FOOTBALL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 4 July 1939, Page 9

FOOTBALL

JUNIOR MATCH.. (By ‘'Touchline.”) The Martinborough v Opaki match, played at Rugby Park on Saturday, was one of the hardest games seen this season. It was a battle between two willing packs of forwards and fine defensive backs. Opaki won by 14 points to 8, and they deserved the win. After the game practically every Martinborough player shook hands with the captain and myself and congratulated us on our splendid victory. A gruelling 40 minutes ended with no score. In the second spell the Red forwards kept up a great attack but Ronalds and Hancock saved in fine style. Then McAlpine went over for a ,ry. Hancock converting with a great kick. Condon bolted over for a try. L. Morgan converting. Wilton was caught offside and Morgan again goaled. Any attempts at back movements were smartly frustrated bi' Clark. An infringement gave Morgan another chance which he accepted. Hunt, who was injured, was replaced by Gorringe. Another infringement by Greens saw Morgan again successful. A determined attack by the Greens saw Hamilton over for a try under the posts but the kick failed. There was no further score. Martinborough has a splendid pack. McAlpine. Wilton. Brassell, Arcus. McGafi'in. Spiers. Horne and Nicol are all heavy and fit. Hancock. Ronalds and Hamilton were very conspicuous in the backs. The Opaki forwards were a solid pack and fast open players. With Howie, a brilliant all round man. and the return of Allen. Taplin and Roigard alter injuries, the others were given confidence. Condon, Peters, Seymour and McKenzie are all excellent workers and were always on the ball. Chisnail at half was sound on defence and attack. Clarke was in fine form and spoilt many of Green’s back movements. M. Morgan and Hunt were safe. Costello played his usual solid game. Gorringe was quite good. The star back was L. Morgan, who kicked four goals from five attempts and his fielding was brilliant. All players are to be at the Post Office at 1.15 p.rn. on Saturday in order to proceed to Grey town.