INTER-SCHOOL RUGBY

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20003, 31 July 1939, Page 8

INTER-SCHOOL RUGBY

MATCH IN OPOTIKI WIN FOR HOME TEAM (Special to tha Herald.) OPOTIKI, this day. The Gisborne High School second fifteen, which visited Opotiki to play their annual match with the Opotiki first fifteen, were defeated on Saturday afternoon, by 19 points to 13, after one of the most exciting games of football seen in Opotiki this season. Both teams played great football on a greasy ground, and the way in which each set of backs threw about a greasy ball, kept the. crowd in constant excitement. The Gisborne team held a verydecided advantage in every department throughout th e first half, at the end of which, they were leading by ilO points to 3, but they could not cope with the determined manner in which the Opotiki forwards set about making up the leeway in the second spell. Two Fast Tries After the commencement of the second half Opotiki scored two tries in quick succession, each of which Brown converted .with good kicks fr'om near the line. With the score at 13-all, Gisborne rallied and again ‘and again went very near scoring, 'but 'the Opotiki defence was too strong.

For 30 minutes the crowd was kept in a fever pitch of excitement as play swung from one end of the field to tne other in quick time. Brown put the issue beyond doubt by converting a brilliant -try that J. Sheeran scored, and also kicking a fine penalty from near half-way. Perhaps the most pleasing feature of the game was the excellent spirit in which all the players participated, and the entire absence of such impediments to good Rugby as high tackling and unnecessarily rough play. In the Opotiki backs J. Sheeran, Brown and K. Hampden played good football, whilst N. Sheeran 'and G. Pier Son were continual sources of trouble for Gisfoorne in the forwards. For Gisborne Cowley at full-back shone, and was said to have been the best full-back seen in Opotiki for many years. His cool, sure handling and accurate line kicking saved Gisborne time and time again in the second spell. Surgenor in Form Surgenor, on the wing, made an excellent showing, and his determined runs down th% line resulted in Gisborne’s only tries. In the forward's no one was outstanding, but all played high quality football. The following gained Opotiki’s points: iN. Sheeran (3), J. Sheeran (1. Brown converted two tries and kicked a penalty. For Gisborne R. Surgenor scored two tries, R. Cowley converting both and kicking a penalty. The Gisborne boys were billeted by members of the Opotiki team and appreciated the kindness with which they were treated. The team thoroughly enjoyed their week-end in Opotiki. " The Gisborne team returned to Gisborne on .Sunday afternoon.