RUGBY LEAGUE HOKITIKA WIN ON FIRST APPEARANCE AT WINGHAM PARK

Grey River Argus, 19 May 1947, Page 6

RUGBY LEAGUE HOKITIKA WIN ON FIRST APPEARANCE AT WINGHAM PARK

Playing at Wingham- Park clay before a fair attendance, in ideal conditions, Hokitika proved too good for Brunner in all departments, completely dominating play. The speed of the Hokitika back line had the Brunner players spreadeagled throughout. Hokitika mon all combined well. Especially worthy of mention were the backs, Strang, Cropp and Mann, while in the forwards; Gillman, Neilson and Sinclair were on top form. In the Erunner backs, Hawkins, Moth and J. Dando played well, and in the forwards Lee,- Williams and Doleguy were always to the fore. Hokitika forwards attacked from the start and drove to Brunner’s 25, where heavy rucking took place. Lee picked up and barged his way through the Hokitika forwards, supported by 7 Newton and Doleguy, play going to the Hokitika 2'5, where the ball went into touch, a scrum going down. Hokitika hooked, and Teen sent his backs racing downfield in a spectacular passing movement, which was smashed by Moth and Dando. The ball went back to Bell, Hokitika custodian, who found touch with a good kick on the Brunner 25. Hokitika got the ball from the scrum, and Teen whipped a dive pass out to Strang, who raced over for a scintillating try. Gillman made no mistake with the kick. Hokitika s—Brunner 0. Hokitika forwards were soon hammering the Brunner line, Gillman, Sinclair and Neilson making determined efforts to barge over. Continuing the attack, Neilson picked up and went across wide out, Atkinson’s kick going wide. Hokitika B—Brunner8 —Brunner 0. At this juncture Moth retired injured. Hokitika were penalised on their own 25, Williams sending the ball between the uprights. Hokitika B—Brunner 2. Play 7 now became ragged at times, the ball going up and down field until half-time sounded. The second spell opened with Hokitika on the offensive, and they repeatedly hammered the Brunner line, until Neilson once again dived over, this time under the posts. Gillman’s kick hit the upright. Hokitika 11—Brunner 2. The next points came when Hokitika were penalised in a handy position, the kick being no trouble to Williams. Hokitika 11—Brunner 4. Mann showed he retains his brilliance in a fine burst downfield from half-way, and he sent Crcpp over for a sparkling try. Atkinson’s kick went wide. Hokitika 14—Brunner 4. The final points went to Brunner, Lee kicking a penalty, making the score: Hokitika 14—Brunner 6. The fmal whistle sounded with. Hokitika on the attack. Referee; Mr W. P. Moore.