MATCH AT PETONE

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 127, 3 June 1929, Page 11

MATCH AT PETONE

At the Petone Oval this morning the local team was engaged in a return match with the Huia Club from Motueka, Petone having travelled south at Easter. Neither side was at full strength, but the young players given a chance mostly justified their inclusion. The game was played at a fast pace, and it was not until the finish that Petone were able to secure the lead. The teams were;— Huia (Motueka) —S. Everett; W. Talbot, G. Lunn; G. Talbot; J. Clark, C. Bisley; M. Fry; E. C. F. Eedmond, T. Cook, A. Bisley, J. Campbell, G. Starnes, E. Austin, F. Goodman, and K-. Bobinson. Petone —Fleet; Ward, Byrne, Stapleton; Pollock, Coman; Flux; Home; Sparke, Lambourne, Martin, Spenee, Carr, Clarke, and Baker. Petone were attacking early, but the visiting team included some promising backs, who were largely responsible for play being shifted to the other end. Pollock was playing a heady game for Petone, and he initiated" an attack which . Byrne and Spence carried on with dovetailed play, for Byrne to touch down for try. Pollock added the extras. Hill came on and replaced Ward, who retired with a head injury early in the game. Huia soon gained the lead, G. Talbot sending over two I good penalties. Huia 6-5. After a period of play, centred mainly in midfield, a spirit of levity began to enter into the game, and some unorthodox tactics weTe adopted. Thero was no further scoring before the interval. Petone had the better of mattera after the sides changed"" round. Hill passed ia to Spence at the head of a line-out near half-way, and the pair I worked together to send Spence over ' near the corner. Pollock failed to convert. Petone 8-6. One of the best individual efforts of the day followed, when C. Bisley secured.at midfield and raced away to swerve past three defenders and score wide out. G. Talbot failed to convert. Huia 9-8. A Petone forward was penalised for offside play, and from just inside the half-way line G. Talbot sent over a magnificent goal. Buial2-8. The Petone backs got going from near the quarter-line, and the ball went along the chain to Stapleton, who crossed at the flags. Pollock's kick lacked direction. Huia 12-11. During open play in front of the posts Byrne put the'ball up and Coman raced after it to get possession and score under the bar. He converted his try. Petone 16-12. Fronv a line-out in Huia territory Martin secured and fell over the line. Ho failed to convert. The end came with the scores: Petono 19, Huia 12. Mr. G. Williams refereed.