RUGBY FOOTBALL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 9 August 1938, Page 3

RUGBY FOOTBALL

WAIRARAPA MATCHES. REFEREES FOR SATURDAY. The following are the referees for the various games on Saturday next: — Senior. Bush v Wairarapa. Memorial No 1, at 2 p.m. H. Matson. > Junior. Red Star v Carterton, Carterton No 1, at 2 p.m. P. Reid. Old Boys v Greytown, Greytown No 1, at 2 p.m. W. Holland. Masterton v Opaki, Rugby Park No 1, at 2 p.m. E. Grantham. Thirds. Carterton v Red Star, Carterton No 2, at 2 p.m. W. Spooner. Masterton v Martinborough, at Rugby Park No 2, at 2 p.m. B. Hurley. Dalefield v Old Boys, at Rugby Park No 1, at 1 p.m. A. McWhinnie. College v Greytown, at College, at 1.30 p.m. H. Evans. All games will start at 2 p.m. sharp on account of Rugby Test broadcast. As a curtain raiser to the representative game at Memorial Park the North and South Primary school teams will meet at 1 p.m. PEARSON CUP. OPAKI v RED STAR. (By “Touchline.”) The game between Red Star and Opaki juniors on Saturday was closely contested. Opaki winning by 8 points to 6. Both sides had difficulty in fielding their usual teams, in fact the Star coach played like a sport for them, and two third grade lads also filled gaps, while Opaki fielded five players who had not played for years. From the kick-off Opaki attacked in fine style, the forwards led by Jeffcoat smothered the Star backs before they could get going. Clarke, at half, soon had his backs going, Hargood, Allen and Manihera'’ combining in several fine rushes. A high punt by Allen enabled the forwards to smother the Star full-back and from the ensuing scrum Roygard dribbled over to score a try, which Hunt converted. Just before half-time Stars indulged in a nice back movement Cole finishing off with a nice try which was not converted. On resuming Reds attacked strongly and eventually from a scrum near halfway Clarke got the ball and streaked upfield to score a great try, Hunt’s kick just missing the bar. Stars tried the high purjt whenever possible but Hunt was as safe as a bank. The Reds’ had a bad 15 minutes defending, and from a solid forward movement several Star players went over to score a try, Green’s kick being fruitless. There was no further score.

The Stars, like all junior teams, were without several of their best players, but the substitutes filled the gaps splendidly. Their coach deserves credit for stripping to help his team. Backs and forwards, to a man, played good football and to single out any for special praise would be unfair. The Opaki forwards played a good game, Seymour and Godden being excellent in scrum work. Taplin, J. Manihera, McLeod and Wallace were in fine form. Roygard played his usual solid game, while Jeffcoat led the boys in his old style, brainy on attack and defence. Clarke, was the best back on the field. Hargood, Allen and W. Manihera were very safe. Hunt’s play was excellent. Oliver played on the wing and did well in the circumstances. ,