FOOTBALL.

Otaki Mail, 7 May 1923, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

SATURDAY'S RESULTS. Seniors: Foxton v. Shannon at Foxton, fi—o. L- vin v. Weraroa at Levin, (5 —0. i ii Mai v. Otaki at Manakau, (i—3. Juniors, (Southern) : Te Horo v. Paraparaumu at Te Horo, 21—0. Hui Mai v. Otaki at Otaki, 3—3. Thirds: To Horo v. Otaki at Otaki, 12—3. Hui Mai v. Jvuku at Manakau, 3—3 Schools: Convent v. State at Otaki, o —3. HUI MAI v. OTAKI, 6—3.

Lke Otaki team journeyed to Manakau and were beaten by three points —two tries to a penalty goal. From the. kick-off the visitors made the pace fast, and Hui Mai forced thrice in succession, tries being disallowed by the referee for unknown purposes. The first score was secured by “Bun” Tahiwi, who kicked a penalty from a failangle. Soon after this the the gamy became very fast, both sides doing their best. Several players nearly scored on many occasions. Just before thy call of half-time Meta Davis secured a pass and scored at the corner. The kick at goal failed. Half-time sounded with the scores 3 all. The second half saw very good play, both sides again doing their utmost Players on several occasions just failed to reach the line and at times the whistle sounded when a try looked to lie a certainty. Roughness at times predominated and players were cautioned. Tana (Hui Mai) was ordered off the field for deliberate kicking. About ten minutes from time P. Ransfield got over in a fair position but Wallace failed wilh the kick at goal. From this on, Otaki’s chances were feeble. Time sounded with the home team three points to the good. Mr Horo Ivarauti controlled the game. For the winners, Bevan, at full, was fair. Meta Davis, P. Ransfield and Wallace all did their share, while the five-eighths, Hiwi and Roha, did fairly well. Wa.ka, at half, worked well The forwards all shone out, their weight giving them to advantage. For the losers Taipua did well, while in the three-quarter line D-’Ath and Tahiwi Bros shone out, the termer in particular. He played one of the best games and may find the rep. selector’s eye. Batchelor, at five-eighths, played a sterling game, but King was off colour. Hapi Hakaraia, behind the pack, did his best, while in the forwards everyone, viz., W. D’Ath, Bevan, K. Hakaraia, Rhodes, Ropata, Ruua. Robinson and Takerei, gave a good exhibition.

HUI MAI (Juniors) v. OTAKI.

This game played at Otaki on a rough ground was a patchy one, but should have been won by tho home team. In the first half the forwards pressed repeatedly, but the backs, chiefly from ; lack of knowledge of the game, failed to make use of the opportunities af- , forded them. Time and again the ball was nicely sent out, but to very little advantage. Only for a few minutes were the visitors over the half-way line, and it was from here that Winterburn made a sensational run. He outpaced the opposing back and scored a fine try. Tuna failed at goal. The second j half was much more interesting, and i after Mold had scored for Manakau the f. game became both fast and willing and play was of a better standard. A few good pissing bouts were indulged in and scores narrowly averted. No further score was registered and thus the game ended in a draw —3 all. Mr Udy was referee. The Otaki forwards played splendidly, but apart from this other players were mediocre.

The Te Horo-Otaki (thirds) match does not call for special mention, flic Te Horo-ites had the advantage and deserved their game, 12 —3. Mr Udy was referee.