History - History 1
Cambridge linked up with Waipa in 1902 after its application the year before had been declined because of its dispute with Hamilton. It lost 6-0 to Paterangi in first game then lost to Te Awamutu 3-8, beat Kihikihi 15-3, beat Paterangi 6-5 and lost 3-5 to Te Awamutu. The squad was C Stewart ©, J Stewart, W McVeigh, Killip, W Tucker, G Ashwin, A Shepherd, Cowling, E Brocklesby, J Montgomery, Senior, James, Veale, Jim Keeley, Murphy, Anderson, Utting, Keightley, H Stitchbury, R Garland, J Tucker, Morgan, Tauranga, E Nickle. Cambridge High lost 0-8 to Hamilton High.
Formation of Hautapu club
Boom times in 1903 meant Waikato s population continued to grow and among the newcomers to the district were a number of 'pretty good footballers', according to rugby sources. " There is every indication also that the game will reach a new high in Cambridge," the Waikato Argus reported. "We have been told there will be three or four good teams (Hautapu, Maungatautari, Cambridge East and West) as a number of good players have come from other parts".
Just prior to the April 4 meeting which agreed to form a Cambridge union, the Argus said Maungatautari and Hautapu enthusiasts were confident of having enough men to make up teams and that Cambridge East and West could both furnish enough good players. Cambridge stalwart Matt Roberts was in the chair for the April 4 at the Criterion Hotel. However, Cambridge West member Joe Montgomery said his men had made up their minds not to join any reformed Cambridge union. They thought they should stay with Waipa. However, Maungatautari, Hautapu and Cambridge East were in favour of a union and when C Stewart moved and C Hicks seconded that a union be formed there was a great deal of support. Montgomery then moved Cambridge join Waipa. E Brocklesby seconded. Montgomery s amendment was put and lost. At that point Cambridge West players left the meeting. Matt Roberts was appointed secretary pro term and the meeting was adjourned for a week. On April 11 it was reported that the clubs had been formed and so the Cambridge union was launched from the Masconic Hotel. Clubs were Hautapu, Maungatutari, Mangakawa Natives, Cambridge East, Cambridge West, which included most of the dissenting voters of the week before, and junior club Pukekura. Mangakawa became known as Wasps because of its black and yellow colours. Maungatautari adopted all blue colours.
Hautapu s beginning came in the old bacon curing room at the Hautapu Dairy Factory. The meeting was informal no chairman, no minutes. Jack Cowling, whose knowledge of the game was said to have far surpassed others, was chief spokesman. Men sat on milk cans as he told them of his attendance at the Cambridge meeting. The decision of those present to form the Hautapu club laid the foundation for the future. It was said some of men who attended rode in from as far as Day s Gully at Tamahere.
Original colours were red and black (changed not many years later to red and white with black shorts). Jerseys were strongly made, collarless, with leather bound shoulders. The first team was Fullback: Roy Crickett. Threequarters: Arthur Kelly, Durham Ashwin (captain), Charlie Shaw. Five-eighths: Phil Goodwin, Cecil Ashwin. Halfback: Arthur Healey. Forwards: George Beer (wing), Jack Cowling, Humphrey Russell, Jack Russell, Gibb Watt, Jack Milne, Ned Hall, Tui Rangi. Others players listed during the season included H Keeley, J Lane, T Martin, S Sealey, A Keeley, A Hall, J Millen, A White, S Hall, Windsor, J Layne.
Jerry Allwill gave the team use of a field adjacent to the railway station at Hautapu. Goalposts were erected after the ground had been marked out and Jack Cowling took over the role of player-coach. Cowling was also a champion middle distance athlete and knew the value of fitness. Success was hard to come by. They rarely won, but it was noted that Hautapu always come up smiling . W McVeagh was the listed referee when Hautapu lost 0-14 to Cambridge East at Victoria Square. Losses then followed against Cambridge West 17-3, Maungatautari 9-0, Tauwhare 3-0 (midweek) and Maungatautari 6-3. In the Cambridge final West beat Maungatautari 12-0. To finish off the season Maungatautari and Cambridge West took on a combined Hautapu and Cambridge East combination and won 3-0.
Unfortunately disputes among some Cambridge town players saw tensions run high. The Argus' correspondent said - "There is too much talk amongst the Cambridge players and if it does not cease there will soon be an open rupture". The paper then urged Cambridge East players to practice and attend a meeting in J Gallagher s hotel to sort out the problems. When the tension eased, some players turned out for more than one club team in order to get game time. It was suggested young Cambridge players should take up athletics or rowing in the summer to improve their fitness. Reports from other areas said some teams were playing twice a week and there was a move afoot to ask the NZRFU to rule once a week was enough for any man. However, well-known columnist of the time Offside Mac was quick to reply "Any footballers who complain of playing two matches in a week should play ping-pong!"
Hamilton clubs watched the Cambridge scene with interest as it was hoped eventually Cambridge would possibly link up for a combined competition.
Hautapu members heard in early July, 1903, the Hamilton union had decided to stop future games by the ringing of a bell, the referee to give the signal when to take time off. Other interesting comments from the meeting - * The times have gone when a referee can be bought and sold. * The time has passed when a captain can threaten a referee with murder if he loses. * The ideal referee should have thin legs, seven leaguered boots and a cast-iron constitution. He should have eyes all sides of his head and some knowledge of the manly art to defend himself. * The reason for the decadence of the game is threefold - A: The introduction of wing forwards. B: The introduction of gambling element into matches. C: The apparent unwillingness of the average player to make himself conversant with the finer points of the game. .
GEORGE BEER, who played in the original 1903 Hautapu team, has had direct descendants play for the club. His grandsons Andrew, David and George Beer all represented Hautapu. Their father was Percy, an outstanding Cambridge and Waikato forward. Bruce Beer, who served the club right through to the senior side, is George snr s grand nephew.
