Waikato Defeats Manawhenua

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 132, 25 August 1927, Page 9

Waikato Defeats Manawhenua

RUGBY AT CAMBRIDGE (From Our Own Correspondent.) HAMILTON. Wednesday. Considerable enthusiasm was excited in the match between the touring- Manawhenua Rugby team, winners of the Ranfurly Shield, and Waikato. this being the first big representative match played locally for some years. Unfortunately rain fell during the greater part of the day. and converted the field into a quagmire. Despite this there was a large attendance of about 2,000 fans, who were treated to an excellent exhibition of football, considering the adverse conditions. Or* the day’s play the better team won, Waikato having the better of the forward play, and their back defence work was very sound. The visitors frequently indulged in pretty handling of the ball, and had the ground been dry, would have put up a better fight. Waikato had the better of the first half. After a strong attack by Waikato Tuck secured the ball and threw out to Kemp, who dived over the line and scored first blood for Waikato, Thomas adding the minor points. There was no further score in the first half. EXCITING SECOND SPELL The second half was much more exciting. Waikato being penalised for offside play, Jacob kicked a beautiful goal for the visitors. Then from a scrum Parata handed the ball to Hunt, who .though collared by the full-back, fell over the line and scored. Jacob’s kick, an easy one, failed, making the score 6-5 in favour of the visitors. A few minutes later Waikato assumed the offensive, and the ball coming out to Bayly, Waikato’s rover, he dropkicked a beautiful goal, placing Waikato in the lead, 9-6. Then a desperate forward onslaught by the Waikato men took the ball over the line, and Tuck dived in to secure a further try, which Thomas converted. Waikato 14, Manawhenua 9. The game ended sensationally. In the last minute of play, the Waikato forwards kicked hard along the ground. Storey showed a great turn of foot, beat the Manawhenua fullback, kicked over the line and scored. Thomas landed a magnificent goal, but this was disallowed, as the ball was touched by a Manawhenua man. The game ended in favour of Waikato, 17-9. Manawhenua were entertained by the Waikato Union after the match, and left last night (Wednesday) for Frankton, where they took the express for Wellington. On Tuesday the Manawhenua visitors were motored to Horahora and Arapuni, where they inspected the big electric-power works. They greatly enjoyed the outing, the day being beautifully fine.