RUGBY FOOTBALL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 9 May 1939, Page 9

RUGBY FOOTBALL

JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP. RED STAR v OPAKI. (By “Touchline.”) The game between the Red Star and Opaki- juniors at the Memorial Park on Saturday provided quite good football for the spectators, Stars winning by 15 points to 6 after a solid struggle. Stars fielded a full team led by Earl Grantham, whom we welcome back to football. Opaki could only manage to get 13 players in the first half and another in the second spell, finishing with 14 players, so their performance was something to be proud of. From the start, Stars soon got going in the backs, Grantham and McCullough combining splendidly. Before many minutes the latter cut through to score a try, a goal resulting. This he repeated shortly after, but failed with the kick. Opaki forwards now attacked till Grantham, punted upfield and the ball was carried to the Opaki line but Larsen saved splendidly and dribbled through to reach Stars’ 25 flag. From a scrum infield Godden and Seymour sent the ball through to Wallis on to Larsen who was playing a great game, and on to T. Remeni. The latter side-stepped McCullough to race for the line, Udy saving with a fine tackle. McCullough gained possession to pot a fine goal. Half-time sounded soon after, Stars leading by 12 points to nil. The second half was an entirely different game. Opaki with 14 players went right out, from the kick-off, their forwards dribbling and tackling in great style to spoil Stars back movements. A fine forward rush headed by Taplin and Grounds carried play near Stars line where an infringement by the whites gave Hunt a chance and he sent the ball over the bar. The reds kept up the attack and from a scramble on whites’ line Guvnor went over for a try which Hunt failed to convert from the side-line. The final score came when McCullough cut through to sell the dummy to McCarthy and score his third try. No goal resulted. The whistle sounded soon with the score Red Star 15, Opaki 6. The Star backs combined nicely, Udy. Grantham and McCullough being; very conspicuous. Their forwards al! went well, Osborne brothers, Ellison, and Morton especially. The. Opaki forwards were superior in loose work; Their dribbling rushes being a treat to see and it would be unfair to single, any for special mention. Wallis at half did his work well. Larsen was outstanding both on attack and defence and was ably supported by T. Remeni. Duncan and Condon were very safe. Hunt gave a fine display at full back. Mr E. Grantham controlled the game. ' A general practice will be held at’ Lansdowne on Thursday night at 8 o’clock ‘by the Opaki team.