FOOTBALL. Cambridge v. Waipa.

Waikato Times, Volume XV, Issue 1260, 27 July 1880, Page 2

FOOTBALL. Cambridge v. Waipa.

This match, which has been exciting- groat interest throughout the Waikato, was played at Ohaupo on Saturday last. The Cambridge team left Hewitt's corner at half-paht 12 o'clock, iv one of Mr Carter's coaches, drawn by four horses, the ribbons handled by the well-known and popular whip H. Kerr. After an exceedingly pleasant journey the hoone ot contest was reached at a quarter-past 2, the team being met about half a mile from Ohaupo by Mr Thwaites, who conducted them to the ground. The Waipa team comprised :— Messrs Clrierson (captain), Macf arlane, Drabble, Giaham, Higginson, Johnson, Box, Hunter, Lang, Rogers, Benge, Thwaites, Richdale, Sullivan, and Patereon. The Cambridge team : — Messrs Moore (captain), Ring, Macintosh, Kayll, Pilling. Rhodes, Cotton, Graham, McKinnon, Hutton, Martin, A. Stubbing, Morrisey, Worrell and F. Stubbing. In scanning the men the great disparity of weight was particularly noticeable ; Waipa could scarcely have averaged less than 12 stone a man, while their opponents would not have reached 10 2- Still the light-weights had the advantage of " foot." Cambridge winning the toss decided to kick -with the vrind, and directly the "ready" was responded to away went the ball to one of the fastest and hardest games ever played in the Waikato. Cambridge commenced with two men short, Graham and Pilling, the former showing up after about 20 minutes' play, Pilling, unfortunately for his side, not appearing at all. The team was shorn of one of the fleetest and best of its men. When first time was called neither side had scored, but most of the play had been on the Cambridge side, the light- weights having to touch down twice. During tho second term the "little uns" ralliod, and inch by inch was fought with a determination of victory. Still no points scored at the calling of " time." The third change commenced with a charge by the "heavys" that meant annihilation to the opposed,

but Rinpr, who had been biding his time, but without a gho^t of a chance previously, so well did the Waipa forwards do their work, collared the ball, dodged and swept past, and secured the first touch down for Cambridge. Moore punted out, the ball being caught by Cotton, and to Moore was entrusted the place kick, which failed its mission. Kay 11 and Macintosh were on the alert and were into the enemy's ground and on the ball before Waipa knew quite what was up. No. 2 touch down for Cambridge, but no goal resulted. "Waipa was now roused and fought their way up to the Cambridge lines and deservedly got a touch down, with the same results as their opponents. The last change was a tussel, no quarter given, and the play being somewhat at variance with the strict rules ; shins were not spared, and every man was now working his level best. In scrimages Waipa nad always the best of it, their weight telling ; still a run or a bit of diplomacy, and Cambridge regained her ground. Waipa ducceeded in getting another touch-down, and the kick given to Maafarlane, who succeeded in a poster only. And at such stood the game when last time was called, each side having scored 2 touchdowns or 4 points. The usual exchange of cheers followed, when an adjournment was made, at the invitation of Waipa, to Mr Delaneys Hotel, where an excellent dinner was served. Mr Grierson occupied the chair, and at the removal of the cloth asked if any arrangements had been made in reference to the Auckland match, and thought it would be best to decide on the date and to make the necessary arrangements for choosing the teams. It was ultimately arranged that the secretary of the Cambridge Club should write Mr J. Wood, captain of the Hamilton team, on the subject, and that the 14th proximo should be the date of the match if suitable to Auckland. The match to be played at Hamilton. On the 7th August Waipa will play Cambridge ou the latter's ground, and on the 28th proximo Cambridge will play Alexandra at that place. " For they are jolly good fellows" brought the festivities to a close. Cambridge reached home at half -past 10, their watchword during their journey from Ohaupo being "Rule Britannia."