RUGBY FOOTBALL

Opotiki News, Volume II, Issue 218, 9 August 1939, Page 4

RUGBY FOOTBALL

MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE • REPRESENTATIVE! FIXTURES The following were present at the weekly ,meeting of the management committee of the Opotiki llugby Union: Messrs. T. Hickey (chairman), D. Marjoribanks, D. .Beattie, W. Hurrett, F. Chapman, 'J’. Black, JL Roberts, \ . Sothefan, M. Delamere and the secretary (Mr. D. Bennett). The referee’s report on the junior game between Old Boys and Torero, played on Saturday last, was considered. After bearing the referee’s statement of the offence it was moved and carried that the referee’s action be upheld and tlie player severely cautioned!. Arrangements for the Shield representative match to he played at 'iauranga, were discussed. It- was decided that tlie players would leave at 6 p.jn. on Friday, and return to Opotiki on Saturday night. Messrs. Hickey and Sotheran were appointed jointmanagers. The managers were iu si meted to endeavour to arrange ioi replacements throughout the match

Shalloon Shield! Match.—Advice w-i..j received that the Rotorua l; 1110:1 has lodged a complaint regarding one playei in the Rangitaiki team wvicb defeated thc> Rotorua team. Opotiki’s challenge for the shield will now be played on August 19. Third Grade Reps.—The secretary was instructed to endeavour to arrange a match for thei thir l grade representatives against the Whakataue representatives on August 2U as a curtain-raiser to the Bay in a hen. Return Match.—Tlie .secretary was instructed to offer August 2(> as a date for a return match with the Waikohu representatives. WAIKOHU BEATEN OPOTIKI’S SECOND HALF EFFORT A representative Rugby match was placed between; Opotiki and! 'Waikolui on Saturday at Opotiki and resulted in a win tor Opotiki 11 points to 3. Waikohu played with the sun in their favour in the first half. Opotiki started off well well and reached the visitors’ 2d. Shalloon put in a smart run and passed to tbe wing who just failed to take the pass. with, a good run in. Waikohu then invaded the heme territory. A penalty was given against Opotiki near hall-wav and the visitors had an unsuccessful try to goal. Opotiki then rushed 1 the ball close up to the goal-line but Waikohu cleared to half-way. . Opotiki again swept up the field and Jones found an opening. A Waikohu player picked i!)i and ran over the goalline to clear smartly. Play remained for some time in tlie "Waikohu half. Waikoiim had another shot at goal from near half-way but the ball fell far short of the mark. Opotiki pressed the visitors back and nearly managed to get over the line lint the tackling of the visitors was too sound. Tight play followed and then the ball beat* Le Pine and play was in the Opotiki half. From a scrum near tin' centre Shalloon cut in smartly. A hard struggle took place near the Waikohu line but sound defence again baffled tlie Opotiki side. An infringement in the Opotiki half saw Waikohu ( pen their score with a beautiful goal. Waikohu 3

Opotiki 0 Just before .half-time Le Pine found the line well in the visitors’ territory with a very long kick. Despite many likely chances. Opotiki, who had had the better of play, had not been able to cross the line when half-time was called.

Soon after resuming Slmfoon broke away hut- lost the hall and an easy chance was missed by the following forwards. Opotiki went down to the Waikohu line. A penalty against the visitors saw Maui .Delamore take a fairly easy shot at goal, hut the ball missed. The visitors were again penalised for an offence in the ruck. The visitors took play to the Opotiki line where Shnlfoon forced!. Opotiki rushed play into Waikohu territory. From a scrum J. Walker kicked down to bounce the hall over the side-line. A smart throw-in by Opotiki caught the visitors napping and Opotiki scored. Slmlfoon converted. Opotiki ,f » Waikohu 3 The Opotiki hacks handled nicely in sx passing bout and McKenzie ran over the line but did hot dive and was caught and thrown out. The Opotiki. back line again handled well an.] Starkey took a pass to cross well out. Delamore took the kick and

missed. Opotiki 8 Waikohu 3 Opotiki had matters all their own way at this stage and nearly got over again. Half a minute later H. Walker scored near five line and the kick vva - unsuccessful. Opotiki II > Waikohu 3 % The Opotiki hacks were prominnut light up to tho Whistle.