FOOTBALL.

Shannon News, 31 July 1925, Page 4

FOOTBALL.

OTAKI (5) V. SHANNON (3).

This in a tcli, played o.u a very muddy lield at Otaki, on Saturday, was robbed of in ter.-st on account of the bad stato of the ground, which was a veritable quagmire. Shannon from the kick off attacked, and forced play till Johansen, playing oiT-si.it*, allowed Otaki a free kick. This relieved, and the Otaki vanguard transferred play to mid-field, only to lie slopped by Hunt, the Shannon full-back. Bevan, however, playing well, lu.aded a rush and with Rhodes, carved the ball to the visitors 5 territory, where Marino, by smart play, went within a few yards of the line. Tifha then had a shot at goal, but tfie kick was a poor one. Honours were even for a tim'e, but Johansen, overanxious, was again ruled off-side, and Otaki got the advantage following the i're k ek. A thick drizzle set in and the ground by this time was well ehurn(ri up. and fast play was out of the question, .shannon headed a fine dribbling nish, while in turn Otaki attacked. Kkodi-s made two strong attempts

n get over, and the second time bump- . i his opponent and scored near the corner. Tuna converted by a splendid kick, and Otaki thus led, s—o.5 —0. Shannon headed off with a loose dribble, ami were unfortunate in not scoring, the ball going out at the corner. Prim shortly after broke away* with the bail at his toe, passed through the backs, and made a great bid for the line. He, however, kicked too hard and the ball went over the d'ead ball line—certainly a piece of hard luck after the fine play. Sti/rgeon then headed Shannon's next rush, but Otaki was making good headway when luma obstructed, thus allowing Hunt to have a place at goal. The attempt failed, but the attack was maintained, till Otaki finally accepted a force. Shortly after Ransfield had a pot at goal, but the ball failed to rise. His side, however, worked hard and the ball passed over Otaki’s line with several players in hot pursuit. The oval, howev'er, crossed the dead-ball line just as Williams touched down. It was hard luck for Shannon. Rhodes was next conspicuous, after which Puna ami Prim caused Shannon to accept a force.

In the second half the visitors showed a determination to win, and played splendidly. They attacked solidly but. Otaki’s defence was sound. Movnihan marked while in a good position but his kick at goal failed. Williams was then prominent, after which Marino speculated and nearly let Shannon over. Ho shortly after made amends and by a fine rush carried the ball to half-way. Later he just missed a score, the ball going out at the corner flag, aft'er a run of 30 yards. Lpose rushes followed, and play was willing, while unseemly play was the means of Matthews being ordered from the field. Play of a mediocre nature followed, the ground being against good play, while players were showing signs of fatigue. McEwen suffered an injury, while towards the closing stages of the game Puti put in a run of sixty yards with, the ball at his toe. He passed his opponents and was about to touch down when he slipped and lost a score. From a loose, rush shortly after Sands scored a good try, but Hunt failed to find the upright, 5—3. Just before time was called Tuna had an unsuccessful shot at goal. Mr. R. Sloan refereed.

For tlie winners all the forwards played well considering the state of the ground. Rhodes was the pick, his dribbling being good. Lima played well, but off-side tactics and obstruction spoiled him. Carter, a junior, playing at full, kicked well, and oftimes got his side, out of difficulties, but Puna and Prim were the mainstays of the backs, although Marino, Pufi, McEwen and B. Tahiwi put in good play. For the losers. Hunt, at full, was good, while Williams, Rainslicld, and O’Laughlon played a sound game. Sands, Moynihan, Sturgeon, and Johansen were the pick of a good set of forwards. Matthews spoiled his play by repeated breaches for off-side.