Otaki Seniors Play Good Football

Chronicle (Levin), 7 April 1948, Page 2

Otaki Seniors Play Good Football

Mr. A. Gillespie, the president of tlie Horowhenua Rugby Union, opened the seasoh by kicking off in the match at Otaki on Saturday between Petone and Otaki seniors. The two teams were well matched, the visitors perhaps having the best of the scrums and Otaki better tackling. The game was hard and fast and 110 quarter was given. Tlie ground was also hard, and the players were often surrounded by* a cloud of dust. In the first fifteen minutes Zane Gray, who was playing well, pcored a good try after a 30-yard run. J. ■ Taratoa converted. Petone were hammering at Otaki's line, but could not penetrate' the defence. In the second spell Petone went on the attack again, and play soared up and down the field. Both teams gave the crowd of spectators a good exhibition of Rugby. The nnal whistle blew with the score' remaining, Otaki five, Petone nil. Mr. Les. Smith carried the whistle. Proving too heavy in the vanguard, Petone fifths beat Otaki fourths. P. J ohnson drew first blood for Petone, gathered the ball up nicely, and after a run of 25. yards scored a liice try, which was converted. After ten minutes of play MacCarthy scored again for Petone, but th.e kick failed. .The score at half-time was Petone eight, Otaki nil. The local boys fought hard to even up, but the weig'ht was_ telling on them. Petone scored again right in the corner a,nd converted. otaki took the play down to Petone's twenty-flve and made desperate efforts to get over. The defence was too strong. ; Petone scored again five minutes i before the call of time, thus leavscore' Petone 16, Otaki nil. All the local boys played well which reflects credit on their coach, Mr. A. Hakaraia. Mr. M. Johnscn controlled the game. After the matches, the teams were entertained in 4he Raukawa Hau. Mr. Dickinson, manager of the Petone teams, thanked the Otaki Club for the most enjoyable day, and hoped Otaki would be able to play return matches at the end of the season. Mr. Jones, president cn the Otaki Club, thanked Mr. Dickm-son for his kind remarks and mvitation, and hoped the Otairi teams would be able to make the trip.