RUGBY FOOTBALL

Opotiki News, Volume II, Issue 228, 1 September 1939, Page 2

RUGBY FOOTBALL

TO-MORROW’S BIG SHIELD CAME THE SELECTED TEAMS Great interest has been arousedthroughout- the Bay of Plenty in the final match to be played for the Huri■ini A.panui Alemci'ial Shield. Vvhich is at present held by ihe OpeTiuki senior* representatives. The Rangitaiki. supporters are confident that the shield will return to the Plains, while Opotiki supporters are equally confident that the coveted trophy will lie retained. 'J'he Opotiki players -liavebeen training hard and the team should he a much stronger combination than the Opotiki .fifteen which played last year’s holders to a draw,, and were very unlucky not to. win. One or two points will need to be watched carefully by the Opotiki side. The hacks in particular will need to forget everything they have ever heard of “anticipation” and also yroinember that the visitors are adept's at- dummying. Players will need" to go tortile man with the ball-every time. The inside hacks in the Opotiki team are particularly strong this .season with good penetration and) scoring ability. The forwards are particularly fit and should be capable of playing at a fast rate until the final whistle. The teams are as follows: — Oputiki (Holders) Full-back, J. M'jhaerc. Three-quarters, F. Starky. C. Walker, R. Alelvenzie. Five-eighths. N. Sim Boon. R. Jones. Half, 11. Lendrum. Forwards, T. Walker ; Al. Dohiniere, B. Tairua, Alaui Dekunore, H. Walker; Ik Farren,. 1. Walker, H. Ashdown.' Emergencies: hacks, £4. Williams. N Sheeran. -J. Walker; forwards. Ranapia, Al. Maun sell, Albert. Rangitaiki (Challengers) • Full-back, Cl Francis.. Three-quarters, AL Howell, R. Lees. S. Renata. Five-eighths. E : . Howell. Al. Lee's. Half, R. Howell. Forwards. L. Gardiner; V. Moore, P. Tama, T. Wliiteley, J. Schooner; J. Knorina, IT. Carter, T. Lees. Emergencies: forwards, T. Pa i kes, T. Kakalmu. R. Thompson; hacks. Wl Kaipara. A. Rolia, B. Savage. 'J'he curtain-raiser to the Shield game will he played between Opotiki 3rd. grade representatives and High School Old ,Boys juniors.