FOOTBALL.

Otaki Mail, Volume 26, 8 October 1919, Page 4

FOOTBALL.

HUI MAI (6) V. OTAKI (3). This game was played on the College grounds, was witnessed by a fair crowd, and resulted as stated above. The home boys won the toss and played with the wind in their favour. From the kickoil' they made things hum, and were within an ace of scoring, but hard kicking spioiled many chances. Hui Mai had to force on many occasions in a very short time. AVlien nearing half-

time the home boys scored. The ball came from a good forward rush, Bowden and August by good following beat all opposition, enabling the first-named to touch down amidst applause. Napier was entrusted with the kick at goal, but failed. Half-time sounded a few minutes later with Hui Mai defending. Otaki 3, Hui Mai nil.

On changing ends it was thought the visitors would pile on a score, but the home lads stuck to it, especially- the forwards, and never looked a beaten team. Play travelled up and down field, and it was seen that if luck kept with the home boys they would be victors. With about a quarter of an hour to go, Ahern, intriguing to intercept a pass by the visitors’ half, Taraka. missed and gave them an opening. Turake took the ball within a few yards of the line and transferred it to Meta Davis, who raced over and scored in a handy position. He took the kick at goal himself, and just missed, the ball striking the cross bar and bouncing back. From this on play was even and looked a moral for a drawn game. Just on time Joe Kausficld was pushed out at the corner flag, and as the referee was doubtful he gave a live yard scrum, and the home boys instead of putting the leather out of play raced for the visitors ’ line, and in a melee near halfway Kolia gathered the ball up, and being uninterrupted had no difficulty [ in getting over at the corner amidst prolonged applause. The kick at goal I missed, and the game thus ended. ' Mr Tom Parata controlled the game and Messrs Gibson and Koyal had charge' of the lines. For the winners Silbery at full played a magnificent game and saved certain tries. In the three-quarter line Mita Davis was the pick, Tc Hiwi (-) also showed up to advantage, while at halfback the veteran Tarake displayed some of his old form, and through his heady tactics the game was won. Pat Koto on the wing was a hard nut to crack. In the pack Iloha and the Kansiield Bros, jvere a shade above the rest. For the losers Giddens at full played a sound gam?, and in the ihreequarter line Napier and Arapaca showed up at times. Bakc-r was the only failure. On the five-eighth mark Puna was not at his best. Fogdeu at half also played a great game. Ahern on the wing displayed fine football, and in the pack Tong Bevan was the best forward on the ground, and was ably assisted by I August, Better, Winterburn, Tuna, and Webby. If Otaki had backs as good @s j their forwards they would be hard to | beat