forwards yveri I dangerous, Rovers forced soon after ! this, Pollard and another player collided, and Te Awamutu were almost over.

From the kick-off the play was faster, but no score came till the change over.—Te Awamutu 3, Royers 0. Soon after the ohange Pollard again failed with a penalty, the ball falling short. Rovers again attacked, but the defence was sound, and Scott breaking through Te Awamutu dashed for the Rovers’ line, but a knock-on stopped them. Rovers then attacked, but Tickelpenny was pushed out when dangerous. The next item was a great dash by Wilkes, who, when blocked, tried the short punt. A little later the ball was kicked .over the line and Goble tried to kick it to the dead-ball line, but missed, and Smith dropped on it. He failed with the kick and half-time went with the score—Te Awamutu 6,. Rovers 0. Rain was now falling and the ground became fairly heavy, making the ball very slippery. Rovers pressed, but Wilcox sent them back and Te Awamutu set sail, but a break through by Rovers was only spoilt by fumbling. Pollard tried to score from a free, but the ball rolled. A scrambling rush followed and Thomson scored for Rovers. Pollard again failed with the kick. Then Te Awamutu’s kicker, Smith, next failed from a penalty. The last quarter saw Rovers attacking hard. Pollard marked in a handy position, but his kicking boots were not on. A minute later Spiers was almost over. Rovers had Te Awamutu penned, but at last Te Awamutu forwards made a breakaway the length of the field, with the ball at toe. They looked dangerous, but Rovers returned and were themselves almost over, Wilcox saving. The final score was rather a lucky one. Bennett tried a pot, but the kick was well wide, Elliott followed up fast and managed to touch down the slippery ball. Pollard again failing to convert, an exciting match ended in a draw—Te Awamutu 6, Rovers 6. Mr R. Callis was referee. THE JUNIOR MATCH. Rovers v. Klrlkihl. This was a very keen game,'under the control of Mr N. Street. The final whistle sounded with Rovers victors by one point. The Thirds. Te Awamutu and Kihikihi thirds met under Mr T. Martin, as a curtainraiser to the' Rovers v. Te Awamutu senior game. It was not a very exciting contest, hut some of the lads displayed considerable ability, and; with a little more combination both | teams are going to be hard to beat. Te j Awamutu won by 28 points to 0.