RIVALS CLASH

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 9, Issue 3, 4 September 1945, Page 5

RIVALS CLASH

HAIRY FAIRIES v HILLY BILLIES

GAME RESULTS IN DRAW <5—6

The long awaited match between the Hilly Billies (Stock Agents and the Hairy Fairies (Carriers) took place on Saturday afternoon at the Whakatane Domain. A fair crowd was present, to witness the match and was not disappointed for a wholly worthwhile game resulted. The S'Core (i —(> met with unanimous approval. The teams ) particularly the. Hilly came on to the field in spec-1 tacular and novel fashion. This latter side sported an entire entourage of girls complete with banner heralding the notorious team they headed. First in the 'procession' heading the team was Piper Barry Thomas followed by Miss Shirley Comiskey, mounted on a thoroughbred led by none other than y.r Les Brown who at the last moment decided to exchange his advertised role of heavyweight forward for" the less obtrusive one of spectator.

The blue and gold banner, attended by four girls in blue and gold jerseys on either side which came next was preceded by a fox terrier in the appropriately colour, ed ribbons. Thus the Hilly Billy side marched out on to the field to the accompaniment of hearty cheering.

The Hairy Fairies placed all their confidence in Miss Elva Hall who at their head led them on to the scene and round to face their opponents. Hairy Fairy supporters made the field resound.

The teams representing the two factions were as follows: —» Hairy Fairies (blue and black) : J. Stewart; McLean; Lauri; Harris; Gassidy; Hollis; Collins; Theo Anderson; J. Knowles; Sunkel; Cummings; Simpson; S. Davis; Paki and J. Baker. : Hilly Billies (blue and gold): A. Stewart;, Price; McKenzie; Burstall; Roach; (Ryburn; Beaumont; Hunter; Tliom; F. Cutler; Armstrong; GrantHunt; B. Cutler and Salt. The First Clash The Hillies kicked off latish in the afternoon j and for the first few minutes the packs wrestled at half-way. A free kick lor the Hairy Fairies lent them a momentary advantage but the Hillies countered in fine fashion. Another infringement brought a further free kick foi- the Hairies but once again the Stock Agents' showed their mettle and held the leather on the half line.

Then the Billy Billies as a whole— and Stan Burstall in particular—set their teeth and advanced. Suddenly Bill McKenzie gathered in, and beating all Hairies fairly flew to the corner flag to cross giving first blood to his side. The kick was short, and the scoreboard read Hilly Billies 3, Hairy Fairies; 0.

From the Hollis gathered in and set the Hairy line in motionAlan Stewart was safe however and the ball found touch'. Then the Hillies took the bit between their teeth again, and Ray Thom crossed at. the other corner flag. The kick again was short and the Hillies were 6 ■y points up. Then the Hairies resolving to take the limelight started a back movement which took them to the opposing quarter. They lost but Laurie gathered in again and crossed the touching down right behind the posts. The kick fizzled out almost before it started f and half-time came, with the scoreboard reading (5—3 in favour of the Hilly Billies.

Tlie Final Fight The teams changed over ? and play developed into a past and furious forward frenzy. By degrees the. Hillies forced their opponents back, but a free 'kick gave the blue and blacks the advantage, and the Hillies were on the defence. Suddenly Burstall came like a bolt from the blue and dribbled gallantly back to half way. The backs gathered in but bad passing in the Hilly line gave the Hairies an opening and the ball was swept over the line. A twenty-five resulted. Both teams battled hard lor possession. More bad passing in the Hilly line made an opening for the blue and blacks who charged through and the next minute Mc--9 Lean had crossed to score another try. The kick was outside the upright, and the .score was even at 0 all. As time was inevitably marching

on and numerous Hillies and Hairies had seats booked for "Lassie Come Home" it was decided to shorten the second half ? and the whistle went shortly after, declaring the final score to : be 6 all.

Mr H. Mahy refereed. * Challenge From Pukekos

After the match, Mr L> Bro\vn { on behalf of the R.s'.A. the funds of which body benefited from the gate thanked both teams for their effort. As neither team had won j the cup was not presented.

Intimation* was also given } that the Rangitai'ki Pukekos bad extended a challenge to the winning team. As neither team had won ; Mr Brown suggested that the whole 30 players be fielded—a suggestion which met with! approval from both sides. Wher ther or not this match will be played is a moot point. Sufficient it is to say tliat if it is, the Pukekos will have their work cut out to !defeat either te.am j if the standard of play is as high as it was on 'Saturday.

SENIOR CURTAIN RAISER

PAROA v WAIMAN A Arrangements for the Paroa-Wai-mana Senior final went astray Somehow \ and the clash resulted in a short friendly game. Waimana fielded only twelve men against Paroa's fifteen but nevertheless, had their, fair share of the game. The match was only a very average one with the ball in the loose most oT the time. Final score was 3 all. Scorers were Dodd } who converted a penalty kick for Paroa Boynton who crossed the line to score * Waimana's 3 points. Mr A Breward refereed. RANGITAIKI COMPETITION DUFF CUP FINAL In the senior final for the Duff? Gup last Saturday defeated Te Teko-by 9 points to 3. • Tlie match which was jilayed at? Te Teko was witnessed by a large, and enthusiastic crowd.