THAMES UNION MATCHES

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume IX, Issue 694, 25 June 1903, Page 7

THAMES UNION MATCHES

There was an excellent attendance at Parawai last Saturday afternoon, to wit-

ness the second meeting thio season between Rovers and Native Rose. The match was the best of the season, being - both fast and w Hing, and when the bell rang Native Rose were th© victors by 3 points to nil. In the first spell Native Rose had the best of the game, but in the second half Rovers had decidedly the upper hand, and pressed their opponents repeatedly, Native Rose having to save several times. Rovers kicked off, and play was very open for a time. A splendid passing run was put in by Native Rose backs,and play was in Rovers’ quarter. Here Graham picked up smartly, and, eluding the opposing backs, got over and scored, but the attempt at goal failed. Play ensued on the Rovers’ side half-way; In th© second spell a forward rush by Rovers todk play to Natives’ quarter, but Price was the means of relieving, and the ball was sent out at Rovers’ comer flag. They relieved and took play back, Keating showing prominently. Rovers kept the plav close to Natives’ lines for some, time, but Thompson eventually got the ball away by a long kick, and for most of the time play wasi in the centre. Near the end, however, Rovers pressed, and Natives saved several times. No other score was made, however, and Natives were the winders of a well-contested match. Mr Pelham, of Auckland, acted as referee, and his decisions gave entire satisfaction.

The first junior match, Rovers 11. v. Turua, resulted io a win for the former by 18 points to 3. Reed, Lawson, and Newland each scored trie®.

In the second juniors True Blues beat Rovers 111. by 6 points to nil. Adams and Hindman each scored tries for the winning team.