MORRINSVILLE v. CAMBRIDGE.

Te Aroha News, Volume XIV, Issue 2109, 7 June 1898, Page 2

MORRINSVILLE v. CAMBRIDGE.

[by drop-kick.] The initial match of the season, "Volunteers y. Civilians, took place in. Lipsey’s paddock on Saturday afternoon, and despite counter attraction, a good game resulted in winning hy 13 points to 11. The Civilians were captained by R. Bells while L. Buchan acted in a similar capacity for our defenders. The spectators, of which quite a number were present, took great interest in the match, and the barracking at times was simply deafening. Bor the first half of the game the Civilians had. somewhat the best of the play., Shd kept ‘Turny Atkins’ busy keeping ±. tie enemy fro u tre passing n their country. After half-time was called the play livened up, and at times the fun was fast and furious. However, try all they could, the Volunteers were unable to win the day, although on several occasions it looked as if the tables were going to turn. I will not individualise the players for special - mention on this occasion, this being the first game of the season ; but intend hereafter to jot down the merits and demerits of each player. Mr Jas. Renniek acted in the tt .nkleas cap-’ acity. of referee, and gave general satisfaction. I noticed one or two of the playe s who have played the game long enough to know better—frequently challenging the referee’s decision. One player going so far as to serena le off the field because he could no; get his own way. « This challenging of the referee’s decision is indeed a very bad policy, and one that should be put a stop to at once, ere the season gets too far advanced. Trias wore pecured for the Civilians by Mick, Cook, and Pavitt. P ivitt also potted a splendid goal fr >.m the field, am'd he plaudits of the spec tators. For the Volunteers Biggs,- v Buchan and Strange crossed the fine, one of which was converted. Messrs Lawn and Jennings looked after the lines.

(Prom our owa correspondent) On Saturday last the Morrinsville Foothill team travelled over to test their skill against Cambridge. Two or three who were expects 1 were inable to get away at the last moment, but > fortunately for us we wore enabled to pick upon the ground two substitutes, who served us splendidly. The ground was drs, the wind down, and everything seemed to favour football, and in the expectations were not unrealised. The two teams were remarkably well matched, Cambridge having a slight advantage amongst the forwards, and Morrinsville an advantage in the backs. The whole game was in direct contrast to that on the preceeding Saturday, and if games were always played in such splendid spirit, and with such deference to the referee—who was indeed all that could be desired—thenI feel sure that football would receive a great stimulus in the neighbourhood. It would be difficult to go into details. Two brilliant pieces of play—®ne in each half—resulted in the scoring of both sides. In the first half the ball passing through the hands of J. Radford and Mayes, was transferred to A. Radford, who ran and kicked well up the pitch, j Following up with a strong run he caused play to be resumed just outside Cambridge’s goal line, and immediately aftewards a free, kick to Morrinsville enabled the last: named to place a good goal. Morrinsville 3, Cambridge O'.

In the second half M. Rsberts for Cambridge by kicking and following up scored for his side, the goal not -being kicked, and this was the only other point scored, and much to oui surprise and gratification we retired unbeaten. Morrinsville 3, Cambridge 3. The play was much more open and combined than on the week previous, and if only they were more practices Morrinsvillo might make a very good team. It would be invidious to compare the different players, they all seemed to work hard and well, and to show great evidences of improvement. The following represented Morrinsville: Jackson, full-back ; R. Carnigan, Mayes, A. Radford, threequarters ; J. Radford, five-eight ; W. Neils, half, Hinton (capt), Orr, A. Pickett, Harding, Dent, J. Oarneigan, Delany, Webb, forwards, We are anticipating a pleasant time on Saturday, when we hope to meet Te Aroha, and play as friendly a game as we did against Cambridge.