FOOTBALL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 16 August 1938, Page 2

FOOTBALL

PEARSON CUP. MASTERTON v. OPAKI. (By “Touchline.”) Opaki defeated Masterton on Saturday by 11 points to 6 after a desperate struggle. It was really a forward game, hard, and fast. The backs on both sides were disorganised, several new players filling positions. Masterton kicked off and were soon attacking, and within fifteen minutes, Stewart crossed the line, Percy’s kick failing; An Opaki. player was later injured and Taplin took his place. A hard kick by Tukere sent the ball over' the line, Chapel, to all appearances forcing, and then sent it back to be kicked off. The Opaki players were waiting for it but a Masterton man picked it up and ran over the line to touch down. The referee awarded a try, ruling that the ball was not forced by Chapel. No goal resulted. Norman sent a long punt upfield, where Chapel gained possession to cross for a try. Hunt’s kick failed. Just before half-time Taplin was injured and Jeffcoat took his place. ' The second half was a dour battle between the forwards. Jeffcoat started rush after rush and after about fifteen minutes play, Tua was penalised for lying on the ball, Hunt goaling with a fine kick. From a scrum, Norman took Clark’s pass to score a try, Hunt converting. From a scrum near the Red’s line Jeffcoat dribbled past several backs to pick up nicely, Tukere saving a score by a great tackle. With about ten minutes to go McCalmont was injured, his place being filled by a substitute. There was no further score. Of the black forwards McCalmont,

Groube and Stewart were outstanding. Tukere was in fine form, brilliant on attack and sound on defence. Percy, Hawk, Simondsen and Cundy were conspicuous throughout the game. Opaki's forwards missed Seymour, no other hooker being available, but they were equal to their opponents. Stinear, J. Manihera, Roygard and Godden were solid toilers. Solomon, Oliver and Remeni stuck to it like sports. Jeffcoat was a great help. Clarke, at half, had little chance to feed his backs, the ball seldom coming cleanly through the scrums, but his play was sound. Alien’s defence was excellent. Norman was back to old form. Condon’s place is forward. Hunt and Chapel brothers were very safe. Mr E. Grantham controlled the game in a satisfactory manner. All Opaki players are requested to meet at the racecourse on Saturday afternoon for general instruction by the coach.