RUGBY FOOTBALL

Opotiki News, Volume I, Issue 70, 15 August 1938, Page 3

RUGBY FOOTBALL

HURIN US .SHIELD- MATCH

OPOTIKI’S GREAT DISPLAY

RANGITAIKI’S LUCKY DRAW

For the third time in the Hurinui Apaniti Memorial Shield competitions, the Opotiki senior representatives have played a drawn game against Rangitaiki '(holders). The Opotiki team left Opotiki with practically no local, support, tlie general opinion being that it was a waste of time to send the team away, particularly as two of the star men. Poiliipi and Wateue, would not he playing. However, the Opotiki side decided to put up a game fight and they excelled themselves. and in a great battle were very unlucky indeed not to- have annexed the coveted shield, the game ending in a draw. ’l’lie challengers secured an unconverted try to a penalty goal. The Opotiki side had the advantage throughout and led until near the end of the game, when the Rangitaiki full-back. Francis, put over a magnificent goal. RATANA CUP MATCH ANOTHER .WIN FOR. OMAIO

The Omaio Maori Rugby team retained the Ratana Cup against a strong challenge from the Waimana Maori team. The- scores were; Omaio 14 points, Waimana 8 points. The match was played at Omaio on Saturday. August- 6th. The team fielded by the. visitors was a very strong one and they were unlucky in not beating the holders of the cup. The game was one of the fastest and hardest played on the Omaio field for some years and towards the last ten minutes became very rough., resulting in two players being ordered off the field. The game was controlled by I’. Poiliipi. A challenge by the Tauranga Maori team has been received and accepted, and will be played at Omaio on August 20. The game will .again lie refereed by MY P. Poiliipi.