CURTAIN RAISER

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 573, 3 July 1933, Page 3

CURTAIN RAISER

BRIGHT SCHOOL GAME As a curtain-raiser to the shield match, Whakatane and Opotiki High Schools provided the spectators with some good football, the game being very interesting throughout. -The Opotiki boys put on eight points to their opponents' three during the first spell and the final whistle saw them win a very even game hy eight points to six. Jephson received from the Whakatane kick-off and cleared for the visiting forwards to take play to Opotiki's twenty-five where a penalty gave relief. Walker intercepted for Opotiki, but had no support and again Whakatane had play on their opponents' line. Mokomoko, however, got his side out of trouble with a good line kick and thence Opotiki went to the attack and Whakatane were defending hard. Donner made a nice opening to let Mokomoko away, this player being pushed out when nearly over. A penalty to the visitors allowed them to clear to their twenty-five where, from the lineout, Jephson went through fast to get the visiting fullback in possession. Donner spoilt a good movement by cutting in when he should have passed and again Whakatane cleared. Cave went through well and took play to the Whakatane twenty-five where Walker received to dummy well and go over for a good try. Jephson converted with a good kick and put his side five points up. Opotiki 5, Whakatane nil. The visitors immediately rushed play to the local twenty-five and from a good passing rush, they scored a splendid try at the corner. The kick missed and the scores read. Opotiki 5, Whakatane 3. Hard forward play followed at midfield, Whakatane eventually rushing play to Opotiki's twenty-five Walker cleared for his side and put it out at halfway. Stewart and S'mith headed a good local forward rush and kicked for Mokomoko to follow through, recover the ball on the bounce and go over for a good try which was not converted. Opotiki 8, Whakatane 3. Whakatane were pressing hard and lost a good chance when the winger dropped his pass when in a scoring position. Frequent penalty kicks to Opotiki saved them Jephson eventually lining just outside his twenty-five. Again the visitors rushed to the attack and Opotiki sought relief in a force down. Another splendid Whakatane back rush was spoilt by a knoekon. Smith showed up in good forward play for Opotiki and was ably supported by Stewart and Jephson. The visitors' winger was nearly over Mokomoko saving well and kicking out at his twenty-five. Halftime came with the scores. Opotiki 8, Whakatane 3. Opotiki kicked off and Whakatane immediately rushed to- their opponents' territory for Donner to clear well. The local-forwards counter attacked into Whakatane territory where their wing cleared with a good kick. Again the visitors went to the attack and a good passing rush ended in them scoring a try near the corner. The kick failed. Opotiki 8, Whakatane 6. The Opotiki inside hacks appeared to be overdoing the cut in and spoiling several promising movements although Walker nearly scored when he once went through on his own. The Whakatane fullback cleared well and his forwards carried on into Opotiki territory, Whakatane nearly notched three points from a penalty kick a good effort just missing. Play was hard and fast in the local twentyfive when Smith broke away and saved with a great run to his opponents' twenty-five. Again the visitors came away in a good movement and were unfortunate not to score. Walker was putting in some good work for his team and saved well on several occasions. He broke away and went downfield with Donner in support. This player crossed the line but was brought back, a scrum resulting. The visitors cleared to halfway, but Smith returned play to near the Whakatane line. A penalty gave Whakatane relief on their own line and this was fielded for a local back to kick into touch in the visitors' territory. The bell rang for time, leaving Opotiki the winners after a good, well contested game. Opotiki 8, Whakatane 6. Mr. Wilkinson was referee.