SATURDAY'S MATCHES

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 307, 22 August 1932, Page 6

SATURDAY'S MATCHES

CLOSE GAME IN JUNIOR REP MATCH ROTORUA UNLUCKY The junior iepref?ent&Yve ruatch ih the Waikaio Junior championship, between Matamata and Rotorua, played on Saturday at A^rawa Park, x esulted in a draw, six all, each side scoring two unconvertcd tries. A draw was perhaps the best indication of the merits of the two teams. Matamata hau a strong pack of forwards and an advantage in weight, whicn gave them the better of the game terricorially. Rotorua were supeiior in the backs, and with better handling mig'ht have proved the winners. Dawson played a solid game behind the scrum and varied his play nicelv. In the first half, the hall came out so slowly to liim at tiines, that the Matamata forwards were on him before he could clear. Hinton spoiled several likelv back movements by an unoxpected weakness in handling and

passiiD'-', hui was otb-rwlso quitc sound. II e . c m I Lo be leeling ibt effects of the hard game agurusi Takapuna t.vo days previously. Park and Mai tin both played good games Of the Uvo wingers, Scede was better than Musgravo, and scored botl tries for Rotorua. Lillas, at fullback was iaeon.isi.eiit. The home paek played an cx •elient fighting gamt. against a heavier aatt and in 4 1k second half eas ly obtamed their fuii share of the ball. Usea the Line Matamata fielded a very strong team espcoially in the forwards. Their rearguard was content to keep tl.e play tight most oi" the time, and preferrcd using their line to opening up the play. In the second spell thej were seen in some good pasoing rushes, which often uoubled RotoruaT ciefenee. Matamata kicked olf and played with the wind ami sun. Play wus soon carried to Rotorua territory. but the home team worked play up field again and launolied a series of back attacks which were only stopped bv solid defence. A penalty kick eventually gave Matamata reiiof, hui Rotorua were not to be put off, and Hinton, Park and Musgrave handled. the last named making a great run down the line to be foreed out neai the corner. h vom the line-out Dawson set his backs going, but Lowry intercepted, and pui in a good rur. befoie being brought down near halfway. Lven fOiivaru play followed. with deteimined rucking by both packs. Matamata were on the attack for a time, and a set scrum noa" Rotorua's line saw the visitiug pack heel the ball. Malligan came round on the blind side to go over in tin corner. The kick failed. Matamata 3, Rotorua 0. Half time came almost. immediately. Scores Ear.al Rotorua attacked from the whistle, but bad passing spoiled several promising movements. A passing rusl by the Rotnua backs nearly resul^ec in Musgrave scoring, but he wa: tackled, LowryYhen making a greal dash up the line and putting the baP Put in Rotorua's 2b, with a punt ovei Lillas' Iiead. Rotorua retaliated, and Carried play to Matamata's 25, whert Steele snapped up in the loose anc burst over at the corner. Park's lack just fell short. Rotorua 3, Matamat: 3. Just afterwards, a clea-mg kick Matamata just fared to linu the line However. the bounce beat Lillas anu he was caught in possession He p;:ssed back to Matthews, who fumbled weakly, a:lov;ing Troughton to sc cure possession and go over wide ou". The kick missed. Matamata 6, Rotc ma 3. Matamata pressed again, but a Strong forward movernent put Rotorua on the attack. From a scrum near the visitors' 5, Rotorua heeled, hnd ali the back line handled in turn, Steele capping a fine movernent v/iub a score in the corner. Park missed the kick. Shortjy afterward,-: ihe game ended with Matamata at-

taeking again. Rotorua 6, Matamat 6. Mr. R. G. Webb was referee. .