FOOTBALL.

Waikato Argus, Volume XV, Issue 6034, 3 August 1903, Page 2

FOOTBALL.

[B\- The Punter]

The only matches played on Sydney iSqus.ro, Hamilton, on Saturday were a junior match between Hamilton and Cambridge (under 18), which was won by the former by 15 points to nil, aDd the game betweeD the City team and Westcourt, which was ivnn by City by 124 points to 15. The day was beautiful, and there was a good attendance, including a number of the tair Bex, who took great interest in the latter match. Detailed accounto of both games are given below.

CAMBRIDGE V. HAMILTON JUNIORS.

The match between the above juniors was played on No. 1 ground, and tesulted in a win for Hamilton by 15 points (five tries) to nil. The Hamilton boys were far superior in all departments of the game, and some very neat passing took plaoe amongst the backs—in fact it was the best and cleanest pasting I have seen this season ou Sydney Square. The first Bpell ended in favour of the home team by three points to nil, a try secured by Bartels after a splendid run. In the second half iries werepeoured by Bartels, Hughes, Castleton and Marwood, but no goals were kicked, although some good attempts were made. All the home forwards worked well, while the b-icks played splendidly, Prince, Hughes, Castleton aud Bartels making some nice runs. The two last-named are very speedy boys, and ran and kicked with judgment. Stitchbury (2), Dodd and Allen were the pick of the visitors. Mr E. Williamson controlled the game in his usual efficient maimer.

CITY V. WESTCOURT. The game be'ween the City team and Westcourt fifteen eventuated on No. 2 ground, and afforded a good deal of amusement to the spectators. There wan an entire absence of good piny, both sides going in more for fun than football. The City team were two or three men short, and several substitutes had to be found, amongst whom was the erstwhile New Zealand representative C. Speight, and he proved hi.iiself as tricky i.nd as cunning as ever. The game was full of fun from start to finish, the antics of several of the players on both sides causing a good deal of merriment. At the conclusion of the game it was found that City had scored 24 points and Westcourt 15. D. Wright aud Speight were the pick of the City backs, while among the forwards A. Richards and W. King carre out of the ordeal iu flying colours, both vorking like Trojans from start to finish. For Westcourt, Kind, Fabling and Shand did good work among the backs, while prominent amongst the forwards were Hewson and Boyes. Both these players are hard grafters, and, judging by their display on Saturday, should command the attention of the selector when picking the next Hamilton representative team. Mr H. Johnson acted us referee.

WAIPA UNION. Kihikihiv. Cambridge. This match whh played on the Kihikihi Domain on Saturday last, and resulted in a victory for the home team by 4 po'Bts, a goal from a mark, to nil. Cambridge won the toss, and had the advantage of a good breeze. Wilson kicked off and sent the ball into the visitors' territory, the local forwards following up quiokily, but were soon penalised After some loose play Stewart got p* ssesßion, who passed to Madill, who after a smart run down the the line, was knocked out of.bounds From tfi6 throw-in the home team soon worked the leather down the field. For a time play was kept in neutral ground, when the Kihikihi forwards made a grand rush, carryiou the ball right on to Cambridge oorner flag. Here a number of scrums took place five yards from the Cambridge line, and a score for the home team appeared certain, for Kihikihi's forwards worked like trojans. The Cambridge men, however, were not to be denied, for they gradually worked the ball up the field, although at times they were hard pressed. Turner obtained a mark within easy scoring distance. Wilson took the kick at goal but failed, and Cambridge forced. Play was soon resumed in midfield, and the visitors were playing a nice open game, in which Stewart, Armer and Madill did Borrje good passing in the Kihikihi territory, but Cowling by offside play spoilt a good rush, and a free kick nag awarded to the home team. Play was now confined in home territory. Stitchbury marked and Montgomery's attempt at goal was a failure, and Wilson relieved by a long kick across the field out of boun.ls. By some clever passing on the part of the Cambridge backs, the oval was carried close to the Kihikihi line, and the home team were compelled to force just on the call of half-time, the spell ending without a score on either side. In the second spell Kihikihi were aggressive all through and played with dash, and indeed had they played an open game I venture to say that the score would have been greater. i>t times the visitors were hard pressed. From a mark obtained by Sealey, who played a safe game throughout, Wilson took the kick and landed a nice goal. The Kihikihi forwards from this on kept the ball in the visitors' territnrj and tried hard to cross the line, but Cambridge played with good defence, but were compelled to force several times. For the visitors Stitchbury, Stewart, Madill, Connor, Ashwin, Armer and Montgomery played hard, while Sealey, Henderson, Wilson, Thompson, Gardiner, Kay, Turner, and Harrisßros. were most conspicuous for the home team. Before this match commenced the referee ;Mr Burton) addressed a few words to the captains, remarking that certain statements had been made that the game was to be of a rough nature on the pirt of both teams. The referee warned them that any players who showed aoy undue roughness or mado any remarks would bo asked to retire. The game throughout was playediu a most friendly spirit, and, iodeed, from a spectator's point of view, was undoubtedly the best-conducted match played under the auspices of the Union this season. The referee's rulings were never murmured at, and there was a total absence of gabbling between the players. The line umpires were Messrs Bowden and Clark. By the results of last Saturday's contests Kihikihi wins the championship.

THE NEW ZEALAND TEAM

MATCH AGAINST QUEENSLAND THE VISITORS WIN BY 17 TO NIL. Beisbane, August 1. The New Zealanders' match against Queensland was played in perfect weather, and in the presence of some 15,000 spectators. The exposition of the Rugby game by the visitors was not sn good as in thier matches in New South Wales. This was particularly noticeable in the first spell, but in the second halt there was more combination among the men, and the game ended in a victory for the Maorilanders by 17 points to nil. Wood captained the visitors. In the first spell play was fairly even, and the only score was notched by .NewZealand, Asher crossing the lino and Wallace converting. In the second half Stead, Wood, McGregor, and Armstrong oach scored a try, but Wallace was not eucceesful in converting any of them. For the visitors, Wallace, at full back, gave a magniticeut display, and the manner in which he at times extricated his

side from tight, corners elicited hearty applause. Kiernan, McGregor, and Aaher were prominent throughout, while Long, lyler, and Cooke were about Che best of the forwards.

A meeting of the City Football Club will be held in The Abgus Buildings on Wednesday evening next at 7 30 sharp. A full attendance is requested, as important business is to be considered.