RUGBY FOOTBALL

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 255, 20 June 1932, Page 7

RUGBY FOOTBALL

C. HUNT BENEFIT OPOTIKI BEATS TE PUKE 8-3 IN GOOD OPEN GAME POINTLESS FIRST SPELL Saturday's benefit match between Opotiki and Te Puke resulted in a win for Opotiki 8-3 after a particujarly well fought game in which neither side was able to score during the first half. Te Puke kicked off and toolc play into Opotiki's 25 where they gained the advantage in a scrum. An infringement by Opotiki gave Te Puke a penalty, but Morgan failed to score. From a line-out, Opotiki took play to Te Puke's 25, but only to be forced back to their own , ground where Jones, securing from a scrum, managed to clear to half way for Opotiki. Te Puke securing from the lineout sent the ball across field, Kingi gaining possession for Opotiki, took the play to Te Puke's 25. From a line out, Kelly gained possession to pass to Hawkins who found the line again in Te Puke's corner. Te Puke managed to force play downfield but Opotiki returned and compelled a force down. Up and down play ensued, during which Hawkins and Burton found touch for Opotiki. Fast following up by Opotiki eventually made Te Puke force to find relief. Opotiki pressed Te Puke hard from the kick off until after a series of kicks, Te Puke found touch in the Opotiki 25. Opotiki backs, gaining the advantage, took play back to Te Puke's area, but only to be sent back to mid field. Jones, securing from a line out, passed to Kelly, who passed to Hawkins, who dropped the ball and a scrummage resulted. Opotiki failed to score after being awarded a penalty, but from the kick off Wolfenden, gaining possession, was forced out'in making a determined attempt to score. Fast play ensued up and down the field, during which Black and Kingi combined in some nice inside passing. Half time was called without any score. Second Spell. From half way, Te Puke forced play down field, and eventually secured a penalty from which Had- ' leigh, taking the kick, added 3 points for Te Puke. From the kick the ball went into Te Puke's area and back again to Opotiki's goal line. Opotiki gained relief when they were awarded a penalty owing' to a Te Puke player lying on the ball in a scrum. The relief was only temporary, however, as Te Puke soon brought the play back and Opotiki had to force. ! From the kick, Kingi followed up ; fast for Opotiki and forced the ball out of play at the half way line. A penalty from the line out, enabled Black to find the line again between the half and the 25. Several kicks and line outs followed, until good forward play by Kelly took the ball from the Opotiki half to Te. Puke's goal line, where several forwards took the leather over for Opotiki's first try. Black failed to do any good with the kick, leaving the score . 3 all. ; J L. Kelly securing from the half | way kick, found touch in Te Puke's 25. Up and down play ensued, imtil Opotiki again found touch. Black took a kick for Opotiki after the line out, but failed to raise the flags. Opotiki kept the play in Te Puke's area until the defenders forced. From a line out following the kick, Jones secured for Opotiki and the ball travelled along the back line to Kingi who put in a fast run to score ■ for Opotiki in the corner. Black added the points with the kick. : Opotiki 8, Te Puke 3. The game j ended without further score.