In 1904 Jack Cowling was in charge at Hautapu again while Cambridge East became Cambridge City with the mayor, T Wells, the president. T W Hicks was Maungatautari president and R Reynolds West s president. Hautapu drew 0-0 with Cambridge West, lost 0-7 to City 7 and 0-14 to West.
Hautapu five-eighth James Watchom was the outstanding back when Cambridge played Hamilton on July 23. He was considered to be one of the most capable players seen at Sydney Square (later Steele Park) for several seasons . Joe Montgomery, Jack Cowling and the veteran W McVeagh were also praised. Cambridge players were interested to learn the Hamilton players had trained for two hours under the eye of their selector, former New Zealand representative, Copper Speight. The Cambridge squad, which travelled by coach or rode to the ground, and had a brief run before the match was Reg Garland, J Tucker, Armer, Crickett, Watchorn, Stitchbury, Potts, Cowling, Jack Bailey, Arthur Bell, J Montgomery, J Stitchbury, Mullins, Windsor, G Watts, Haupapa. Cambridge later beat Waipa 6-3 and lost 3-9 to Paeroa.
Hautapu and Pukekura players were involved on August 27 when a junior Cambridge team beat Maungatautari juniors 18-12. The Argus commented "Host Jas Sinclair entertained both teams at the Masconic Hotel. For some of the Maori boys in theÊteams it was their first visit to such an establishment and the host told them, rugby opened many doors if they trained hard and played to the rules .
George Gillett s selection in the 1905 New Zealand team to Great Britain was well received in Cambridge as he had done contract work on some of the farms between there and Morrinsville.
Progress at Victoria Square provoked much comment and the Argus reported "it can now boast a comfortable pavilion, three shower baths for the sporting types which can also used daily by local residents."
Hautapu and Maungatautari combined to become Suburbs and Cambridge union president Jas Sinclair donated a silver cup for competition between Suburbs, City and West. Auckland union was asked to invite Cambridge juniors up to improve their game and broaden their knowledge of business and life in the Queen City.
Suburbs beat City 7-3 midweek with W R C Walker referee. New Cambridge selector W McVeagh watched the match and praised the coming together of Suburbs which could now field a senior and junior combination. In a special fixture to mark Empire Day, May 24, Hamilton West state school beat Cambridge East school 13-3. Also in late May Suburbs lost 4-14 to West and 3-10 to City.
J Robert Bell was Cambridge delegate when Cambridge, Hamilton and Lower Waikato decided to take steps to form a combined union to be called South Auckland.
Hamilton beat Cambridge 8-3 on July 1, but Cambridge gained its revenge with a 6-0 victory over Hamilton at Sydney Square a week later. Cambridge then lost 0-6 to Waipa, 0-7 to Rotorua and 0-3 to Franklin.
Before its third clash of the season against Cambridge, Hamilton held a practice under the watchful eye of top Auckland referee, Harold Speight, a brother of the Hamilton selector, Copper Speight. Cambridge led 11-0 halftime, but Hamilton put on 18 points against none in the last quarter to come out on top. Cambridge s team was - J Tucker; R Crickett, A Dodd, J Richardson; J Watchorn; Leo Garland; W Potts, J Stewart; A Bell, E Bailey, C Care, A Richardson, J Montgomery, F Stitchbury, J Cowling. Emergencies: E Armer, H Stitchbury, D Hickey, E Ted Nickle, Windsor. "Cambridge tired visibly in the second spell and Hamilton just took control. It was later learnt Cambridge had not been training!" Cambridge president Jas Sinclair entertained the representative side at Masconic Hotel. He said standard had improved, but he hoped players would get some practice together. Cambridge City juniors won the union banner when they beat Suburbs 13-3 in the final.
Cambridge Suburbs AGM on Saturday, April 14, 1906, resolved to wind up that club and the funds (16s6d) were handed to the Maungatautari members who then affiliated to the Cambridge union along with West and City. It was decided Maungatautari s boundaries would include the Hautapu area. City, which included a couple of former Hautapu players, won the championship. Farming duties were again given as the reason for a drop off in player strength.
Cambridge lost 0-8 and 3-13 to Hamilton. Many players were invited to play and these included Mawhai, B Crickett, J Tucker, J Richardson, H Stitchbury, N Peake, W Potts, Dave Hickey, D Hay, L Hay, Thompson, E Bailey, J Montgomery, H Mullins, E Nickle, H Atkins, B Stitchbury, C Vickers, F Keeley, B Keeley, N Anderson, A Allen, C McLean, A McLean, W Dwyer, B Allen, Bob Newcombe, Kelly.
Two other features of the season were Cambridge s schoolboys 8-5 success against Hamilton while in early June Cambridge formed a branch of the Auckland Referees Association with W R C Walker in charge. H Mullins, V Carley and W R McVeagh was also involved.
Cambridge delegates supported the formation of the third Waikato union along with Hamilton, Lower Waikato and Waipa in 1907. There was disappointment when Waikato winger J Richardson transferred to City in Hamilton. However, his departure was offset by the arrival in the town of the highly regarded Taranaki player George Morse. He went straight into the Waikato side along with H Reese, a forward. Cambridge City president J S Bygrave said he hoped players living near the town would stay in the area and not take incentives to travel to Hamilton or Waipa to play. Players in the Hautapu area were among those approached by agents who also doubled as farm equipment salesmen. It was noted betting on Hamilton matches had become a real problem and police had been called to several incidents caused by non-payment of investments. The Cambridge representatives beat Ohaupo 8-3, lost 6-9 to Waipa and lost 0-17 to Hamilton.
In 1908 Morse transferred on promotion to Rotorua from where he represented Auckland. Cambridge union president was E J Smith with referee W R McVeagh also the selector. P Carr, union secretary, announced he had received a gold medal >from L D Nathan & Co to present to the best Cambridge player of the season. Affiliated clubs were West, East-City and Ohaupo. Ohaupo won the championship when it beat East-City combined 12-3 in the final. City beat West 17-6 in the junior final. M Wells was Cambridge s man on the Waikato union.
