Rahui Footballers Play Porirua

Chronicle (Levin), 12 April 1948, Page 2

Rahui Footballers Play Porirua

' Football was played ifl.earnest on the Otaki Domain , on Saturday, when three tedms." from Porirua visited Otaki to m'eet players of the Rahui Club. The three matches were very interesting, and some very fine play was witnessed, especially in tlie second one wlien Rahui's back division would have done credit to senior play. The day was beautifully fine but the ground, 011 account of the spell of dry weather, was hard. In .the match between Porirua sixths and Rahui fourths some fine play was witnessed and it was evident that with a few games botli teams will go well for competition events. In the first half D. Smith scored a nice try for Rahui, but this wras equalised by Porirua with a penalty goal by J. Parata. In the second half Rahui started off at a brisk pace, but a reverse came and' Helihey (Porirua) went across for a try. Shortly ' after D. Smith scored his second try to equalise the score. Later in the game Smith again scored to place the issue beyond 'doubt. The final score was Rahui 9, Porirua 6. Mr. Pussell was referee. . . Rahui thirds and Porirua fourths provided the game of the day and the manner in which the Rahui backs combined was a treat to witness. It was through tlieir fine' play that the match was won. They handled the ball in great style, passing with good judgment, while their kicking was always effective. Porirua went on attack soon after the kick off and Thomson went across for a good try, but Eastwood failed to convert. Tackling was neat and clean. Whata Davis (Rahui ) had a couple of place kicks at goal, the latter going nicely over the bar to equalise. Up and down play followed and Eastwood (Porirua) evaded the opposition to score a clever try, which remained unconverted. Eastwood later missed an easy kick at goal. Before the game ended Winterburn went across for a try, and, Davis convert-e-d. A little later Wihferburn kicked a field goal, making the score in favour of Rahui 12—6. Mr. Harris was the' referee. . The ganie between Porirua thirds and Rahui juniors did not come up to expectations, Rahui having the better qf the game almost throughout. Their back and forward play was superior to that of the opposition. Rahui foi'ced play from the beginning, and although the Porirua lads played well, they were no match for their opponents. The first score came to Rahui by the solid play of Watts, who, by his quick following up, beat the opposition. Taylor missed a comparatively easy kick. Rahui 3. Porirua nil. Rahui still kept on the attack and tries were "missed by narrow ' margins. • ■ Ultimately Bob Hakaraia crossed the lihe in fine style, and Taylor easily cohverted. Rahui 8, Porirua 0. Porirua accepted forcedowns to relieve their position, but Mudgway evaded the opposition and scored by fast following up. Taylor missed the uprights. Spasmodic attempts were made by Porirua to relieve the tension, but their efforts were short lived and it was seldom that they reached the half-way flag. The second half saw Rahui still on the attack and Ted Fox was not long in securing a runaway tfy to score at the post. Julius missed the bar. Wylie finished up by scoring a well-earned try near the comer, which Taylor faiied to convert. The final score was Rahui 17. Porirua nil. Mr. Harris officiated as referee. ' • After the match players and supporters sat down to an excellent repast, provided by Mrs. Royal at tlie Anglican Hall. Tlie building was more than comf ortably • filled and a happy time was passed. Mr. Hugh Moffatt, the popular president of the elub, presided, and was supported by such well-known and capable enthusiasts- as Messrs. C. Pussell and A. Watts. Mr. Moffatt extended a hearty welcome to the visitors. Tribute was paid to Mr. Pussell for his fine work, to the caterers and others who had assisted. He ' hoped Porirua would carry away pleasant recollections of their visit. He expressed pleasure that the matches had been arranged. Mr. A. Watts endorsed the remarks, and referred to the wonderful spirit in which the games had been played. All had proved good sports. Mr. Harry Branch. extended thanks to the visitors- for making the trip, and in consequence the enjoyable games played. Pleasing reference was. made to the fine work of Mr. C. Pussell for the great interest he had taken in the matches, and Mr. Pussell, in reply, state'd that he had been amply repaid ' by ' witnessing such good games, and the friendly spirit in, which all had been played. Mr. Doug. Smith also referred to the friendly spirit which had prevailed. Mr. Wineera, coach for the Porirua team, stated that the trip lia'd been worthwhile. All had enjoyed not only the games, but the hospitality of the members of the Rahui Club. In previous years he had been a player. This was his first year as a coach and he had enjoyed it. He hoped for better success in the future. He looked forward to the event becoming an annual one. Mr. Playle (Porirua) also extend-

ed thanks for the hospitality extended, and said it was evident his team had lacked physical training. Mr. Churchill, endorsed the remarks and referred to? the 'fine spirit in which" all games were played. * , , Thanks were also extended to Mr. Harris for acting as referee. Mr. Harris stated - that it had been a pleasure to referee. i A tribute was paid to the Press, 'Mr. Nicolson replying.