FOOTBALL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 17 May 1938, Page 4

FOOTBALL

OPAKI v MASTERTON. (By “Touchline.”) The game between Opaki and Masterton was played, at Rugby Park on Saturday and resulted in a win for Opaki by 29 points to 3. Masterton were very unlucky to be without that fine full-back, J. Dickason, who is on the injured list. Both sides fielded full teams and a good game ensued. From the kick-off Opaki were soon attacking, Finlayson and Seymour hooking finely to give Fergus the ball. Within a few minutes the latter whipped out to Ngatuere and on to Hargood who raced over for a try which Costello converted. Led by McCalmont and Stewart, the Blacks got on a splendid dribbling rush and carried on to Reds’ 25 flag, where a scrum took place. Fergus again sent Ngatuere away to transfer to O’Brien, to Hunt, who went over for a try, Costello again converting. Ngatuere was injured and retired, Mikara filling the vacancy. Two free kicks to the Blacks gave McCalmont a chance, but without success. Several dribbling rushes headed by Duncan looked dangerous but Tozer saved nicely, and the Blacks swarmed to the Opaki line, a forcedown resulting. Just on half-time Masterton scored a try, McCalmont’s kick failing, the scores being Opaki 10, Masterton 3.

On resuming Fergus soon sent the ball smartly to O’Brien, on to Hargood, who scored a brilliant try, Costello’s kick failing. Another forward rush saw Finlayson over, Costello converting. Costello, with a fine run, scored a try and converted it. The Blacks pressed strongly and were awarded a freekick on the line, but McCalmont’s kick failed. Fergus soon had his backs going again, and Costello, who was playing an excellent game, raced for the line but Renall grassed him in fine style. Tries were then scored by Congdon and Hargood, no goals resulting and the game ended with the scores Opaki 29, Masterton 3.

Masterton played a plucky game with a lot of young players. The forwards, led by that fine worker, McCalmont, stuck, to it. Healy, Stewart and Hawk were also conspicuous for good work, while others seen to advantage were Smith, Britt, Gray and Renall. Tozer at full-back had a lot to do and did it well. The Opaki forwards played splendidly, Duncan being outstanding both in hard and loose play. Finlayson and Seymour hooked in fine style. Taplin, McConnell, and Oliver, three: new players, went splendidly, while Roygard and Mikara were very prominent. Fergus, at half, was in great form both on defence and attack. Costello and Hargood played particularly good games, the former being the best back on the field. Hunt is improving with each game. O’Brien was nippy at fiveeighth. Congdon shaped nicely. Chapel, at full-back, was safe, but would be better closer up. Mr E. Grantham controlled the game excellently, pointing out to players where infringements took place. A general practice will be held at Lansdowne on Thursday night at 7.15 o’clock.