Representative squad was H Forkert, W G Abbott, J Tucker, Brown, C Clarke, Allen, W Potts, Hickey, Urquhart, Clarke, W Mathieson, H Mullins, Watters, Reese, J Montgomery, B Morse, Ingpen, Cox, J Stewart, Bowen, Allen. The side lost 3-8 to Hamilton 8-3, 5-17 to Franklin, 0-8 to Waipa and 3-8 to Rotorua. Waikato trialists were Tucker (12st2lb), James Stewart, Potts, Clarke (14st 9lb), Montgomery and Cox. Waikato decided its colours would be green with white badge bearing an oatsleaf and the word Waikato. Waikato beat Auckland 9-6 at Auckland , beat Thames 6-5 away, beat Goldfields 9-8 then lost to Thames 6-3 and 3-5 to Auckland.
Formation of the South Auckland union was the feature of 1909. Ohaupo, City and Matangi were Cambridge union clubs. West withdrew because some of their players wanted to try other sports such as polo, golf, bowls and hockey and others joined City.
Representative colours were black and white with the squad including Dunning, J Hally, R Crickett, W Potts, Hickey, J Murphy, A Crickett, La Trobe, W Smart, G Washer, Plescher (City), H Forkert, W G Abbott, S Clarke, Devine, J Willoughby, Urquhart, Jim Burke, Lynds, H McKern, J Edwards, J Toms, J Muir (Ohaupo); Tui, Tuhakaraina (Matangi). The side drew with Matamata, beat Franklin 8-0, lost to Waipa 6-8 and lost to Hamilton 0-14. Waikato representatives included winger Forkert and forwards S Clarke and Devine. Cambridge had three in the inaugural Waikato school team, J Cubis, A Mullins and A Thompson
The Waikato Argus of Wednesday, February 16, 1910, reported - " The young men of Hautapu and Bruntwood (possibly known to some outside the area as Fencourt) held a meeting the other evening for the purpose of forming a football club. There was an attendance of about 20. Mr G Edwards being voted to the chair. In his opening remarks the chairman said they must stir themselves and make an early start with football or they would find polo and hockey, where Hautapu was very strong, formidable rivals. It was decided to form a club to be known as the Bruntwood Football Club with a subscription of 2s6p per member. The following officers were appointed Patron, Frank Ross; president, W G Doyle; vice presidents, Messrs Jerry Allwill, J Martyn, A McFarlane, A Beange, J and W McMillan, J Fletcher, A Potts, A Lebeau, R Cowley, C Tonge, H Tyler; secretary-treasurer, H Reynell; management committee, G Edwards. E H Reese, W Goodwin, J Henderson, A Jarvie. Club colours will be blue and black." Bruntwood s boundary went from the Tamahere crossroads along the Tamahere road through Matangi to Tauwhare thence in a direct line to Mr Brunskill s at Taa Taoroa with the sanitorium included.
Messrs Edwards and Doyle represented Bruntwood at the Cambridge AGM held in the Farmers Club rooms. Harold Speight chaired the meeting. Other Cambridge clubs were City, Maungatautari (revived) and Ohaupo while Kihikihi affiliated >from Waipa as that union went into recess. City decided to keep amber and black colours. Maungatautari announced D Makgill was its president and Noel Peake selector. More grounds were needed to cater for increase of junior teams.
Bruntwood s 1910 squad included F Thompson, P Devine, W Devine, L Burns, J Burns, A Jarvie, Reynell, J Thompson, G Edwards, Lyons, C Humphries, R Humphries, Radford, Le Motte, Wiri, Russell, Giffney, Tui, Ranson, Goodwin. Wins were hard to find, but the team improved as the scores indicated. Losses were to City 30-0 and 16-0, to Maungatautari 18-0, to Kihikihi 30-0 and 9-0. Cambridge s representative squad included H Forkert, J Tucker, J Hally, Rex Dunning, A Dunning, Lyons, C Clifford, W Potts, R Henderson, Roy Dunning, F Thompson, G Maunder, J Reese, J Willoughby, E Carroll, J Kay, J Cox, C Hally, D Hickey, P Devine, J Watters, Cunningham. Waikato administrators watched Hamilton beat Cambridge 8-3 when four 20 minute spells and substitutions were tried. Cambridge then drew 3-3 with Lower Waikato and beat Matamata 6-0. Waikato representatives were J Hally , H M Dunning, R Henderson, A R Dunning, A Maunder, R J Dunning and T Thompson. On August 6 Hora Hora beat a Cambridge XV 6-0. Active referees were W McVeagh, R Cranston and H Mullins.
Kihikihi won the 1911 Cambridge title when it beat Ohaupo 14-0. Bruntwood and Maungatautari combined as Cambridge Suburbs and Hora Hora affiliated, but later withdrew. When an unsuccessful attempt was made to revive the Waipa union, Ohaupo and Te Awamutu joined Cambridge. The amalgamation of Bruntwood and Maungatautari resulted in Cambridge Suburbs being formed at a meeting in the National Hotel on May 6. H Atkins was in the chair. Officers elected President, R Fisher; committee, J Martyn, F Thomson, W Tyler, K Anderson, J Tucker, J Montgomery, H Atkins; selectors, F Thomasson, K Anderson, H Atkins, H Reynil; delegates to Cambridge union, F Thomason, J Tucker; secretary-treasurer, H Atkins; captain, J Tucker; vice captain, F Thomason; colours, blue and white. Again Suburbs struggled with losses to City 3-11 and 0-3; to Ohaupo 0-6; to Te Awamutu 0-19; and Kihikihi 0-3. Suburbs players in Cambridge representatives included C Richardson, J Tucker, J Richardson and J Montgomery. Matches against Matamata and Hamilton were both drawn 3-3. Others in the Suburbs club side were Strawbridge, Martyn, G Vosper, Reynil, Atkins, Pima, Thomason, Hall, Matakohe, Allen, Amos, J Burns, Norris, F Hicks, Tyler, Hall, Burns, Peake, Landman, Tairi, Riley, Keeley.
