FOOTBALL.

Shannon News, 3 May 1929, Page 4

FOOTBALL.

OTAKI DEFEAT HUI MAI. Otaki, which failed to muster a team last season, has recovered from its day sent out a fine team to meet Hu: Mai. In the first half D. D’Ath scored two nice tries, one of which was converted by Meta, while Dalton scored L. Bevan converting, h 5. In. the seeond half Boh George scored for Hui Mai but Bevan failed to convert, -8«*-8. Then M. Hakaraia, Meta, C. Enoka, K. Hakaraia, and G. Gray scored for Otaki in turn. Meta converted three—29—B, Mr. K. Davis was referroe. The game, the first of the fixtures, was a good one, especially considering that some players were below form. Those in form put up a splendid performance. Otaki is to bo., congratulated on its win, and it is hoped notv that a start has been made that the team will practice and eventually win the honours.' We have the players but practice is necessary. OTAKI JUNIORS SCORE A WIN.* The match, Otaki juniors v. Hui Mai, was played at Otaki and resulted in a win for the home boys, 30—-6. Mr. H. Tahiwi was referee. Otaki defended the northern goal and Hui Mai kicked off. Fafeita put in some dash amongst the forwards, but all the Otaki forwards played a great game. During the first four minutes Ryder dived over to score the first try of the season. Flutey made. e'-ft oor attempt to convert. Otaki ’3, Hui Mai nil. Cheer played a great game in the forwards and Merwood, Metera and Flutey put in some ' dash amongst the backs. Swenson, of Hui Mai, put in good foot 'work amongst the backs. At this time both teams were playing splendidly. Ryder kicked the ball, and Wehipeihana marked. Horn (Hui Mai ; half back) played a nice game then Johnson got the ball from the,, scrum and the whole of Otaki backs handled] the oval for Metera to go over for a* nice try. Otaki 6, Hui Mai nil. (Swenson kicked a penalty for Hui Mai;i Otaki 6, Hui Mai 3.' Swenson was in-: jured.for a few minutes, also Flutey.] Derbam then scored and Metera goaled.i Otaki 11, Hui Mai 3. Wehipeihana and Atkins put in some nice - play/ amongst the Hui Mai backs, then Knight scored for Hui Mai, but Swenson’s kick failed. Otaki 11, Hui Mai 6. After half time Otaki kicked off and Fafeita soon scored. Johnson kicked at the goal but failed. MeLeavey scored and Metera converted. Otaki 19, Hui Mai 6. Otaki backs got the ball, McLeavey passing to Merwood,, to Aletera. The latter scored a nice try but he failed with the kick, Otaki 22. Hui Alai 6. Flutey afterwards scored but Metera ; s kick* failed. Otaki 25, Hui Mai 6. Both teams continued to play well, Ryder secured the ball at half way and scored his second try of the match, Aletera converted. Otaki 30, Hui Mai 6. '

SCHOOL BOYS AT PLAY. On Friday afternoon lads attending the Otaki State and Convent Schools met on the domain in a friendly match, and although the first "pipe-opener " of the season did well. The State boys repeatedly attacked, but strong defensive play kept them from crossing the line. Several times they made frantic efforts to .score. The Convent boys played chiefly a defensive game but when on attack proved they were determined. Fine runs were made by lads on both sides, passing was creditable—at times very • good—but line kicking was not up to standard. Two shoi't spells on a heavy ground proved sufficient for all, and when the final whistle blew no score had been record--ed. A few more such games should smart lads in both teams. Mr. Enoka was referee.