HARD GAME RESULTS IN WIN FOR ATHLETIC

Chronicle (Levin), 3 May 1948, Page 4

HARD GAME RESULTS IN WIN FOR ATHLETIC

Vigorous and at times spectacu- 1 lar football, coupled with grim determination, gave Athletic the verdict in their match against Hui Mai at the Levin Park Domain. The game was hard fought and the final score, 16 points to nihe, scatcely reflected the run of play. Fi'om the opening whistle Athletic cracked on the pace. Hui Mai gave ground and were soon fighting hard to keep the forwards away from the scormg line. First points came to Athletic early when, from a clearing kick, W. Galloway snapped .up the ball and sent over a magnifieent field goal. Athletic 3, Hui Mai 0. It was becoming increasingly obvious that Athletic were going to be a hard team to defeat and this can' be accounted for only by their excellent team - work. Individual efforts by players on both sidss,; although adding some sparkle to the match, did not gain points. Hui Mai's defnce was good but Athletic's was even better. The concerted tackling, especially that of the backs, was excellent and will prove a great standby. Hui Mai then put all their resources into an attack afid Succeeded in penetratlng to their opponent's line. A penalty was awarded and H. Cook missed an easy shot at the posts. Shortly after this G. Bryant, who olayed a great game at breakaway, snapped up the ball from a ruck and dived over the line. Cook failed to convert. Athletic 3, Hui Mai 3. From the kick-off Hui Mai once again pressed hard. They looked dangerous when Cook took the ball and shot it out to A. Saunders, who race'd away With it only the Athletic full-back, T. Cameron, in his way. The ball went back to Cook and the return to Saunders was foiled by Cameron. The opportunity was lost and Athletic reformed their defence. Attacking movements by Athletic *ollowed, and after tWo attempts on the part of R. Stevens and G. Sciascia had failed, N. Fee gathered-the ball in and went across the line between the posts. Galloway conVerted. Athletic 8, Hui Mai 3. In a valiant attempt to even the score, Hui Mai forced their opponents back to their own twentyfive. L. R, Robinson had the ball and was within three yards of the line when he was grassed. It was snatched up by N. Bryant, who dodged over. M. Staples missed the kick. Athletic 8, Hui Mai 6. During the second half the sun was trying and Athletic took every opportunity to use it in f-Leir favour. R. Denton made a run almost to the line, but was tackled . by the Hui Mai full-back, W. Page. In the ensuing battle Athletic was awarded a penalty and Galloway sent over an easy shot. Athletic 11, Hui Mai 6. Hui Mai were now making desperate efforts to stem the tide and for a time Athletic Were hard pressed.- However, Hui Mai were penalised for playing the ball on the ground and the resultant kick by Galloway relieved the pressure. Then L. Carkeek rushed away with the ball and went over with Dentoti and A. Fletcher in support. Galloway converted. Athletic 16, Hui Mai g, ' With ten minutes to go the posi^ion looked *hopeless for Hui Mai. Attack followed attack in hard and fast football. The pace was wearmg but within three; minutes Lloyd Robinson saw his opportunity and dived over the line. Staples failed to convert. Athletic 16, Hui Mai 9. Making a f urther sevcr points proved too much for Hui Mai and although at times they looked very dangerous the time left was insufftcient. - The refer.ee was Mr. D. MeMillan.