E Caddie and Meredith were Cambridge representatives on the Waikato schools union. Cambridge schools beat Morrinsville 9-, but lost 0-6 to Hamilton East. A Thompson, Webber and Souter were in the Waikato schools side. Cambridge Tradespeople beat Cambridge Clerks 6-3
Cambridge referees reformed their association with S Lewis, W R C Walker, W McVeagh, H Speight, David Hickey, D McAlley (Cambridge); D Robb, J Paul (Ohaupo); F Verner and J Burke (Kihikihi) active every Saturday.
Cambridge had Oriental (in place of City), Cambridge West and Hora Hora in 1912 while there was also junior team interest again in Hautapu with the decline of Suburbs. The Kihikihi, Te Awamutu and Ohaupo clubs left to revive Waipa.
Harold Speight was chairman when a good attendance of Cambridge enthusiasts held an informal meeting at the National Hotel on Friday, May 10. "The meeting was called by Mr H B Higgins who had lately come to town and indeed most of those present were newcomers to the district," said the Waikato Argus. "After considerable discussion it was decided to form a new club to take the place of Cambridge City which seems to be defunct. Mr Higgins was secretary pro tem. Clubs have already been formed at Hora Hora and Cambridge West. A vote of thanks was accorded to Mr Higgins for the trouble he had taken in endeavouring to get football going again in Cambridge."
On Monday, May 13, the Cambridge Oriental club was formed at the National Hotel. Harold Speight presided over 30 who elected - President, Jas Watters; secretary-treasurer, H B Higgins; committee, F Wickens, W Ladner, Bollinger, Minchen, W Potts, G Pierce, W Holmes. Club colours: Green. Messrs Watters and Higgins also became the president and secretary of the Cambridge union
The Waikato Argus commented "It appears football is going to take on a new lease of life in Cambridge with enthusiasts around Hautapu now appearing to have more time to arrange and play friendly matches." Oriental s squad was J Makgill, D Stewart, D Murphy, J Sims, J Furey, T Atkins, A Minchin, G Pierce, F Wickens, Mason, Baker, T Sullivan, B Edwards, W Holmes, P Holmes, W Ladner, H Higgins. Oriental met West three times during the season and on each occasion it was a 0-0 draw. Cambridge reps beat Hamilton B 3-0. Waikato senior representatives were Stewart, Keeley, J Tucker and A Dunning while R Randrup represented Waikato schools.
While the game was said to have struggled in Cambridge in 1913, the good news was that there was a resurgence in Hautapu. In May a Hautapu combination lost 0-20 to West. The Waikato Argus commented on Hautapu s showing "What they want is practice." On June 14 a High School and Old Boys combination beat Hautapu 13-8 at Victoria Square. It was 8-8 at halftime. Try scorers for Hautapu were Kelly and Stone. Harold Speight was referee. Hautapu and Old Boys then combined for two matches against local opposition and won both. Players included R Newcombe, F Newcombe, J Thompson, A Swayne, Kipi, A Climo, H Jamieson, B Bush, R Haysmith,, A McIndoe, H Kappeley, A Jamieson, F Swayne, H Leaning, Kelly, Stone and H Roberts. E Brocklesby was listed as Cambridge s top referee. A small pox scare in mid-July saw most matches called off and the season ended quietly.
While many Cambridge players responded to the call of national service in 1914 there were high hopes the game would be able to continue in the town and surrounding district. The Argus reported on April 8 "Football was revived in Cambridge last night when a large number of enthusiastic followers met at the Masconic Hotel and unanimously decided to form a club. J Hally was appointed secretary. He was asked to write to Hamilton and Waipa unions asking them if the club could be granted home matches."
Hamilton decided to admit both Cambridge and Morrinsville, but that matches would have to be played at Hamilton. Cambridge then decided to affiliate with Waipa because it had been offered more home matches. However, only three turned up at the next club meeting. The Argus commented "Cambridge s hope to revive the game in the town has suffered a real blow. Football has been dead in Cambridge for some time, but there were high hopes of a revival. However, judging by the result of a meeting that was called for last Friday, May 15, when only three rolled up, it is probably defunct." Keen Cambridge players were encouraged to link up with Hamilton clubs.
With war clouds darkening many men went into camp. The Hautapu camp colours were presented on May 4 with a big number of sportsmen among the ranks. Waikato troops started to mobilise and Cambridge men were among the first departures which took place quietly from the Horse Bazaar in Ward St, Hamilton, on August 12.
The annual Tradesmen v Clerks match was drawn 3-3 and Cambridge school teams were active with E T Robinson (Matangi) one of the leading organisers. A 3-0 success over Eureka was considered Cambridge s highlight and from that match Miller made Waikato team.
So great was the Waikato response to the call for service in 1915, all senior play was curtailed. However, administrators stressed the need for youth and school grades to continue. Players working on special schemes outside of the Cambridge settlement decided to form the Maungatautari union. It was reported on Tuesday, May 4, "The season opened on Saturday when Maungatautari (Maori) met and defeated Rangatahi (Rotorangi Maori). The latter team was a fine looking one and the final score of 9-3 was quite opposite to general expectations. C Hicks had charge of the game. Next Saturday the winners will play the Europeans of Maungatautari who are labouring under the difficulty of finding a suitable name. They say it is worse than naming a baby!"
The Pakehas drew 6-all with Maori. J Budge, D Ariell, E Nickle and B Allen were said to star for the Pakehas while Puturangi, Tarawhiti, D Turi and Matekohi were the best of the Maori team. On May 15 Mangatahi beat Takapau 3-0. Later in the month Maungatautari downed Takapau 10-3 and Takapau beat Rangatahi 11-9. Referees were A Salter, J Tucker and Jack Box.
