RUGBY FOOTBALL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 7 September 1938, Page 2

RUGBY FOOTBALL

PEARSON CUP. OLD BOYS v. OPAKI. (By “Touchline.”) Played on No. 2 ground at Memorial Park on Saturday the game between Old Boys and Opaki resulted in a win for Old Boys by 6 points to 3. It was one of the roughest exhibitions the spectators have seen for some time. Old Boys after 15 minutes play secured a try, Thompson dribbling over. Foreman’s kick failing. Even play, mostly forward work, occurred till half-time, Old Boys leading by 3 points.

On resuming it was a ding-dong go, Chadwick started several back movements which could do very little penetration, owing to solid tackling.. With Opaki backs it was mostly individual play, the ball seldom reaching Clarke. After about 20 minutes play. Hunt was collared before he got in his kick, and Meurk picked up to cross the line. His kick at goal failed. Shortly after Clarke picked up smartly to send Hargood away. The latter beat his man and transferred to Costello who raced away for a splendid try, Hunt failing to convert. Another forward attack by Reds took play to White’s territory where offside tactics spoilt a good chance to score. Foreman retired and Colquhoun, although suffering from a broken rib, pluckily took his place. There was no further score, Old Boys winning by 6 points to 3.

Chadwick and Foreman were outstanding in the White’s backs, and Barnes, Alexander and Thompson in the forwards.

Opaki backs could not get going, but individually Costello, Hargood, Allen and Clarke were solid. Stinear, Duncan, Roygard, and Taplin were splendid in tight work and Jeffcoat, Norman, Seymour and Chappel shone in the open. Oliver had to retire at half-time, Seymour who arrived late filling the gap. Roygard has now left the district and will probably play for Hutt next season. Mr E. Grantham had a difficult game to control, but he did it well.