ORIENTAL v. PONEKE.

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 124, 28 May 1928, Page 14

ORIENTAL v. PONEKE.

Poneke, who had met'their first defeat oil the previous Saturday, set out to lower Oriental's colours, but while their form was improved, so was. that of the champnonship leaders, who were well prepared tor one of their toughest contests. The meeting of the teams attracted considerable interest, and, with conditions suited to the occasion, there was an assemblage of some six thousand enthusiasts at Athletic Park. Tenacity has been one of Oriental's strong points this season, and it was evidenced again in stalling off another strong challenge. This time, however, Oriental had a very close call from Poneke, who practically had the game won in the final stages when an easy chance to convert a try was missed.^ Even* so, Oriental put up a , meritorious performance, forwards and backs showing much dash, particularly in the first spell, and then setting up a solid barrier when Poneke came away in a series of their characteristic rushes. Poneke took a power of stopping in the ruck, but many of their strong advances were spoilt by a kick that sent the leather too far. The game was keen and exciting throughout, and at two stages of the second spell, when there was a difference of only a point in the scores, interest was at a high pitch. Oriental finished up with a point to the good. The teams were: — Oriental.—Spalding; Tulloch, Packnatz, Walker; Dayies, M'Nicol; Chambers; Jackson; H. Smith, Fox, Graham, Pinkerton, Williams, Lincoln, It. Smiths Poneke.—Barrett; Edgar, Turner,.;{Elliott; Murphy, Hartwell; Tilyard; Wilson;, Pearson, Jessup, Sly, Pickrang, Shearer," Pope, Peterseh. . Winning the toss, Oriental played, with the sun behind them, and quickly settled down to play of the dashing type. They worked fairly well as a body, and eventually pressed hard at Poneke's line. In a strenuous tussle H. Smith fell across to gain a try, which was not converted. 3-0. Bouts of lively play ensued, and in an exchange of kicks the Poneke 'full-back {Barrett) was conspicuous. Poneke strove hardito even up, and the chance came in a free'kick1; which Shearer turned to good account. 3-3. Strenuous play followed, both sides showing dash, though there was not a great deal, of cohesion among the backs. Poneke had a great opening for a try in a breakaway, but the pass was sent the wrong way. Oriental also went close when Walker, at the end of a passing bout, kicked through to the Poneke line. . Da-, vies was on hand, but there was a recall for a scrum, and from this Walker was again served, and he scrambled across near the corner. Pinkerton's kick missed. 6-3. The outcome of this was that! Oriental had some anxious moment's, not only in advances on their line but also in attempts to land goals. Clear of danger again, Oriental' broke out in a fine passing bout, and with two forwards at the end of the line they were able to beat the opposition, Williams going across near the corner. ■ Pinkerton's kick was a "poster." 9-3. For the second spell F. Pringle took the place of Lincoln in the Oriental pack. Poneke were soon on the aggressive, and getting a free kick they almost succeeded in improving their ! account, Turner's kick missing by inches. Oriental rallied again, but Poneke's forwards settled down to good loose play, and by clever footwork Shearer went through for a try, which he converted. 9-8. To further advances Oriental showed stout resistance, and occasionally made a breakaway. M'Nicol retired/injured, Reid taking his place. In each attempt to Rain • the lead Poneke struck a stumblingblock, and when. they were driven back their defence was tested to the full. Oriental went further ahead per medium of a free kick, taken by Pringle. 12>8. Towards the close of the game Poneke were 'still striving hard, and finally Wilson dived over for a try. The conversion, from an easy position, was missed by Shearer. A lively and exciting final bout followed, but the score was unaltered and the game ended: Oriental 12, Poneke 11. tMr. H. S. Leith was the referee.