Cambridge public schools were kept busy again in 1916 and combined to beat St Mary s Convent 10-0. Harold Speight was referee. Once again matches were mainly confined to those under military age although some army cadets played friendly matches on Victoria Square.
Early in August, 1917, the Cambridge Patriotic Club requested Hamilton field a team of players over 35 years to play a XV of the same standing in Cambridge to help the war fund. The festive match "stretched a few hidden muscles, bruised a few limbs but helped many families."
Formation of Hautapu club
Boom times in 1903 meant Waikato s population continued to grow and among the newcomers to the district were a number of 'pretty good footballers', according to rugby sources. " There is every indication also that the game will reach a new high in Cambridge," the Waikato Argus reported. "We have been told there will be three or four good teams (Hautapu, Maungatautari, Cambridge East and West) as a number of good players have come from other parts".
Just prior to the April 4 meeting which agreed to form a Cambridge union, the Argus said Maungatautari and Hautapu enthusiasts were confident of having enough men to make up teams and that Cambridge East and West could both furnish enough good players. Cambridge stalwart Matt Roberts was in the chair for the April 4 at the Criterion Hotel. However, Cambridge West member Joe Montgomery said his men had made up their minds not to join any reformed Cambridge union. They thought they should stay with Waipa. However, Maungatautari, Hautapu and Cambridge East were in favour of a union and when C Stewart moved and C Hicks seconded that a union be formed there was a great deal of support. Montgomery then moved Cambridge join Waipa. E Brocklesby seconded. Montgomery s amendment was put and lost. At that point Cambridge West players left the meeting. Matt Roberts was appointed secretary pro term and the meeting was adjourned for a week. On April 11 it was reported that the clubs had been formed and so the Cambridge union was launched from the Masconic Hotel. Clubs were Hautapu, Maungatutari, Mangakawa Natives, Cambridge East, Cambridge West, which included most of the dissenting voters of the week before, and junior club Pukekura. Mangakawa became known as Wasps because of its black and yellow colours. Maungatautari adopted all blue colours.
Hautapu s beginning came in the old bacon curing room at the Hautapu Dairy Factory. The meeting was informal no chairman, no minutes. Jack Cowling, whose knowledge of the game was said to have far surpassed others, was chief spokesman. Men sat on milk cans as he told them of his attendance at the Cambridge meeting. The decision of those present to form the Hautapu club laid the foundation for the future. It was said some of men who attended rode in from as far as Day s Gully at Tamahere.
Original colours were red and black (changed not many years later to red and white with black shorts). Jerseys were strongly made, collarless, with leather bound shoulders. The first team was Fullback: Roy Crickett. Threequarters: Arthur Kelly, Durham Ashwin (captain), Charlie Shaw. Five-eighths: Phil Goodwin, Cecil Ashwin. Halfback: Arthur Healey. Forwards: George Beer (wing), Jack Cowling, Humphrey Russell, Jack Russell, Gibb Watt, Jack Milne, Ned Hall, Tui Rangi. Others players listed during the season included H Keeley, J Lane, T Martin, S Sealey, A Keeley, A Hall, J Millen, A White, S Hall, Windsor, J Layne.
Jerry Allwill gave the team use of a field adjacent to the railway station at Hautapu. Goalposts were erected after the ground had been marked out and Jack Cowling took over the role of player-coach. Cowling was also a champion middle distance athlete and knew the value of fitness. Success was hard to come by. They rarely won, but it was noted that Hautapu always come up smiling . W McVeagh was the listed referee when Hautapu lost 0-14 to Cambridge East at Victoria Square. Losses then followed against Cambridge West 17-3, Maungatautari 9-0, Tauwhare 3-0 (midweek) and Maungatautari 6-3. In the Cambridge final West beat Maungatautari 12-0. To finish off the season Maungatautari and Cambridge West took on a combined Hautapu and Cambridge East combination and won 3-0.
Unfortunately disputes among some Cambridge town players saw tensions run high. The Argus' correspondent said - "There is too much talk amongst the Cambridge players and if it does not cease there will soon be an open rupture". The paper then urged Cambridge East players to practice and attend a meeting in J Gallagher s hotel to sort out the problems. When the tension eased, some players turned out for more than one club team in order to get game time. It was suggested young Cambridge players should take up athletics or rowing in the summer to improve their fitness. Reports from other areas said some teams were playing twice a week and there was a move afoot to ask the NZRFU to rule once a week was enough for any man. However, well-known columnist of the time Offside Mac was quick to reply "Any footballers who complain of playing two matches in a week should play ping-pong!"
Hamilton clubs watched the Cambridge scene with interest as it was hoped eventually Cambridge would possibly link up for a combined competition.
Hautapu members heard in early July, 1903, the Hamilton union had decided to stop future games by the ringing of a bell, the referee to give the signal when to take time off. Other interesting comments from the meeting - * The times have gone when a referee can be bought and sold. * The time has passed when a captain can threaten a referee with murder if he loses. * The ideal referee should have thin legs, seven leaguered boots and a cast-iron constitution. He should have eyes all sides of his head and some knowledge of the manly art to defend himself. * The reason for the decadence of the game is threefold - A: The introduction of wing forwards. B: The introduction of gambling element into matches. C: The apparent unwillingness of the average player to make himself conversant with the finer points of the game. .
GEORGE BEER, who played in the original 1903 Hautapu team, has had direct descendants play for the club. His grandsons Andrew, David and George Beer all represented Hautapu. Their father was Percy, an outstanding Cambridge and Waikato forward. Bruce Beer, who served the club right through to the senior side, is George snr s grand nephew.
In 1904 Jack Cowling was in charge at Hautapu again while Cambridge East became Cambridge City with the mayor, T Wells, the president. T W Hicks was Maungatautari president and R Reynolds West s president. Hautapu drew 0-0 with Cambridge West, lost 0-7 to City 7 and 0-14 to West.
