RUGBY IN WAIRARAPA

Wairarapa Times-Age, 20 June 1939, Page 9

RUGBY IN WAIRARAPA

MASTERTON v OPAKI. (By “Touchline.”) Opaki defeated Masterton by 20 points to 6 on Saturday. Play had not been in progress long when McKenzie scored a try, L. Morgan converting with a fine kick. Red forwards were on -the attack and Roigard smothered- Reri while in possession of the ball. A penalty for lying on the ball gave Morgan a chance and he made no mistake with the kick. An attack by the Blacks was smartly checked by L. Morgan, whose fielding was a treat to see. A scrum at midfield saw the ball come through to Chisnall who sent out smartly to Clarke to Costello to Morgan and on to Graham, who raced over for a try near the corner. Morgan’s kick just failed. Opaki, 11 points, Masterton 0. Opaki forwards made an open game of it to keep Masterton backs defending most of the time. Howie and Roigard, who were both in good form, led rush after rush, Lee at full saving splendidly. Chisnall again sent out to Costello, who was tackled near the line by Reri but an infringement by Masterton gave Morgan another chance which he again accepted. Soon after Opaki was penalised and Lee kicked a fine goal. The next score was a runaway try by Costello, Morgan’s kick failing. Offside play by Scott gave Opaki another three points, Morgan again succeeding with the kick. The final score was a penalty goal by Lee. The losers deserve great credit for their plucky game against a heavier pack of forwards. Reri brothers, E. Scott, F. Cunningham, Falkner and Wickens were conspicuous throughout the game and Lee at full back was safe. Opaki forwards to a man were in great form, Roigard and Stinear strengthening them considerably. Howie. Condon, Peters, Godden, Seymour and McKenzie were hard workers. Chisnall was sound on defence and attack. There was too much individual play with the other backs. Morgan’s play was delightful to watch.