OPUNAKE BEATS ELTHAM

Hawera Star, Volume LII, 8 August 1932, Page 6

OPUNAKE BEATS ELTHAM

WIDE MARGIN OF POINTS

GAME NOT TAKEN SERIOUSLY

In a match that was not taken very seriously, and in which the play was generally of an indifferent standard, Opunako heat Eltham at Opunake by 27 points to 8. Both team were weak and Opunake played with 14 men. The teams were:

Opunake (green).—Gordon, Max; Richards, M. Owen, Humphries, Casey. Burton. J. Lusk, Dudley, Taylor. Grech, Riley, Murfitt. R. Lusk. Eltham (black and white). —Kennedy, R. Taylor, Hughes. Bourke, R. Bocoek, Barker, Patou. Campbell, F. Boeoclc, Gower, Phillips, Anderson, Martin, Potts, Elliott.

Opunake opened the play with a I rush downfield and soon had Eltham in trouble. From a loose rush Rileyfollowed u,p fast and touched down. The kick failed. Opunake 3 —Eltham 0. Eltham instituted an attack following the kick-out and went through to the line, where Hughes was pushed into touch at the corner. Gordon saved well and Opunake counterattacked and set the whites defending the line. The forwards burst through and K. Riley secured to make his way over and score a good try. Ricliards goaled. ' Opunake B—Eltham'8 —Eltham' 0. Eltham went downfield in a loose rush and gave Opunake a busy time defending. Just inside the greens twenty-five Barker secured and, feinting cleverly, went through to score a nice try. Hughes goaled. Opunake B—Eltham 5. Once more Opunake attacked in a loose rush. E. Lusk and Grech puttino- in good work. The ball came out to 'A. Richards, who coolly turned and potted a pretty goal. Opunake 12—Eltham 5. Keeping up the pressure, the green pack.rushed through and R. Lusk, taking cleverly, went over for a try. Riley’s- kick failed. Opunake 15 —Eltham 5. J. Lusk headed a good forward rush and dashed for the line. When blocked he passed to Dudley, who got over but was held up. The hall came out from a scrum to Burton, who forced his- way over for a try. The kick failed.

Opunake 18 —Eltham 5. Play until half-time went up and downfield. each side alternately holding the “advantage. Opunake set up a hot attack at the outset of the second spell and a passing rush saw R. Lusk almost over. Eltham cleared and came downfield Hughes and Barker nut in a nice rush, but Gordon cleared with a useful kick when a try looked likely J. Lusk made a good run from the centre and passed to Casey, the latter lining. Opunake carried on and a passing rush saw the ball come to Richards, who feinted and went over. The kick failed. Opunake 21 —Eltliam 5. A minute later Casey took and went through to the twenty-five, where he short punted and Burton, following up fast, ■ touched down for a. try near the corner. The kick failed. Opunake ‘it—Eltham 5. Eltham hotly attacked, R. Bocock, putting in a brilliant run to the opposing twenty-five, where he passed to Hughes. Gordon, however, effected a 1 good save. Opunake attacked again, and after a series of strenuous rushes Dudley went through the ruck to score a try. The kick failed. Opuanke 27 —Eltham 5.

Just before time M. Owen intercepted and got clear away, but in the opposing twenty-five passed J. Lusk, who kicked, enabling Kennedy to return the leather. The forwards went through and, just on the line. Barker tried a pot, hut failed, aim Opunake forced. H. Jloeock and Hughes put in a vigorous dash and. just in front of the goal. Eltham had a penalty. Hughes kicked a good goal., Time was called immediately with the scores:

Opunake 27 —Eltham 8 Mr R. Bowman was referee.