Hautapu five-eighth James Watchom was the outstanding back when Cambridge played Hamilton on July 23. He was considered to be one of the most capable players seen at Sydney Square (later Steele Park) for several seasons . Joe Montgomery, Jack Cowling and the veteran W McVeagh were also praised. Cambridge players were interested to learn the Hamilton players had trained for two hours under the eye of their selector, former New Zealand representative, Copper Speight. The Cambridge squad, which travelled by coach or rode to the ground, and had a brief run before the match was Reg Garland, J Tucker, Armer, Crickett, Watchorn, Stitchbury, Potts, Cowling, Jack Bailey, Arthur Bell, J Montgomery, J Stitchbury, Mullins, Windsor, G Watts, Haupapa. Cambridge later beat Waipa 6-3 and lost 3-9 to Paeroa.
Hautapu and Pukekura players were involved on August 27 when a junior Cambridge team beat Maungatautari juniors 18-12. The Argus commented "Host Jas Sinclair entertained both teams at the Masconic Hotel. For some of the Maori boys in theÊteams it was their first visit to such an establishment and the host told them, rugby opened many doors if they trained hard and played to the rules .
George Gillett s selection in the 1905 New Zealand team to Great Britain was well received in Cambridge as he had done contract work on some of the farms between there and Morrinsville.
Progress at Victoria Square provoked much comment and the Argus reported "it can now boast a comfortable pavilion, three shower baths for the sporting types which can also used daily by local residents."
Hautapu and Maungatautari combined to become Suburbs and Cambridge union president Jas Sinclair donated a silver cup for competition between Suburbs, City and West. Auckland union was asked to invite Cambridge juniors up to improve their game and broaden their knowledge of business and life in the Queen City.
Suburbs beat City 7-3 midweek with W R C Walker referee. New Cambridge selector W McVeagh watched the match and praised the coming together of Suburbs which could now field a senior and junior combination. In a special fixture to mark Empire Day, May 24, Hamilton West state school beat Cambridge East school 13-3. Also in late May Suburbs lost 4-14 to West and 3-10 to City.
J Robert Bell was Cambridge delegate when Cambridge, Hamilton and Lower Waikato decided to take steps to form a combined union to be called South Auckland.
Hamilton beat Cambridge 8-3 on July 1, but Cambridge gained its revenge with a 6-0 victory over Hamilton at Sydney Square a week later. Cambridge then lost 0-6 to Waipa, 0-7 to Rotorua and 0-3 to Franklin.
Before its third clash of the season against Cambridge, Hamilton held a practice under the watchful eye of top Auckland referee, Harold Speight, a brother of the Hamilton selector, Copper Speight. Cambridge led 11-0 halftime, but Hamilton put on 18 points against none in the last quarter to come out on top. Cambridge s team was - J Tucker; R Crickett, A Dodd, J Richardson; J Watchorn; Leo Garland; W Potts, J Stewart; A Bell, E Bailey, C Care, A Richardson, J Montgomery, F Stitchbury, J Cowling. Emergencies: E Armer, H Stitchbury, D Hickey, E Ted Nickle, Windsor. "Cambridge tired visibly in the second spell and Hamilton just took control. It was later learnt Cambridge had not been training!" Cambridge president Jas Sinclair entertained the representative side at Masconic Hotel. He said standard had improved, but he hoped players would get some practice together. Cambridge City juniors won the union banner when they beat Suburbs 13-3 in the final.
Cambridge Suburbs AGM on Saturday, April 14, 1906, resolved to wind up that club and the funds (16s6d) were handed to the Maungatautari members who then affiliated to the Cambridge union along with West and City. It was decided Maungatautari s boundaries would include the Hautapu area. City, which included a couple of former Hautapu players, won the championship. Farming duties were again given as the reason for a drop off in player strength.
Cambridge lost 0-8 and 3-13 to Hamilton. Many players were invited to play and these included Mawhai, B Crickett, J Tucker, J Richardson, H Stitchbury, N Peake, W Potts, Dave Hickey, D Hay, L Hay, Thompson, E Bailey, J Montgomery, H Mullins, E Nickle, H Atkins, B Stitchbury, C Vickers, F Keeley, B Keeley, N Anderson, A Allen, C McLean, A McLean, W Dwyer, B Allen, Bob Newcombe, Kelly.
Two other features of the season were Cambridge s schoolboys 8-5 success against Hamilton while in early June Cambridge formed a branch of the Auckland Referees Association with W R C Walker in charge. H Mullins, V Carley and W R McVeagh was also involved.
Cambridge delegates supported the formation of the third Waikato union along with Hamilton, Lower Waikato and Waipa in 1907. There was disappointment when Waikato winger J Richardson transferred to City in Hamilton. However, his departure was offset by the arrival in the town of the highly regarded Taranaki player George Morse. He went straight into the Waikato side along with H Reese, a forward. Cambridge City president J S Bygrave said he hoped players living near the town would stay in the area and not take incentives to travel to Hamilton or Waipa to play. Players in the Hautapu area were among those approached by agents who also doubled as farm equipment salesmen. It was noted betting on Hamilton matches had become a real problem and police had been called to several incidents caused by non-payment of investments. The Cambridge representatives beat Ohaupo 8-3, lost 6-9 to Waipa and lost 0-17 to Hamilton.
In 1908 Morse transferred on promotion to Rotorua from where he represented Auckland. Cambridge union president was E J Smith with referee W R McVeagh also the selector. P Carr, union secretary, announced he had received a gold medal >from L D Nathan & Co to present to the best Cambridge player of the season. Affiliated clubs were West, East-City and Ohaupo. Ohaupo won the championship when it beat East-City combined 12-3 in the final. City beat West 17-6 in the junior final. M Wells was Cambridge s man on the Waikato union.
