FOOTBALL

Waikato Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 2982, 25 August 1891, Page 2

FOOTBALL

— hum'ia' v. ic.vMir/rox. Thk Jlainilton and Huntly teams met at Nganuuvahiu for the first lima this season «n Saturday last, the latter (maroons) coming oIE victorious by three points (tries) to one point, iV dispute took place bef~.ru the teams went to the ground as to whether HefFernan, who had played for Newton on the previous Saturday, hhould be allowed to pi ay for Huntly, a telegram having been received from Mr Oixon, secretary of the Auckland Rugby Union, by the Hamilton secretary to the effect that lletferiian was not eligible to play. The skipper of the Huntly toam refused to play without him, and the matter was finally arranged by the Hamilton boys agreeing to let him play under ],r>test. to submit the dispute to the Auckland Rugby Union. Upon this understanding both teams repaired to Skewe's paddock, and the game was at once started by Helfeman kicking off for Huntly, who defended the southern goal, and the ball went out of bounds in mid-field. From the thrown in Huntly wont through into their opponents' ground, where a knock-on occurred, and a scrum was formed in front of tho posts, the Hamilton boys coming through to half-way ; but they were immediately forced back into their own territory, where Connolly secured tho ball, and dashing across the line scored first try for Huntly within ten iniuutos from the start. Though the kick at goal was a difficult one, L. Hanis made a splendid attempt, but failed to convert. Hammond kicked out of bounds at half-way. From tho thrown in Bayly camo through with the ball at his feet tor a short distance, when "Brown" made a fine run and passed to O'Neill, who carried the leather into Huntly's L'o. .F. Harris then took it back to mid-field, and passed to Connolly, who was grassed by Hume, the ball passing into "Brown's" hands, who punted out at tho . r io flag. From the thrown in tho Huntly forwards, with "Snowy " and Sampson to tha front, broke through to tha Hamilton line, when Johnson saved by a good pur.f, but they again drove it over tho line, and Hamilton was compelled to force. From the kick out the ball was returned by L. Harris, and " Brown' 1 securing the leather ran and passed to Wright, who made the best run of tha day right past all the Huntly backs, but 111 dodging the fullback (Marshall) he slippod and fell, thus losing what looked a sure try for Hamilton. The Huntly forwards, however, soon rushed tho ball back to tho Hamilton territory, and Attrell got across, scoring the second try for the maroons beside the posts. This looked a certain goal fir Huntly, the kick beings rather easy one, but owing to the ball rolling, Harris again failed to convert. Some good punting next took place between Hume and Ij. Harris, the ball eventually going out at mid field. Shortly after Hamilton was again obliged to force, and when half time was called the the scores were : Huntly 2 points ("J tries), Hamilton, nil. I might hero refer to the conduct of a large number of spectators who wero always 011 the field of play, notwithstanding that they wero requested time after time by the referee and captains of botli ;toaiiis,~to keep off the field and give the players room. The second spell was then opened by Hamilton kicking off. L. Harris returned and the ball was carried into Hamilton's i">, where a scrum took place, but Hutua cleared the line by punting out of touch in mid Held. The Hamilton forwards now appeared to bu playing with mora combination and mado a much botter staud, and though Huntly always came through if it was a tight scrum, in the loose rushes the former had much the bast of it. From tho throw in Bayly secured tho ball and did some good feuding; but was grassed by Ij. Harris. The blue forwards, with l'eacock aud Bayly, then caiue with a rush taking the leather over tha liue, and Huntly forced. Huntly kicked out, and J. Harris mado a graud run, but was collared by Hammond. Shortly after, through some foul play on tho Huutly side, Hamilton were awarded a free kick. A scrum was next formed on Huntly's side of the half-way, l'eacock and Bayly again coming through, by some grand foot work, into Huntly's territory, and the ball was driven across tha lino, (iiilett scoring tha first and only try for Hamilton. Hammond's kick at goal was not a success. The play was then contred in the Hamilton ground for some time, the Huntly boys making frantic efforts to score, which were always spoilt by the splendid punting of Johnson, Hammond and Humo. A scrum was at last formed near the Hamilton line, and some clover passing was done by tho Huntly backs, the ball eventually going into Connolly's hands ; he made good use of tho chance, and got home, scoring the third try for Huntly. L. Harris again took tho kick, but failed to increase the score. Not long after this the ball went into Huntly's ground, and Hamilton got a freo kick. Hammond made :t splendid attempt at goal, but the ball went a little wide. From this until time was called the play was of a give and take character, neither side gaining milch advantage, and when the whistle blew, the scores stood : Huntly, three points (tries); Hamilton, ono. Messrs Carter and Jolly acted as umpires {07 Huntly and Hamilton, respectively, and Mr (Jwynno, secretary of tho Hamilton club, who was unanimously elccted by both teams, acted as rnferoo, and gave general satisfaction. I am pleased to state that this is the most friendly game that I havo yet witnossed betweon tho above clubs, and it was only marred by a Huntly man striking a Hamilton player, who was much smaller than himself. For thn Huntly team, I>. Harris, Connolly and Marshall undoubtedly shone most among the backs, and in tho forward division HefFernan, Attrell and Sampson did limit work, " Snowy " being a tower of strength to his side. Hammond, " Brown" and Humo wero the stars of tho Hamilton backs, tho latter being often cheered for his brillbnt play; Wright andGubblß however, must not bo forgotten. From among the forwards, I should single out Bayly, Peacock and Gillett as being tho most cons[jicuous during tho game.