Albion Ground, West Maitland
Sat Apr 15, 3:30pm
WIN 17-12
The League football season in the Hunter district was opened on the Showground on Saturday afternoon, under the auspices of the Hunter River Distrlct Rugby League. The League game in Maltland is an innovation, and in order to give the large number of players who have signified their intention of supporting the League game, and the Maitland public an insight into the ganme, the local executive arranged for two metroploitan teams to give an exhibltion. Newtown, last season's premiers, and the runners-up. South Sydney, filled the bill. There was a good attendance on the ground, considering the fact that there was no half-holiday on Saturday. Mr. A. Welch was referee. Each club put into the field a very fair team, the sites being well balanced. The match served its purpose admirably, though each team was handicapped to some extent by players who were making their debut. For the first match, of the season, the players showed good form. It was a ding-dong go from start to finish, and the spectators do not ask for more. The ball was kept in play during the whole of the game; there was no sign of roughness, and the game was interspersed with bright, sparkling dashes of play and individual efforts. The Newtown team included amongst its number such players as Neill, Russell, Farnsworth, Hayes, Noble, Barnett, and McCue, but the presence of these men did not save Newtown, who suffered defeat by 17 points to 12.
The first half of the game was very evenly contested. The forwards took charge for the opening spell, but the operations became general, and after a fine passing rush, Hawkes crossed over, opening the account for Newtown. Russell added the extras. Newtown conutinued to press, but the edge of the attack was turned by Conlin, Gilbert, and Anderson, who carried the war nto the enemy's camp. Collier carried the movement on, and finally passed out to McCabe, who scored. Conlin failed to convert. Newtown were again on the aggressive, and took the play outside their opponents' 25. Here South Sydney were penalised, and Russell piloted a beautifull goal. South Sydney now took a turn, and after a series of bright passing movements, Butler crossed over. Nicholls failed to convert. The game became fast and more open. Attack and counter attack followed in quick succession, but at half time there was no further addittion to the score, which then stood at 7 to 6, in favour of Newtown.
After the interval South Sydney took the aggressive, and through fine play by M'Cabee, Cann and Gilbert a try looked imminent, but Russell was equal to the situation, and got his team out of trouble. Russell's efforts were ably seconded by Hawkes, who got possession, broke away, centred to Hayes, who transferred to Mogan, who scored. Russell added the extras. Newtown 12, South Sydney 6. South Sydney then livened up, and had the best of the argument for the rest of the gamne. Gilbert was the first to cross over, and Conlin converted. Carroll was the next-to score, bringing South Sydney's, score to 14. The final effort was made by Cann, Gilbert, and Conlln, who made a splendid rush, resulting in Conlin crossing the line. The game ended shortly after, with South Sydney the winners by 17 points to 12.
Butler, one of the South Sydney footballers sustained a, slight concussion in a fall on the Showground, on Saturday, and was admitted to the Hospital for treatment. He was well enough on Sunday to leave the institution. Butler is an Internationol League player. The open nature of the League game, its freedom from the brutal element, the absence of the line-out, and the speed of the players, were features that appealed to spectators.
0-5
3-5
3-7
HT 6-7
6-12
11-12
14-12
17-12
McCabe, A.Butler, Gilbert, Carroll, A.Conlin tries
Conlin 1 from 4, Nicholls 0 from 1 goals
Crowd
Referee A.Welch
Final Line Up
Other First Grade Matches
12-0 SSG Easts b Annandale
11-10 SSG Glebe b Balmain
9-3 Mett Wests b Norths
Hamp Easts v Balmain (played Easter Monday)
Judiciary News
No one was sent off
Second Grade Trial
v Newtown, Metters Sports Ground, 2:30pm
LOSS 5-9
Riddle try Darmody goal
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