FOOTBALL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 June 1938, Page 2

FOOTBALL

OLD BOYS v. OPAKI. (By “Touchline.’’) The game between the Old Boys and Opaki teams was played at Memorial Park No. 2 on Saturday and resulted in a win for Old Boys by 12 points to 5 after an interesting game. The win was practically due to Foreman who kicked two fine goals from difficult angles from free-kicks. Old Boys kicked off and Hargood accepted to find the line well downfield. A hot attack by Red’s forwards carried play to the White’s line, a force down resulting. The White forwards swept upfield to Opaki’s line, where several scrums took place, till Fergus smartly sent the ball to touch. Duncan broke away from the line-out but Colquhoun snapped up and sent Faulknor away. A hot attack was stopped by Hunt who found touch with a fine kick. An infringement in the Red’s 25 line gave Foreman a chance and he sent the ball over the bar. The Reds kicked out, and were soon attacking, Dyer secured from the line-out and passed to Chadwick, on to Colquhoun, to R. Faulknor. The latter was caught in possession and from the scrum Opaki forwards carried play to the White’s territory where Hargood short-punted, and fielding quickly, was over for a try which Costello converted. Hard play ensued, Old Boys looking dangerous till Costello picked up smartly, evaded Smith and sent infield where Clarke secured to send Guvnor away. The latter raced over at the corner but a try was not given as the referee said he hit the flag. No further score took place in the first half. On resuming, play was up and down the field, both sets of forwards playing splendidly. An infringement in the Red’s 25 line gave Foreman another chance and it was successful. Old Boys’ backs were now playing better football. From one line-out on the Red’s 25 flag, Condon was in the act of throwing in when Meurk rushed through before the ball came out. It was smart work on his part but he appeared to be offside. He was in front of the ball and the Red players. Will Mr H. J. McKenzie give a ruling on this? However, a few minutes after, Meurk secured the leather from a rebound and scored a neat try, Foreman’s kick failing. Ten minutes after, Meurk, in a general mixup was awarded another try, no goal resulting. With the scores 12-5 it was a solid go right to the final whistle. The winners played good football, their forwards, to a man, going nicely. Dyer, Liideman, Morris and Thompson were perhaps more conspicuous than the others. Chadwick, for his first game, was fairly safe. Colquhoun played in fine style, especially on attack. Faulknor brothers were in good form. Smith was out of place being a forward. Meurk’s tries were gained by watching for an opening which he quickly seized. Foreman’s play won the game for Whites. Opaki forwards were quite equal, if not better than the Old Boys’ pack, and it would be unfair to single out any for special work. Seymour's hooking gave Fergus the ball "on many occasions and the whole pack were on the opposing backs like clockwork. Fergus at half was excellent on defence and attack, and just missed a pot at goal. Guvnor was in fine form, and was certainly unlucky when his try was disallowed. Hargood and Costello both played splendidly. Clarke, who has been absent for several weeks was clever at first fiveeighths.. Hunt was in form at fullback. Condon did well against stiff opposition. A game or two in the forwards would improve his play.