Representative squad was H Forkert, W G Abbott, J Tucker, Brown, C Clarke, Allen, W Potts, Hickey, Urquhart, Clarke, W Mathieson, H Mullins, Watters, Reese, J Montgomery, B Morse, Ingpen, Cox, J Stewart, Bowen, Allen. The side lost 3-8 to Hamilton 8-3, 5-17 to Franklin, 0-8 to Waipa and 3-8 to Rotorua. Waikato trialists were Tucker (12st2lb), James Stewart, Potts, Clarke (14st 9lb), Montgomery and Cox. Waikato decided its colours would be green with white badge bearing an oatsleaf and the word Waikato. Waikato beat Auckland 9-6 at Auckland , beat Thames 6-5 away, beat Goldfields 9-8 then lost to Thames 6-3 and 3-5 to Auckland.
Formation of the South Auckland union was the feature of 1909. Ohaupo, City and Matangi were Cambridge union clubs. West withdrew because some of their players wanted to try other sports such as polo, golf, bowls and hockey and others joined City.
Representative colours were black and white with the squad including Dunning, J Hally, R Crickett, W Potts, Hickey, J Murphy, A Crickett, La Trobe, W Smart, G Washer, Plescher (City), H Forkert, W G Abbott, S Clarke, Devine, J Willoughby, Urquhart, Jim Burke, Lynds, H McKern, J Edwards, J Toms, J Muir (Ohaupo); Tui, Tuhakaraina (Matangi). The side drew with Matamata, beat Franklin 8-0, lost to Waipa 6-8 and lost to Hamilton 0-14. Waikato representatives included winger Forkert and forwards S Clarke and Devine. Cambridge had three in the inaugural Waikato school team, J Cubis, A Mullins and A Thompson
The Waikato Argus of Wednesday, February 16, 1910, reported - " The young men of Hautapu and Bruntwood (possibly known to some outside the area as Fencourt) held a meeting the other evening for the purpose of forming a football club. There was an attendance of about 20. Mr G Edwards being voted to the chair. In his opening remarks the chairman said they must stir themselves and make an early start with football or they would find polo and hockey, where Hautapu was very strong, formidable rivals. It was decided to form a club to be known as the Bruntwood Football Club with a subscription of 2s6p per member. The following officers were appointed Patron, Frank Ross; president, W G Doyle; vice presidents, Messrs Jerry Allwill, J Martyn, A McFarlane, A Beange, J and W McMillan, J Fletcher, A Potts, A Lebeau, R Cowley, C Tonge, H Tyler; secretary-treasurer, H Reynell; management committee, G Edwards. E H Reese, W Goodwin, J Henderson, A Jarvie. Club colours will be blue and black." Bruntwood s boundary went from the Tamahere crossroads along the Tamahere road through Matangi to Tauwhare thence in a direct line to Mr Brunskill s at Taa Taoroa with the sanitorium included.
Messrs Edwards and Doyle represented Bruntwood at the Cambridge AGM held in the Farmers Club rooms. Harold Speight chaired the meeting. Other Cambridge clubs were City, Maungatautari (revived) and Ohaupo while Kihikihi affiliated >from Waipa as that union went into recess. City decided to keep amber and black colours. Maungatautari announced D Makgill was its president and Noel Peake selector. More grounds were needed to cater for increase of junior teams.
Bruntwood s 1910 squad included F Thompson, P Devine, W Devine, L Burns, J Burns, A Jarvie, Reynell, J Thompson, G Edwards, Lyons, C Humphries, R Humphries, Radford, Le Motte, Wiri, Russell, Giffney, Tui, Ranson, Goodwin. Wins were hard to find, but the team improved as the scores indicated. Losses were to City 30-0 and 16-0, to Maungatautari 18-0, to Kihikihi 30-0 and 9-0. Cambridge s representative squad included H Forkert, J Tucker, J Hally, Rex Dunning, A Dunning, Lyons, C Clifford, W Potts, R Henderson, Roy Dunning, F Thompson, G Maunder, J Reese, J Willoughby, E Carroll, J Kay, J Cox, C Hally, D Hickey, P Devine, J Watters, Cunningham. Waikato administrators watched Hamilton beat Cambridge 8-3 when four 20 minute spells and substitutions were tried. Cambridge then drew 3-3 with Lower Waikato and beat Matamata 6-0. Waikato representatives were J Hally , H M Dunning, R Henderson, A R Dunning, A Maunder, R J Dunning and T Thompson. On August 6 Hora Hora beat a Cambridge XV 6-0. Active referees were W McVeagh, R Cranston and H Mullins.
Kihikihi won the 1911 Cambridge title when it beat Ohaupo 14-0. Bruntwood and Maungatautari combined as Cambridge Suburbs and Hora Hora affiliated, but later withdrew. When an unsuccessful attempt was made to revive the Waipa union, Ohaupo and Te Awamutu joined Cambridge. The amalgamation of Bruntwood and Maungatautari resulted in Cambridge Suburbs being formed at a meeting in the National Hotel on May 6. H Atkins was in the chair. Officers elected President, R Fisher; committee, J Martyn, F Thomson, W Tyler, K Anderson, J Tucker, J Montgomery, H Atkins; selectors, F Thomasson, K Anderson, H Atkins, H Reynil; delegates to Cambridge union, F Thomason, J Tucker; secretary-treasurer, H Atkins; captain, J Tucker; vice captain, F Thomason; colours, blue and white. Again Suburbs struggled with losses to City 3-11 and 0-3; to Ohaupo 0-6; to Te Awamutu 0-19; and Kihikihi 0-3. Suburbs players in Cambridge representatives included C Richardson, J Tucker, J Richardson and J Montgomery. Matches against Matamata and Hamilton were both drawn 3-3. Others in the Suburbs club side were Strawbridge, Martyn, G Vosper, Reynil, Atkins, Pima, Thomason, Hall, Matakohe, Allen, Amos, J Burns, Norris, F Hicks, Tyler, Hall, Burns, Peake, Landman, Tairi, Riley, Keeley.
