FOOTBALL

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXIII, Issue 11731, 29 May 1935, Page 3

FOOTBALL

OPOTIKI MAORIS BEAT THAMES

The Opotiki Maori representatives proved too strong in nearly all the departments of the game for their challengers in a match for the Ratana Cup on Saturday. The final score, 13—0, was a fair indication of the difference between the two teams. The match was played at a very fast pace and there was a number of very exciting moments. For the first twenty minutes or so the play was fairly even but from then onwards the Opotiki team proved their superiority and kept their opponents on the defensive for most of the time.

The Opotiki team was gaining possession of the ball more than their opponents and their backs were seen in some nice passing movements. All the Opotiki backs played well. Of the two fullbacks,, the Thames custodian was the better on the day. His kicking was particularly good. Owing to the Thames’ backs limited opportunities on attack, It was hard to judge them as a combination. Their forwards played well but tired badly after the first spell. The Opotiki pack seemed to improve as the game progressed.

TRIAL MATCH AT GISBORNE, A preliminary Rugby trial match will be played at Gisborne on June 3 for the selection of a team to meet the combined Hawke’s Bay and Bush Unions at Napier on June 6. The following Bay of Plenty players have been selected:—M. Davies, Potaka, Joyce (Te Puke), Sinclair and Rhodes (Tauranga), R. Lees, E. Howell, M. Howell, Moore and Whitely (Rangitaiki), Broderick (Whakatane), Newth (Opotiki). Nepia will be playing fullback. JUNIOR MATCH.

The following junior players are requested to train for a match against the Te Puke Union’s juniors to be played at Tauranga on June 3; Backs.—McMillan, J. Faulkner, I. Walker (Matapihi), W. Merriman (Country), K. Mackrell (Cadets), G. Collard (Athletics), Neilson, Ormsby (Omokoroa), Hall, Mikaere (Judea). Forwards.!— Paki (Matapihi), Wood, Kennedy (Country), A. Dale, R. Tonkin, G. Fletcher (Cadets), Burn, James (Athletics),' Murray (2), Tawhiao (Matakana). MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING. At the meeting of the Management Committee of the Tauranga Rugby Union held on Monday evening the following business was dealt with;— • An application from Athletics Club for the registration of C. Ririnui and- J. Ririnui was referred to the Junior Board. An application from the Matakana Club for the regrading of M. Murray was received, and the regrading granted, with the proviso that in the event of his playing senior football again this season he will remain a senior player. Closing of Domain Grounds. | It was resolved that the charges | for admission to the Parata Cup match on June 3rd be advertised. Rough Play. Referees’ reports were received, and it. was resolved that G. Mikaere, Judea Club, be cautioned for rough play, that E. Heke, Te Puna Club, be cautioned for questioning the rulj ings of the referee, and that T. j Trau, Te Puna Club, be suspended I for one Saturday, j University Match. It was decided to communicate with the Secretary of the University Club, Auckland, with a view to arranging a match on June 22 against a combined Tauranga-Te Puke team. Saturday’s Games. Inter-club competition—Matakana | (Tauranga) v. Rangiuru (Te Puke), No. 1 ground, 2.45 p.m. Referee, Mr H. Rlggir. j Jordan Cup.— Rangataua v. Te Puna, No. 2 ground at 2.45 p.m. Referee, Mr P. Wihapi. I Juniors—Judea v. Cadets Old IBoys, No. I ground, 1.45. Referee, I Mr G. H. Fisher; Athletics v. Matajkana, No. 2 ground, 1.45. Referee, JMr A. Breward; Country v. OmokoI roa, No. 1 ground, 12.45. Referee, I Mr E. Geary; Matapihi, a bye.