RUGBY FOOTBALL

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 171, 10 June 1940, Page 8

RUGBY FOOTBALL

FIRST BLOOD IN SENIOR REPRESENTATIVE MATCHES OPOTIKI GOES DOWN IN HARD GAME LOCAL JUNIORS NARROWLY; , DEFEATED The Parata Cup match between Whakatane and Opotiki, the first representative game of — I the season, attracted only a I moderate attendance at the DoI main on Saturday. The weather 1 was overcast and at one stage a light rain fell, making the I ball greasy. I The game resolved itself into I a forward battle for the most J part, but one or two good back movements were witnessed. I Whakatane appeared to have I the heavier pack as the teams I lined out but there was no eviI dance of a superior weight in I the set scrums, Opotiki having I the better of these. Fast play, I for the initial representative I match, the game was enjoyed I by those on the line. •I The teams linccl out: — ~ I Whakatane (blue); Menzics; Mitf chell, McGarvey, C. Boynton; Ho- ? tene, Courtney; Oswald; Fitchett, I Hughes, Dodd, Cleland, Moore, Ta_|hae Tu, Iv. Merito and Hay ward. Opotiki (black and white): Mihaere; Starkey, Lendrum. Sheeran; JC. Walker, W. Moore; E. Moore: Scott, Sayers, Wattman, H. Walker jTairua, Jacob, Mokomoko, Poihipi. I Whakatane kicked off and immediately made ground when Sheeran mis-kicked, a line out resulting on Opotiki's 25 mark. Relief came J from the efforts of H. Walker, Ja--1 cob and Poihipi, who broke through and transferred play to the Blues' territory. Play swung again towards the visitors' line and only bad luck prevented the home team from opening the account. I ■ The teams were taking some time to settle down but solid tackling was. a feature at this stage and give and take football was the order. A temporary seige of the Whakatane quarter resulted from a good movement by the Opotiki rearguard I W. Moore, C. Walker, Sheeran and 1 Lendrum taking part. The latter knocked on, but the forwards, playing good loose football, carried on. I Retaliation by the home pack saw Mihaerc bustled and offside against J the Black and White forwards allowed Dodd to gain ground with a I beautiful line kick. The crowd was Jon its toes as Whakatane continued the pressure but C. Walker saved J well and play again swung the j length of the field. I Reverse for Blues. Opotiki 'opened the scoring after a brilliant back movement. W. | Moore secured and after dummying I passed to C. Walker, who in turn I handed on to Sheeran. Sheeran sen* lout to Lendrum, who touched down J at the corner. A very difficult kick was missed by C. Walker. I This reverse spurred the Blues land Boynton, Courtney and MeGarvey drew cheers for an attempt spoiled by a knock-on. An infringeIment in the scrum gave Opotiki some respite but after a period of J mid-field operations the Blue forwards again took command and following on a loose rush, Courtney, who Avas playing an excellent gam.! at first five-eighths, secured and made the line. Dodd goaled with ;j good kick. Whakatane 5, Opotiki 3. I Half-time found no alteration in I the score. | The Second Half. j Opotiki attacked immediately lipon resumption and Lendrum was unlucky Avith his attempt at dropping a goal, the ball screwing. Dan[ger threatened the Blue line when 'Oswald passed wildly but FitcheM picked up, and, supported by the rest of the pack, transferred play I imfteld, where it remained. |

