JUNIOR.

Shannon News, 6 August 1929, Page 3

JUNIOR.

SOUTHERN CHAMPIONSHIP WON BY OTAKI. The Junior Championship, as far as the Southern end of the district is concerned, has caused considerable interest, and many keen games have resulted, none keener, however, than those between Otaki and Waikanae. These teams met on Saturday at Waikanae in ideal weather, the former requiring a win or a draw to secure the championship. In consequence of the match the attendance was a large one, many from Otaki, and even as far north as Levin, attending. The game was won by Otaki by a substantial margin, 24—6, but, nevertheless, the vanquished played a hard game, stubbornly defending every foot of ground. For the first twenty-five minutes Otaki had the advantage, but failed to pierce the fine defence by Waikanae, while faulty handling among the backs was, at times, noticeable, in fact players 'were over-eager, and frequently played below form. Early in the game a free kick "was awarded Otaki, and Metcra missed the goal by inches. Then Merwood put in fast play and following up his kick, Waikanae were hard put to it. While on the attack Mora,, a solid grafter, and a player ever on the alert, made the most of an opportunity and was successful in scoring Otaki ; s first try. Metcra converted by a,a fine kick, g—0. Clay later prevented a second score, but Metcra, by a strong, dodgy 'run, kept up the attack: Then came a reverse and the Waikanae forwards, playing well, carried the ball up field enabling Davis to go over the line in good .style. Pou failed to convert. Waikanae continued to attack, and Pou had a shot at goal from half-way but the ball fell short. The spell ended, 5—3. The second half was one of interest and although Waikanae played hard Otaki played better, showing to advantage in the loose, while the forwards worked desperately,'fully determined to score. The Waikanae lads, however, soon •established a lead for no sooner had the ball been set in motion than they rushed up field, smothered a kick, and carried the ball over the line for Smith to score a well-deserved try. Pou missed the uprights. Waikanae 6, Otaki 5. With a point down Otaki put energy into their work and were rewarded by Mora beating the opposition and scoring. Metcra missed the goal. Otaki 8, Waikanae 6. Metcra had three futile shots at goal, although the ball sailed close to the post on each occasion. Waikanae put in another combined rush, but Johnson securing the ball, piit in a run, which was supported by Merwood. Waikanae failed to stay the onslaught and Fafeita, grabbing up smartly, scored. Metcra just missed the bar, 11—6. Waikanae rallied and for a few minutes attacked. From a free kick Clay had a shot at goal but missed. Then Pou had a shot but the ball dropped short. Waikanae continued aggressive and worked hard to score. A sudden reverse saw R. Merwood put ii. a good run, and ho grounded the ball near the corner flag. Metcra failed to add the major points, 14_6. Then Fafeita by smart play, scored. Metcra goaled, 19—6. Waikanae, despite the reverse, again worked stubbornly and attacked, but while in mid-field Merwood was prominent and sent the ball to the opposition. Fafeita quickly followed up and delighted his supporters by taking the ball from an opponent's arms. He raced in great style for the line and scored under the goal for Metcra to convert, 24—6. Time was then called. Mr. McLeavey gave a good exhibition of refereeing. For the winners the backs all played creditably but not up to their usual standard. Passes were frequently dropped. Their kicking was powerful, but the line was not found often enough. The forwards, to a man, worked hard. Despite weight against them they carried the scrums by sheer determination. They, however, lacked combination m the 'loose. The Waikanae backs kicked and ran well, but weak spots were noticeable. The vanguard was a good one, but were not in such form as the opposition.