E Caddie and Meredith were Cambridge representatives on the Waikato schools union. Cambridge schools beat Morrinsville 9-, but lost 0-6 to Hamilton East. A Thompson, Webber and Souter were in the Waikato schools side. Cambridge Tradespeople beat Cambridge Clerks 6-3
Cambridge referees reformed their association with S Lewis, W R C Walker, W McVeagh, H Speight, David Hickey, D McAlley (Cambridge); D Robb, J Paul (Ohaupo); F Verner and J Burke (Kihikihi) active every Saturday.
Cambridge had Oriental (in place of City), Cambridge West and Hora Hora in 1912 while there was also junior team interest again in Hautapu with the decline of Suburbs. The Kihikihi, Te Awamutu and Ohaupo clubs left to revive Waipa.
Harold Speight was chairman when a good attendance of Cambridge enthusiasts held an informal meeting at the National Hotel on Friday, May 10. "The meeting was called by Mr H B Higgins who had lately come to town and indeed most of those present were newcomers to the district," said the Waikato Argus. "After considerable discussion it was decided to form a new club to take the place of Cambridge City which seems to be defunct. Mr Higgins was secretary pro tem. Clubs have already been formed at Hora Hora and Cambridge West. A vote of thanks was accorded to Mr Higgins for the trouble he had taken in endeavouring to get football going again in Cambridge."
On Monday, May 13, the Cambridge Oriental club was formed at the National Hotel. Harold Speight presided over 30 who elected - President, Jas Watters; secretary-treasurer, H B Higgins; committee, F Wickens, W Ladner, Bollinger, Minchen, W Potts, G Pierce, W Holmes. Club colours: Green. Messrs Watters and Higgins also became the president and secretary of the Cambridge union
The Waikato Argus commented "It appears football is going to take on a new lease of life in Cambridge with enthusiasts around Hautapu now appearing to have more time to arrange and play friendly matches." Oriental s squad was J Makgill, D Stewart, D Murphy, J Sims, J Furey, T Atkins, A Minchin, G Pierce, F Wickens, Mason, Baker, T Sullivan, B Edwards, W Holmes, P Holmes, W Ladner, H Higgins. Oriental met West three times during the season and on each occasion it was a 0-0 draw. Cambridge reps beat Hamilton B 3-0. Waikato senior representatives were Stewart, Keeley, J Tucker and A Dunning while R Randrup represented Waikato schools.
While the game was said to have struggled in Cambridge in 1913, the good news was that there was a resurgence in Hautapu. In May a Hautapu combination lost 0-20 to West. The Waikato Argus commented on Hautapu s showing "What they want is practice." On June 14 a High School and Old Boys combination beat Hautapu 13-8 at Victoria Square. It was 8-8 at halftime. Try scorers for Hautapu were Kelly and Stone. Harold Speight was referee. Hautapu and Old Boys then combined for two matches against local opposition and won both. Players included R Newcombe, F Newcombe, J Thompson, A Swayne, Kipi, A Climo, H Jamieson, B Bush, R Haysmith,, A McIndoe, H Kappeley, A Jamieson, F Swayne, H Leaning, Kelly, Stone and H Roberts. E Brocklesby was listed as Cambridge s top referee. A small pox scare in mid-July saw most matches called off and the season ended quietly.
While many Cambridge players responded to the call of national service in 1914 there were high hopes the game would be able to continue in the town and surrounding district. The Argus reported on April 8 "Football was revived in Cambridge last night when a large number of enthusiastic followers met at the Masconic Hotel and unanimously decided to form a club. J Hally was appointed secretary. He was asked to write to Hamilton and Waipa unions asking them if the club could be granted home matches."
Hamilton decided to admit both Cambridge and Morrinsville, but that matches would have to be played at Hamilton. Cambridge then decided to affiliate with Waipa because it had been offered more home matches. However, only three turned up at the next club meeting. The Argus commented "Cambridge s hope to revive the game in the town has suffered a real blow. Football has been dead in Cambridge for some time, but there were high hopes of a revival. However, judging by the result of a meeting that was called for last Friday, May 15, when only three rolled up, it is probably defunct." Keen Cambridge players were encouraged to link up with Hamilton clubs.
With war clouds darkening many men went into camp. The Hautapu camp colours were presented on May 4 with a big number of sportsmen among the ranks. Waikato troops started to mobilise and Cambridge men were among the first departures which took place quietly from the Horse Bazaar in Ward St, Hamilton, on August 12.
The annual Tradesmen v Clerks match was drawn 3-3 and Cambridge school teams were active with E T Robinson (Matangi) one of the leading organisers. A 3-0 success over Eureka was considered Cambridge s highlight and from that match Miller made Waikato team.
So great was the Waikato response to the call for service in 1915, all senior play was curtailed. However, administrators stressed the need for youth and school grades to continue. Players working on special schemes outside of the Cambridge settlement decided to form the Maungatautari union. It was reported on Tuesday, May 4, "The season opened on Saturday when Maungatautari (Maori) met and defeated Rangatahi (Rotorangi Maori). The latter team was a fine looking one and the final score of 9-3 was quite opposite to general expectations. C Hicks had charge of the game. Next Saturday the winners will play the Europeans of Maungatautari who are labouring under the difficulty of finding a suitable name. They say it is worse than naming a baby!"
The Pakehas drew 6-all with Maori. J Budge, D Ariell, E Nickle and B Allen were said to star for the Pakehas while Puturangi, Tarawhiti, D Turi and Matekohi were the best of the Maori team. On May 15 Mangatahi beat Takapau 3-0. Later in the month Maungatautari downed Takapau 10-3 and Takapau beat Rangatahi 11-9. Referees were A Salter, J Tucker and Jack Box.
Cambridge public schools were kept busy again in 1916 and combined to beat St Mary s Convent 10-0. Harold Speight was referee. Once again matches were mainly confined to those under military age although some army cadets played friendly matches on Victoria Square.
Early in August, 1917, the Cambridge Patriotic Club requested Hamilton field a team of players over 35 years to play a XV of the same standing in Cambridge to help the war fund. The festive match "stretched a few hidden muscles, bruised a few limbs but helped many families."
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