GOOD GAME AT OTAHUHU.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 202, 27 August 1934, Page 13

GOOD GAME AT OTAHUHU.

Sturgess Park was in excellent condition for the game between Technical Old Boys and Otahuhu, and whilst it could not be said to bo a good exhibition of the code there were many bright pieces of play, and the visitors were Just too good for the local fifteen. Permission had been given for the Otahuhu Club to make a charge lor admission, and an excellent response was made by local supporters. One interested spectator was Mr. W. E. Johns, of Patumahoe, one of the first founders of the Otahuhu Rugby Club in 1888. The Third Auckland Mounted Rifles Band, under the baton of Lieutenant Kirkby, Tendered selections during the afternoon.

The Technical team has the reputation of playing a good open game, and on Saturday they certainly threw the ball about. With the wind in their favour the green and gold players took play down to their opponents' territory and pressed until Pearson relieved and sent the ball well back. From a scrum the ball went to Hedge, and he made hacks of his opponents, going right through to the fullback before being-grassed with no one to support him, having outpaced them all. it was a great piece of work. Good play by the greens had Otahuhu penned in their twenty>flve. and then Murdoch came to light scoring near the posts in true Rugby style. Pearson now took a/hand in tile game putting in a swerving.run for 40 yards before being pulled down. A: little later Haslam proved his worth, by a great run, cutting three men out'and then sending on to Common to score a try, which Murdoch converted with a grand kick. '.

When the change over came it wag con* fidently expected that Otahuhu would- wipe out the deficiency of eight points, having the wind and sun in ■, their favour, but Technical came; right'at the red and 'J>lacks, and Common charging down field sent the ball to McKenzie to score a. try, which Murdoch converted. Technical were now 13 points up. From a free kick Solomon raised his side's hopes by ticking a good goal. Otahuhu were pressing hard, and a pretty piece of work took place. From a scrum the ball wont from Solomon to Hedge, and then back to Solomon who cut right through and scored near the corner. Otahuhu 6 points. A taste of the old time style of dribbling was given by Gladding, who took the ball at his toe for 40 yards and beat all the opposition, scoring a good try, which White converted; Otahulin forwards were hooking the ball consistently, but the solid defence of the greens kept them out. From a forward rally Technical took the ball right down field, and McKenzie ' galloped over to make the scores 10 to 11 and settle Otahuhu's-chances of a win, and incidentally to leave Otahuhu's one and only "Rosie" a very disappointed barracker. For the winners Lord, .it full, was good. The three-quarter line did .great work, Common, in particular, being "always on the ball. Murdoch and "Haslam , had a great understanding, the former showing great speed. Aro worked well behind the pack. McKenaie was the outstanding forward. For Otahuhu, White, at full; gave a wonderful display. Gladding and Pearson played like footballers. Hedge was too well marked, but gave Several of his electric runs. So.omon was the hero of the day taking everything as it came, scoring six of the 11 points. The forwards were a Tood even lot, with Lazarus, Williams and Jones outstanding. Mr. A. Lucas was referee.