EXCELSIOR (3) V. OTAKI (2).

Otaki Mail, Volume 26, 20 June 1919, Page 3

EXCELSIOR (3) V. OTAKI (2).

The unanimous verdict of spectators and players alike at Levin on Wednesday was that the Otaki-Exc.elsior

match was a fast and interesting one from start to finish. The visiting boys, exhibiting good form, forced the gatin' from the “bully-off”- and in record time had Excelsior staving off strong attacks, each of which were met in fine style by Hook (Levin’s goal-keeper). Time and again play was in the Levin territory, but by injudicious hitting b> Otaki the ball was sent wide of the uprights. In turu'Leyiii attacked, but tlie back play of the visitors was also sound. Ultimately, G. Avre, who was

playing a solid game, sent a nice one between the posts, making Otaki L Levin nil. Go the spell ended. The second half was equally as in-

teresting as the first, but Levin must la* credited with playing a better game. Their combination had improved, and thev certainly put in good work.. In quick time, and in splendid style, they scored three goals—Tuohy, Broughton, and Pink beating the opposing backs. 'This apparently had the effect of livening up the visitors, who, by more

“ginger.”., faced, their opponents, on a filing Fail-ley. who played .reliably throughout. to shoot a beauty. It. struck the goal-keeper, and fiouitced through the top. From this onslaughts in both halves were frequent, good liookev was witnessed, and it was only fiy splendid defensive play by both sides that the, scores were not increased.

Eor the winners, Hook, in goal, saved his side from defeat. Time and again the Otaki lads pressed him and sent along some hot stufi. but lie was equal to the occasions, and the two goals registered against him was not through faulty play. Williams was the mainstay in the lialf-linc and played a sterling game. He made no mistakes. Howard Bell also was conspicuous by good play, his hitting being equal to the best, while Smith proved an able support. Claridgd did a large amount of useful work, and exhibited much of his old dash. Younger members of the dufi also shaped well, and with fuither coaching should give good accounts of themselves in future matches. Some of the forwards, however, were a little over-eager, and were inclined 1o get off-side.

Knox, in goal, for Otaki, played creditably, especially as he is a now player. Ingram was also reliable, but Gordon was inclined to speculate and use one hand only. With those defects remedied he might prove a useful boy. •T. Avre, Fairley and Batten put in

good work, while the forwards, wore til! reliable. All hit splendidly: and it was by hard luck that they failed to increase the score. Messrs G. Noble and H. Nicolson were referees.

TE TIORO (5) V. TAINUI (2)

An interesting championship match was played on the Otaki Domain on ( between representatives of tltc above clubs. Early in ihe game Tainui put kip a tine game and scored just after the start. After this To Horo got into their stride, and made 1 the pace a* mfcrry one. Tainui lacked [ both form and condition, while le Horo had the advantage of both, and mttlcd five goals in good stylo, while their opponents added one only. "With | 1 better form, no doubt, the game would Pave been of a more even nature, and in the future it is expected Tainui will put ttp a better fight. IVintcrburn and Kohu scored for Tainui. while Fitzgerald scored four goals and Cottle one for the winners. Eor the home team the two scorers, Bowden and Ferguson, were tiie best players, while for To Horo Fitzgerald. Best. Cottle, Allen. Slade, Marino, and Jamieson were all reliable. G. Noble acred as referee. NOTES. Bv a strange coincidence the motorbus carrying the Otaki hockey players came to a standstill on Wednesday night just as the boys commenced to sing ‘‘Roll the Old Chariot Along.” Despite an hour or so of persuasive powers, and the frantic efforts of the boys to push the bns along, very slow progress was made. Each in fur,, suggested a remedy, some of which would ' have resulted in tht* demolition of the - : motor if acted, upon, while the advice : "of others was tried. The. engine was 1 I started again and again, bur only last--1 ed lon c enough to carry the passengers ! a few yards, until, finally, the boys 1 I reached their homes, bur not before f ' condemning what they considered the r worst brand ol benzine this side of the ? equator. It appears that dirt front the benzine had blocked one of the pipes.