LAST-MINUTE PENALTY SAVES HOROWHENUA

Chronicle (Levin), 2 August 1948, Page 4

LAST-MINUTE PENALTY SAVES HOROWHENUA

Horowhenua were lucky to draw witlq(gu§h: in the junior representative' piatch for the "Gillespie ' Cup, which was played aS the main feature on the LeVin ''Park Domain. Although Horowhenua led 9 — 0 at the end of the first spell, in the second Bush stopped throwing the ball about and, playing a forward game, had a three-point lead shortly" before t'me. ' A'lkst-miiiute penalty enabled Horowhenua to equalise. Bush fielded a much heavier team than Horowhenua. Their forwards were 'Last and 'their back-line reliable,, ,but they were disconcerted in the early stages by the sea of mud. For the start the visitors set the pace/witfi the halfback, G. Davi'd, showing uji we.l. Then as Horowhenua sent back infield and play went to the other end of the ground, Wikaira went over from a ruck with the bali in his arms, R. Judd failed to convert. Horowhenua 3, Bush 0. Shortly afterwards, N, Simpson scored from a like movement, Judd failing to collect the extras. Horowhenua 6, Bush 0. Some time passed before the score was changed. Both teams made sallies, but each was repulsed in turn. For Bush W. Thompson and C. Schroder on the wing were repeatedly dangerous,- whiie R. Cooper at full-back made some good saves. One of the most outstanding players on the field was H. Ropfita, Horowhenua's fullback. Never flustered and seldom caught, this player gave one of the brightest demonstrations of kicking seen in local footbail for some time. Although the ball was wet, greasy and heavier than usual, Ropata effortlessly kicked some wonderful shots. Wikaira dashed throug'h the Bush defence to make an opening with B. Marshall and R. Desgrande backing him up. The bail went to R. Judd, who dived over. Judd failed to convert. Horowhenua 9, Bush 0. Early in the second half Bush were awarded a .penalty near the posts, after forcing Horowhenua to give' ground. Horowhenua 9, Bush 3. This was quickly followed with anotheif attack and David dashed across. the line to score. Cooper failed to convert. Horowhenua 9, Bush 6. A further penalty was kicked by Cooper to make the score 9 all. Then for handling the; ball in a scrum Horowhenua were' penalised and Cooper' had no trouble in turning it to good account. Bush 12, Horowhenua 9. Time * was drawing very near when Horowhenua attacked along the northern wing and were awarded a penalty near half-way. The drop-kick resulted in a further penalty, this time nearer the posts and H. Ropata sent the ball sailin,g over. Horowhenua 12, Bush 12. The referee was Mr. D. McMillan.