RUGBY FOOTBALL

Opotiki News, Volume II, Issue 205, 10 July 1939, Page 2

RUGBY FOOTBALL

SATURDAY’S GAMES The -match between Te Tuia ami City seniors on Saturday was a rather ragged exhibition, although at times there were flashes of good play. Tlio ground was very slippery ancl this had the effect of spoiling many of the movements. A few of the backs handled well but others did not appear to give or take passes and spoilt the attacks. There was also too much of a tendency to run outwards instead of running straight. Both teams were short of players at the commencement but the deficiencies were made' up as the game progressed. Lendrum, who‘played half for City, played a really outstanding, game aiul was in the thick of everything and had to stand up to somcJ hard tackles. Alclvenzie did not have many chances to show up but played a very steady game. For Te Huia MVrnita and Alaui Delamere wenoutstanding, the former in particular playing really well and shows steady improvement.

Te Huia commenced the game by pushing City back and the attackers’ backs nearly broke through. Play then went to the City quarter-way; and Te Huia were driven hack to half-wav by/ a nice passing rush- by the (_ ity backs. City then kicked over the dead ball line. A nice- run by Collins took play into City’s quarter. A penalty sign in st Te Huia gave relief anil City penetrated into Te HuiaX territory. City got down on the defenders’ linebut could not get over. Lendrum then, madci a good attempt- to pot a- goal, the ball going just; under the bar. The same player then had a penalty kick at goal hut the bait went Hi little wide. Citv were penalised when Lendrum passed off the ground and the kick gained a lot el. ground. City were again penalised and Alaui Delameretook a long kick at goal but the half fell very short. Both sides were penalised and then City forced. Soon, afterwards Ashdown took a free kick, and opened City score: City 3 To Huia ■j'j 0 Te Huia again went down to the City line but an infringement -spoilt the attack. Offside play by City gave a little assistance. Te Huia then went forward again but an infringement stopped the rush. Alonita Delamere secured and put in a strong run. fending off tac-k,lers but was finally well tackled before reaching the line. City then drove Te Huia back to their own. line and a force resulted. City had a chance at goal from a handy position but Lendrurn’s kick missed. City scored soon afterwards when Collins touched dawn in the centre. An easy kick missed. Half-time was given soon afterwards with the scores: City - b Te Huia b On resuming City took the initiative and went down on to Te Turn’s line.. A penalty kick was taken by Ashdown who missed by a narrow margin. Even play took place for a whileanil then City picked out- near the 'I e Huia line but- a force resulted from the line-out. City were penalised in the Te Huia -6 and then a To Huia player gat- offside. City kicked the ball down to the line andi then To Huia put in a very good dash down the field and nearly reached the City goalline. A scrum was given ancl Lendrum secured and play went to hall-way. where Newth got offside. Te Huia then rushed! to the City line hut a. scrambletook place and Alonita Delamere touched down. The kick 1 ailed. City b Te Huia 3 Te Huia pressed hard for some timeand had City busily engaged defending The attackers were penalised torappealing to the referee and the City kick wm.it out in the corner. A force followed. Te Huia rushed to the other end and then City attacked and a score resulted. Le- Pine’s kick at goal went low. City *> Te Huia : 3 Time was called soon afterwards without further score. The senior match was preceded by a 3rd. grade game betweeir City amt High School, the former. winning by 8 points to 3. Twoi juniors games were played mi Connelly’s paddock, the results being; Torero 8, v. 0.A1.P. 3. City 9 v. Te Huia 8. Air; AY. A. Jephson was referee.