FOOTBALL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 21 June 1938, Page 2

FOOTBALL

JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP. RED STAR v OPAKI. « (By “Touchline.”) The Red Star and Opaki teams met at Rugby Park on Saturday, the Stars winning by 6 points to 5, after a fast and interesting game. Stars set off at a great pace and kept Opaki defending for a considerable time. A free kick to Whites gave McCulloch a chance and he kicked a fine goal from well. out. The Red forwards swept downfield, carrying play to the Stars’ 25 flag. From the throw-out Condon and Roygard broke away to catch McNab in possession, and from the ensuing scrum Marshall cleverly evaded Lee, to put in a fine run and send on to Guvnor, who was tackled nicely by Howard. An infringement gave Costello a chance but the ball fell short. McNab saved with a fine kick to the line. Marshall secured from a serum and sent to Morgan who sidestepped Lee, to send on to Hargood, to Hunt, to Guvnor, who was thrown to touch a few yards from the Whites’ line. A great struggle took place, Seymour dribbling over, but a force resulted, several hands being on the ball. “Billy” Allen now came on to fill the team, Morgan going in the forwards where he soon showed fine attacking form. Within a few minutes of half-time, offside play by Reds gave McCulloch another chance and he kicked a fine goal. On resuming the Reds reorganised their pack, Roygard going to lock, and it made a great difference. Their forwards attacked in many dribbling rushes but Lee, Costello, and McNab were sound on defence. McCulloch also saved splendidly by finding touch, but Reds still hammered at their line. From a scrum well upfield, Marshall beat Lee, sent to Hargood, to Hunt, to Guvnor, who went over for a try, which Costello converted with a great kick. From a scrum Marshall secured and sent to Costello who had gone to five-eighths. The latter sent to Hargood who raced for the line but Mooney collared him. Had he sent to Allen it would have been a sure try. Three scrums- near their line were dangerous, but force-downs resulted, and the whistle sounded with Opaki attacking strongly but failing to score. It was a great game, Stars winning by 6 points to 5. McCulloch, with his two penalty goals, won the match for them. The winners are a greatly improved team, their forwards to a man playing splendidly, while the backs combined nicely. McNab was very safe at full-back, as was McCulloch at centre. Jim Costello, Swain, Lee, Howard and Brightwell were very conspicuous throughout the game, but there was not a vamper in the team. Opaki, as usual, were minus several of their forwards, but they played good football. With good old sports like Ken Clement and Billy Allen, who stripped off to play, the old club will never be stuck. Norman, at full-back, played splendidly, his powerful kicks gaining much ground for the team. Marshall played his usual all-round game at half. Hargood was in great form but should have passed on two occasions. Costello was very safe, especially at fiveeighths. Guvnor and Hunt both played well. Allen will be a great help to the team. Morgan, as an all-round man, was good. Clement and Seymour hooked in fine style. Roygard was about the best forward on the ground. Chapell, Condon, Oliver and Godden were always in the picture, the latter being splendid on defence. Mr W. Grantham controlled the game in an excellent manner and with referees such as he rough play will never be seen. All Opaki players are requested to attend practice at Lansdowne on Thursday.