Whakatane's rear division had undergone some changes, Hotene going to half, McGarvey taking first five-eighth position, Courtney dropping back and Oswald taking the centre berth. Opotiki's live-eighths, W. Moore and C. Walker were dangerous when opportunities were presented and they took play doAvnfickl with interpassing, a penalty relieving the threat to the Whakatane defences. The scorc board altered quickly in a short time, Courtney scoring near the posts and Sheeran added to Opotiki's tally after a particularly good solo effort. Whakatane's try was not converted, Menzies failing with a very easy kick and Lendrum could not add the major points for Opotilci. At this stage the board read: Whakatane 8, Opotilci 6. j Home Side Increases Lead. C. Walker delighted the crowd by brilliantly intercepting and streaking away. He was too fast, however, and lacked support when he looked round for it. All might not have been well for the Blues had not Waiker mis-kicked in attempting to punt over Menzies, Opotiki men jkvere infusing more dash into their efforts find pressed continuously, penning the Blues in the home quarter. Desperate defence sa,w the line held and a scrum infringement gave Whakatane the opportunity to reverse the position. E. Moore attempted to work the blind side but the Whakatane van swept down and Dodd secured. As he Avas tackled he passed to Clcland, who, after making ground, handed on to McGarvey, for the latter to score near the posts. Oswald took the kick and missed a 'sitter.' The Black and Whites were not discouraged and rising to the occasion well, pressed home a determined attack. Whakatane defended strenuously but offside play by n forward saw a penalty awarded to Opotiki. Lcndrum took the ball and snatched an opportunity which amazed the home team and amused the spectators. While most of the Blues had their backs towards him, walking' back to their line, he short punted, gathered in the ball and sprinted round behind the posts. It promised to be an easy conversion but Miliaere slipped as he kicked. Whakatane 11, Opotiki 9, was the score, Avith full-time not far off. The home team dominated play. A good run doAvn the line by Boynton culminated in the try Avhich put the issue beyond doubt. The Avinger found his Avay blocked and centred smartly. Dodd* Avho had played ci tireless game all through, was on the spot. Getting his boot to the ball as it landed, he guided it ovef the line and folloAving up, scored near the posts. He had no difficulty in converting. Play Avas in mid-field when time was called. Final score: Whakatane 16, Opotiki 9. The game aa as very efficiently controlled by Mr F. Wederell. THE JUNIORS OPOTIKI'S NARROW WIN Bright, open play characterised the curtain-raiser at the Domain on Saturday, Avhen Opotiki secured a narrow victory over the local junior representatives. The exhibition given by both teams promises Avell for junior football this season and if the standard is maintained next year's senior competitions should benefit. The play Avas eA*en and perhaps Wliakatane was a shade unlucky in going doAvn. Holding ( the lead for the greater part of the ] game, it was to the home side's dis- ( advantage that it took too long to | develop a combination in the backs . Opotiki Avas superior in this respect. When both teams had settled down, j some good back movements, in orth- f odox Rugby, were Avitnessed. Tho j packs were evenly matched. The tackling was good throughout.- < At fullback for the local fifteen. ] Boon played a safe game, although •

he was inclined to take things rather easily. His line kicking was well judged. Wilson showed some amazing bursts of speed and made the most of opportunities. He found the line with excellent judgment and ran straight when in possession. In this fact alone many senior players could take a lesson from him. Thorburn played a > heady game and directed the hack line well. Brown did not receive too many opportunities but got through his work in good style. McCready over-shadowed Hotene and played« solid game. Of the forwards, Whiri Brittain, Crapp and Thom were prominent, Crapp shining in the loose and Thom figuring well in the tight play. Brown performed well as custodian for Opotiki sand the 'three-quar-ter line displayed good understand ing, with Callaghan showing up. Goldsmith and Chambers worked very well together, the former being responsible for some brilliant solo efforts. His anticipation was first-class and twice he intercepted and streaked away on his own. Chambers played good football and was outstanding at times. Lake did not impress at half. C. HoAvlett was prominent in the line outs and got through some solid work. Andr erson also showed up in this department and worked hard in the loose. Cooper, until he was injured, performed well and demonstrated his ability as a hooker. Connor played consistently good football and it was mainly through his work that Opotiki*s try was scored. For Whalvatane, Whiri touched down. For Opotiki, Callaghan scored and Brown converted with a won derful kick from wide out. Mr F. Darvill was referee.,

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