Whakatane Retains Shalfoon Shield; Match With Opotiki

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 15, Issue 97, 18 September 1950, Page 5

Whakatane Retains Shalfoon Shield; Match With Opotiki

The Whakatane junior football team was successful in retaining the Shalfoon Shield for the season by defeating Opotiki by 15 points to 9 in a close-fought game on Saturday. From the start, the game proved a marked Contrast to the proceding one and offered much in bright enterprising football. Both sets of forwards showed great dash, both in the tight and in the loose. Their ability to ruck and heel quickly should have been an object lesson to, most senior teams. The locks, too, impressed with their willingness to exploit every method of attack and the handling left little to be desired.'

From the beginning, the Whakatane forwards gained more than their fair share of the ball from scrums, line outs and* rucks. Quick heeling and long clean passes by the half back, Simpson, resulted in many attractive back movements. After about 10 minutes’ . play, Buxton opened the scoring with a penalty from well out. Later, Opotiki evened the score with a try by Vanstone, following some misunderstanding among the Whakatane backs.

Towards the end of the first half, Tawa scored a try for Whakatane and the spell ended Whakatane 6, Opotiki 3. At the beginning of the second half, the Opotiki forwards took charge and several dangerous movements resulted. However, the Whakatane defence held and soon the position was reversed. From a scrum on the Opotiki line Simpson darted round the blind side to score. The k’.ck failed.

Shortly afterwards, n Whakatane player was ordered off for rough play. From the penalty Boynton goaled, bringing the score to 9-6.

Rallied Whakatane rallied strongly and quickly piled on six more points from tries by Seebeck and Luxton. In the dying stages ,of the game, Boynton goaled another penalty to bring the final score to Whakatane 15, Opotiki 9. At no stage of the game was the issue beyond doubt and the crowd was treated to a feast of excellent football.

For Opotiki Vanstone and Abbot were hard toilers, while Thatcher was always dangerous. For Whakatane, Pryor and Lyons stood out, while Simpson and Luxton played very well in the backs.