FOOTBALL AT OTAKI

Chronicle (Levin), 15 September 1947, Page 2

FOOTBALL AT OTAKI

INTERESTING JUNIOR GAMES The football season as far as ^ Otaki is concerned terminat'ed on Saturday, when two of the best junior matches yet played in the district were witnessed. The day was not one to ervtice a large gathering, but, nevertheless, the attendance was quite satisfactory. Teams came from Petone and were pitted against Otaki fourths and Otaki-Rahui thirds. Both matches were arranged by enthusiasts of the - clubs to arouse interest in junior football, and at the same time encourage rugby among such members. The teams were very evenly matched and the games interesting from start to finish. Some very fine play was witnessed, it being open and fast, the passing and kicking under the unfavourable conditions being most creditable. The Petone teams played good, clean football, were nippy in their movements, and showed a thorough knowledge of the game. In Mr. C. Pussell, who refereed the first game, Otaki is fortunate in having such an enthusiast, and junior players have much to thank him for. Mr. W. J. Lambourn, who refereed the second game, is one of the leaders in fostering junior football, and thus helping them towards senior ranks. The fourth grade match was interesting from the initial kickoff to the final whstle, and after a strenuous struggle between the two teams, the game ended in favour of Petone by nine points to three. For Petone Hardie scored a nice try in the first half, which remained unconverted. In the second half Jones went over for a well-eamed try, and then Bugi kicked a great penalty goal from nearly half-way for Otaki. Some very fine play followed to the end of the spell, Emer•son (Petone) scoring a try before the final whistle. Tahiwi played an outstanding game among the backs. Otaki-Rahui set the ball in motion for the. third grade match, and play was of a sparkling nature, ! there being no dull moments. Both i sides worked Trojan-like, the all- j round play being frequently i applauded. Scrum work was hard, ! and although Petone had the j advantage in weight, Otaki were j alert, and frequently smart passing j rushes were started. The first ' score came soon after the start of j the game. Hohipuha, who had | filled the position of fullback, fol- I lowed up a rush to touch down the ! corner flag. It was neat, and quick ! work. The kick at goal looked an ! impossibility on account of the 1 nature of the ball, but R. Giddens, I amidst applause, sent the ball ,

nicely over the bar. Play continued of an even nature, being first in one quarter and then the other. The next score came by smart following up by Fox, who dashed over the line in good style. Giddens failed to convert. A loose rush by Petone saw Beynon go over to. score a nice try, but Bottlebank failed to convert, although his kick was a good • one. Otaki-Rahui 8, Petone 3. Then came smart play by Winterburn, who crossed the line and Giddens again goaled. Then Otaki-Rahui foolishly . allowed a penalty under their goal and Brocklebank added points. This player also scored a nice try, making the score, Otaki-Rahui 13, Petone 9. Prominent players in this game were Wilton and Merwood (forwards) and Waaka and Winterburn (backs) . After the Match After the games neariy 100 players and supporters sat down to an excellent spread, provided by Mrs. Royal in the Anglican Hall. Mr. E. J. Cook, a live member of the Otaki Club and a worthy delegate of the Horowhenua Union, presided and called upon Mr. T. V. Cahill, president of the -Otaki Club, to extend a welcome to the visitors. In doing so, Mr. Cahill stated that it was with pleasure that he extended a welcome to Mr. Lambourn, manager, and his teams. He thanked all for coming to Otaki and providing such an enjoyable day, and thus helping to create a very friendly feeling between the two clubs. He pointed out that Otaki had two clubs, but it was hoped that there would be no amalgamation in the near future, and thus help to cement friendship between players. By playing against Petone the Otaki players derived a great deal of enjoyment, and he had pleasure in congratulating the four teams on their display. It was hoped such matches would continue, and the Petone players could rest assured of a warm welcome on any occasion' they cared to visit Otaki. In conclusion he wished Petone many successful years of football. Mr. Hugh Moffatt, on behalf of the Rahui Club, thanked Petone for making the trip and such a day enjoyable. It was- pleasing to see the younger , footballers "given encouragement — it meant better football in the future. It was pleasing also to see young footballers playing so well. He wished the visitors every success for the j future and . trusted many games » would eventuate between the two clubs interested...Mr. Lambourn,, thanked the Otaki-Rahui teams for the splendid time provided by way of games and for the excellent spread, for which they were also deepiy grateful. The games had proved

most enjoyable and the hospitality of the Otaki Clubs greatly appreciated. Rugby in New Zealand, he considered, was in safe hands, and it was. gratifying to know that games among juniors were being encouraged. In football players received knocks, gave knocks and learned how to take knocks. Mr. Cook, in adding to the welcome, mentioned the fact that Mr, Lambourn was an ex-All Black, and it was hoped that any advice he gave would be followed. Mr. S. Brown, captain, thanked all for, the enjoyable day provided, adding that it was a day all would look back to. He had no 'regrets at losing his game (thirds) considering the better team had wonj Mr. Fox, captain of the Rahui team, referred to the enjoyable game and trusted many such would eventuate from time to time. Mr. .J. Logan, captain of the Petone sixth grade,' stated that it was his first game of football in Otaki, but he hoped that it would not be the last. To the ladies who had supervised the spread he said his club mates wished to extend thanks. Footballers in general Were ,also thanked for providing such an enjoyable day. Mr. W. Verrant, captain of the third grade Otaki team, extended thanks and trusted the visitors would have many successful seasons. Mr. C. Rogers, who paid compliments to the referees who had officiated, remarked that. without referees, good or bad, there would be no football. He asked that such officials have the co-operation of both players and spectators. Referees gave their services voluntarily and deserved support. "For They Are Jolly Good Fellows" was heartily rendered by the visitors, and cheers exchanged, thus closing a most enjoyable day.