SCHOOL FOOTBALL

Hokitika Guardian, 28 August 1931, Page 2

SCHOOL FOOTBALL

WEST CHRISTCHURCH D.H.S V. HOKITIKA D H.S.

(Contributed)

It was most unfortunate that such bad weather prevailed for the football match which was played at Cass Squa.e on .Monday afternoon. Notwithstanding most adverse conditions which ordinarily militate against elfecthe handling and good back play, the game reached a high standard in both forward and hack movements. From the commencement until the call of time both teams played'aggressively, and. the game was erow.hd with bright incidents. During the first half of the game, there were many attempts on both sides to open up the play, but the spell ended with no score.

When play was resumed, West Christchurch temporarily held the advantage, and from a concentrated forward movement took play to the home 25, where a mis-kick by one of the defenders gave Dempsey an opportunity, and fielding beautifully, he scored in the corner after a determined run. West Christchurch 3, Hokitika nil.

West maintained the pressure, and from loose play in front of the goal, Baldwin sent on to Dailey who, when blocked, essayed a pot which wa§ successful.

West Christchurch 7; Hokitika nil. This was followed shortly after by a splendid run down the line the fast winger, O’Brien, who, when well stopped by Rtapjetop, lost possession pear the goal, enabling Hokitika to clear. The reversal spurred the Hokitika hoys to renewed effort, and in a good combined movement, they quickly transferred play to West’s goal line, where a period of hard tight play ensued. From a scrum near the goal line, the local forwards, who had been getting a good deal of the ball from the scrunis, hooked to Cox who cleverly'evaded the opposition to score in a handy -position. Adamson converted against the wind.

West Christchurch 7, Hokitika o. vrom then on, the 'vest boys appeared to tire, and Hokitika held the ascendancy until the call of time. In a game in which all played l so consistently, it would he difficult to individualize, hut in Lake, West Christchurch had an outstanding forward, while Crisp at half-hack showed considerable resource. In the home team, Bradley in the forwards and Cox at half-back were the pick of a hard-work ing side. Considering the lack of opportun ties to gain combination and to improve their team work, the performance of the Hokitika boys was indeed creditable. ' Mr H. J. Mackie of West Christchurch wa s referee.