PUKEKOHE WINS

Waikato Times, Volume 131, Issue 21815, 24 August 1942, Page 4

PUKEKOHE WINS

PEACE CUP CHALLENGE HAMILTON LACKS COMBINATION In 3 challenge Rugby match for the Peace Cud. Pukekohe defeated Hamilton bv 14 point? to 3 at Pukekohe on Saturdav Pukekohe therefore retains the cup Had the Hamilton team had more combination the result might have been very different, for the defenders were a team of -veil trait.ed and fast players, possessing an almost excellent selection of both bacKs and forwards Individually the Hamilton tram played good football but that lack of concerted practice cost them the game. Actually only two Pukekohe players were on the field as the rest of the team was composed of mer of the armed forces. Including the former All Bla-'k nlavrrs C. K. Saxton and N A. Mitchell. Saxton was the outstanding player on the Geld, his accurate dive-passing from the scrum enabling Pukekohe backs to suing into motion many times. J. Dunn, a heavy, fast wing, scored a try for Pukekoiio and on several other occasions sorely pressed Hamilton's defence. The Pukekohe forwards were masters of most of the scrums and their loose work toward the close of the game was responsible for helping to add the winning points. For most of the first half and much of the second Hamilton appeared equal tc Pukekohe and play was constantly in Pukekohe' - ground, but toward the end of the match the staying power of the defenders was evident and their loose forwards picked holes in Hamilton's defence The Hamilton backs for the early part of the game cid not handle too well anc manv impending moves were foresta.lec when a hack fumbled the ball. W. Higginson plaved a safe game at full-tac.-* until ho received a hard knock which lefi him unsettled, out his line-kicking brought frequent applause from the large crowc of spectators. C. Goosman, one of thf fastest Hamilton backs, did not receive muon opportunity to display his speed oui his stab kicks for the line improved Hamilton's position on several occasions. R Everest, who was to have played seconc fj ve-eigli t ns. was not available and W Gilchrist took his place. The Hamiitor forwards led by Flyger and Satherle> worked -raid and they won many lineouts. Straight to the Attack Hamilton was on the attack from the first whistle and was awarded a penalty lust outside the Pukekohe twenty-five Sathc-rlev look the kick but the bal slewed round and missed. At first the Hamilton tackling was at fault but latei the team settled down and some gooc tackling was witnessed Pukekohe aftei some good work by the backs appeared tc be m scoring mood and repeatedly swung into action, just falling short of the line From a scrum near the line Saxton workec the blind side and passed to Dunn, whe returned the ball to Saxton, who scorec in the corner. Several witnesses considered that Saxton took the corner flag with him in his dive and that no try should have been awarded. Fluctuating back play followed and Hamilton on one occasion just failed to score when Gilchrist was tackled a few yards from the line from an opening by Fowler. Gilchrist was again unfortunate after an opening by Hart. For off-side play bv Pukekohe in its twenty-five Hamilton was given a penalty from which Satherley f oaled, bringing the score to 3—3 at half-time. At the beginning of the second half Hamilton opened a strong back movement but Searancke was tackled just short of the line. Pukekohe returned the attack and Dunn, on the wing, fended Higginson and although Hart made a determined tacKle Dunr scored. Once again play fluctuated with both teams having passing rushes. Saxton was awarded a mark in Hamilton territory and he took a dropkick. The attempt failed but subsequently the ball was accidentally kicked behind the scoring line and Caldwell dived over to score for Pukekohe. A runaway by Fowler put. the crowd on | its feet but with little distance to cover ! the heavier and faster Dunn overtook Fowler and tackled him. Cockroft scored i the last try from a scrum inside Hamil- [ ton's twenty-five and the try was converted by Elkis, bringing the final score to 1 14—3 favouring Pukekohe. The referee was Mr R. M. Croft, of Auckland.