SEVEN-A-SIDE RUGBY

Chronicle (Levin), 24 April 1946, Page 2

SEVEN-A-SIDE RUGBY

Otaki met Petone at Otaki on Easter Monday and the game resulted in a draw, each side s'coring eight points. There was a large attendance. .The teams were:— Otaki: Taratoa, Johnson, Gordon, Gray, Huff, Hakaraia (2), G. Johnson, Engle, Gray (3), Henry, Petone: Price, Wilkins, B. Doogan, Philiips. - Petone: Price, Wilkins, B. Dougan, Robinson, Cosgrove, Bond, Abbott, Markier, Shannon, Bly, Lane, Candy, Jackson, Hayes, Murphy, Martin, Be'nge, Parker and Tattle. Mr. Harvey, 1924-28 All Black, gave a few useful hints on forward and back play. Otaki set the ball in motion, but Petone worked back to Otaki -territory. Then Otaki intercepted, Engle and Enoka showing to advantage and enabling W. Johnson to score. With three points down Petone kicked off, and from the scrum the ball was sent to DoOgan, the halfback, who dodged through for a

good try. The score was not increased by the kick at goal. Petone 3, Otaki 3. Petone put in some flne work, Bly and Lane being prominent, but the combination of the Otaki forwards and backs held the opposition. Huff, W. Johnson and- G. Johnson were shaping well, but failed to increase the score. The ball was set in motion by Petone for the second half, and play was of an even nature fof some time. Finally Doogan broke away to score a good try, and Abbott, converted, giving Petone a lead of five points.- " Good play by G. Johnson enabled Huff to break through the defence to score. T. Henry converted, makjng the score eight all. Play was interesting to the final whistle, but no further score was registered. Mr. M. Hakaraia was the referee. For Petone, Doogan at half-back was the outstanding player in tne back division, and Bly, Lane and Jackson in the forward ranks. For Otaki, Willie and George Johnson and J. Huff were the outstanding backs, while Enoka brothers, R. Rikihana, Gray (2), Engle and M. Hakaraia played -well. With more training the Otaki team will perform well in their championship matches. Before leaving for home the Petone players were entertained at Raukawa and spent a pleasant time. Mr. Cahill, president of the Otaki Club, welcomed the visitors, Mr. Neil Dickens replying. Vocal items were given by Mr. Toby Gray, a whistling solo by Mr. Martin (Petone), solos by Mr. W. Nicholls ("Red Rose Bud") and Mr. Carter (Petone), a quartette by Messrs. R. Carkeek, Raika, Johnson and W. Nicholls, and a duet by Messrs. G. and H. Johnson. Mr. Ian Harvey thanked the entertainers and expressed appreciation of the hospitality of the Otaki Club and its supporters. The Maoris sang their farewell song "Now is the Hour to say Goodbye."