WEST CHRISTCHURCH BEATS HOKITIKA

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21246, 18 August 1934, Page 9

WEST CHRISTCHURCH BEATS HOKITIKA

DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOLS' MATCH The annual match between the West Christchurch District High School and Hokitika District High School, played yesterday afternoon at South Hagley Park, was won by West Christchurch by one point in an exciting finish, the score being 14-13. A strong sou'wester and driving rain made conditions unfavourable, and most of the match was uninteresting. Until the second half of the second spell the Hokitika team played ssuperjor football, but after that the "West Christchurch forwards showed a surprising return to form, and dominated the game. Among them the outstanding player was B. Mahoney. who scored three tries, and won the game for his side. .The teams were:— West Christchurch—R. Foster; B. Dempsey, F. O'Brien, H. Weatherhead; E. O'Connor, L. Ware; A. Mahoney; D. Lake, M. Marks, B. Mahoney, E. de Berry, M. Berry, A. Thompson, L. Luxton, A. Lake. Hokitika—G. Stapleton; J. Hanrahan. J. Douglas; D. Spence; W. Douglas, M. Morgan; P. Hurran; J. Leslie, T. Childs, M. Hanrahan, R. McCarthy, A. Gilman, A. Coles, H. Pierson, R. Stevenson. With a strong following wind Hokitika attacked from the kick-off. After being on the defence for 15 minutes, the "West Christchurch forwards broke away, and took play to Hokitika's twenty-five, but a promising rush by the backs broke down when O'Brien passed wildly. The Hokitika forwards again took charge, but their backs were not gaining ground. Ware broke away well, and the attack was carried to Hokitika's line, but a forcedown resulted. O'Brien followed a kick by Ware, picked up the ball, and outpaced the defence to score from 35 yards out. A. Mahoney converted. West Christchurch 5, Hokitika 0. Hokitika evened the score soon afterwards, Morgan going over near the posts from a scrum 10 yards out Stapleton converted. The score at half-time being: West Christchurch 5, Hokitika 5. The Hokitika forwards went deep in their opponents' territory from the kick-off, and Morgan scored his second try, going through a gap from a set scrum to force down by the posts. Stapleton again converted. Hokitika 10, "West Christchurch 5. "West Christchurch attacked, but Hokitika was playing a better game against the wind than the home team had. The Hokitika forwards worked back In West Christchurch's ground, and from a scrum near the twenty-five yard line Morgan cut through the defence to score his third try. The kick failed. Hokitika 13, West Christchurch 5. The West Christchurch forwards then began to play a more vigorous •game, and B. Mahoney scored a determined try in the corner after a run of 30 yards. The kick missed. Hokitika 13. West Christchurch 8. Another fast forward rush ended with B. Mahoney scoring in the corner. Again the kick failed. Hokitika 13, West Christchurch 11. The home forwards were attacking consistently at this stage, and B. Mahoney scored his third, and the winning try, finishing a 25-yard run in the corner. The kick missed, and fulltime was called soon after, with the scores: West Chrlstcharch 14, Hokitika 13. Referee: Mr S. Hollander. NELSON TEAM WELCOMED DINNER GIVEN BY OLD BOYS' ASSOCIATION The Christchurch branch of the Nelson College Old Boys' Association held a dinner last evening to welcome the college's Rugby fifteen, who will take part in the inter-collegiate tournament to-day and on Monday. Members of the Council of Governors, of the teaching staff, and old boys from other centres also attended the dinner, which was held in the rooms of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association of Canterbury, Ltd. The president of the Christchurch branch of the Old Boys' Association, Dr. L. A. Bennett, presided over an attendance of about 150. The toast list was as follows:—"The College," proposed by Mr T. H. Williams, and replied to by the principal, Mr H. V. Searle; "The Team," proposed by Mr I. O. Stace, and replied . to by the captain, H. L. de C. Martelli: "The CouncE of Governors," proposed by Mr C. G. M. Boyce, and replied to by a member of the council, Mr F. W, Hamilton; "The Masters," proposed by , Mr H. E. Am'es, and replied to by Mr C. G. Kirk; "The Parent Association," 1 proposed by Mr E. F. Dodson, and replied to by Dr. W. D. S. Johnston; "Branch Associations," proposed by Mr i G. Samuel, and replied to by reprc- . sentatives of the various branches; and ] "The Entertainers," proposed by Dr. Bennett, and replied to by Dr, F. C. 1 A'Court. s