FOOTBALL.

Otaki Mail, Volume 26, 10 September 1919, Page 4

FOOTBALL.

HUI MAI (9) V. OTAKI (3). This match was played at Manakau and resulted in favour of the home boys. From the kick-off Otaki made the pace a cracker, and were within an aec. of scoring on many occasions, but the hoind backs came to .the rescue every time. In the first twenty minutes it was hard to pick which was the j better team, and it was well near halfj time when Jack Kansfield broke away t and scored first blood for Hui Mai. King I just missed the uprights. | On changing ends the visitors set a j solid pace,"especially the forwards, get- | ting away with tlio ball at their toes on j many occasions; but the defence of the j home backs saved many a certain try. j In a scramble near the. half-way the j ball was sent out by the visitors’ half- | back, and'Bowdep made a dive but was spoiled, .Emery mulling the ball. Shortly after this Mita Davis, Hui Mai’s half: back, got the ball from near half-way, beat the opposing backs, and scored amidst applause. The kick at goalagain missed —-Hui Mai 6, Otaki 0. From this on the visitors attacked. In a mix-up near the lino Fogdcn marked and Napier kicked a fine goal. Hui Mai 6, Otaki 3. It was now thought that if luck changed the visitors would win, as the home lads were pinned near their line, but just before time Joe Kansfield got the ball and, beating Emery and Keriona, just managed to get over Puna, collaring him right on the line after a big run. The kick at goal again missed. Shortly after the final whistle came with Otaki hard at it, and the game ended 9-3: Although Hui Mai won, the visitors were equal; in fact, played a good game, and were unlucky in not making a draw. Mr Horo Karauti controlled the game. For the winners, Silbery at full played the game of his life, and saved many a certain try. Joe Ransfield, H. Koyal, and T. Te Hiwi on the threequarter line played ding-dong games, while the five-eighths, Boha and W. Te Hiwi, also did their share. Mita Davis at half was first rate, and was responsible for all the scores.' In the forwards all played well, Jack and C. Kansfield being perhaps a shade above the rest. Tau I’ere on the wing also showed up. For the losers. Keriona at full would be better on the line, and in the three-quarter division Napier was the only one at home. Emery and Kate wore failures. Bowden, Fogden and Puna were the pick of the backs, especially Bowden, who saved splendidly. August on the wing did useful work, and smothered nicely. All the forwards played a real stunning game. If the selector makes a change in the backs it would bo a good thing "to Change the full-back and a threequarter.