LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

Waikato Times, Volume 111, Issue 18625, 2 May 1932, Page 11

LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

SEASON OPENED LOCALLY. NGARUAWAHIA DEFEAT HAMILTON. MATCH AT HINEMOA PARK. The Rugby League season in Hamilton was opened at Hinemoa Park on Saturday afternoon, when the Hamilton and Ngaruawahla thirteens tried conclusions. The match, which was •won by Ngaruawahla) was marked, by occasional bright spells. , Ngaruawahla showed the better combination, and had little difficulty in sweeping through the Hamilton ranks. The teams were:— Ngaruawahia.—E. Abbott, W. Abbott,, Hill, Wilson, Menzies, Kelly, Mason, Laird, Evans, B. McConnell, M-cßurney, Mollett, W. Tittleton. Hamilton. —Bennett, Mitchell, McDonald, Merrick, Simms, Holland, Cameron, Stubbing./ Johnson, Hales, Hogan, Paget, Phillips. Ngaruawahia won tiie toss and played with the sun at their -back. Following the kick-off a scrum was set down at half-way. Hamilton heeled, but were pulled up for a knock-on. The visitors got going and carried play well up the field before Hogan snnpnr>ri up, and led -a strong counter attack. Ngaruawahla failed with a free, and Stubbings cleared with a good run. Play moved up and down field, neither side holding ground for long. Mishandling lost several good opportunities. From a scrum in Hamilton territory Hogan and Phillips cleared to half-way. Ngaruawahia -came on again, and Hill was- pulled down two yards from the line. The attackers were awarded a free in a handy position,. Abbott’s attempt going wide. A melee near 'the -Hamilton line culminated in Menzies breaking away to be well tackled just short of his objective. McDonald "snapped up -and set off alone, going almost the length of the field before putting the ball down at his feet. E. Abbott came across fast, -and kicked out to save a certain try. Kelly made a good run, but was brought down, and Holland returned the ball to half-way, where play was -held up, while Bennett was treated for a hard knock. The Score Opened. Tittleton gained possession, and cut in neatly, sending- on to Mason, who scored between the posts, and converted the try. Ngaruawahia 5, Hamilton 0 Half-time -came with the scores unaltered. Ngaruawahia were early away in the second spell, and just failed to get over. Following a fiveyards scrum Bennett saved by forcing. Play hovered round midfield for a speil. A heavy shower of rain .which fell just before half-time made the ground soft and the ball greasy, ani handling became difficult. Ngaruawahia continued to hold the advantage, and pressed strongly until Simms broke away, and, with only Abbott to beat, failed, to connect with his supports and lost a good scoring chance. Menzies intercepted a Hamilton rush, and ran well up field, kicking over the head of the full-back. Paget cams round quickly and, beating Menzies to the ball, kicked out of the dancer zone. A neat passing rush by- the visitors brought play back •to the Hamilton half, W. Abbott going on-to score a try near the corner, which was not converted. Shortly after Ngaruawahla again got going from a scrum and Abbott repeated his previous performance. Phillips nearly scored f>r Hamilton following the kick-off, being just beaten by E. Abbott for the force down. A few minutes before time a strong Ngaruawahia rush paved the way for a good try by Ilill, who went over near the corner flag. The kick failed, and the game ended with the scores—

Ngaruafvahia 14 Hamilton 0 Mr A. Williams was the referee. DRAWN GAMES. Huntly and Taupirl senior thirteens played to a nine point draw on Satur-, day, while in the junior game, Iluntly and Kia Ora drew with with 5 points each. GAMES AT AUCKLAND. , AUCKLAND, Saturday. Seniors. Devonport 18 beat Ponsonby 0. Richmond 5 beat Marist 0. Newton 18 beat City 5. Ben!or Reserve. Richmond 5 beat Marist 0. Ponsonby 6 beat Devonport 0. City 8 beat Newton 7. IN OTHER CENTRES. Christchurch—Linwood 19 beat Addington 10. Dunedin—City 13 beat Athletic 2. Christian Brothers 17 beat Pacific 3. i : i j i ! 1 ' i :