OLD RIVALS MEET

Hawera Star, Volume LIV, 17 June 1935, Page 7

OLD RIVALS MEET

OKAIAWA’S COMFORTABLE WIN DEFEAT OF WAIMATE SIDE. AIAIiGIN OF TEN POINTS.

Showing a vast superiority in the early stages of the second spell, Okaiawa comfortably defeated the visiting Waimate team by li) points to 9. For a great part of the match, however, Waimate were well in the picture and in the last fifteen minutes scored six of their .points. The match was played at a good clip, and although there was little combined play of a high order, there was plenty of incident for the spectators. Waimate held a territorial advantage for a greater part of the first spell, but fell back for a period following the change-over. The forwards were well matched and play 'ln this department | was .particularly willing. Midway through the second spell, the referee, Air JR. AlcDermott, collided with two players. He was incapacitated for a brief period with a leg injury, but was able to continue. The teams were:—

Okaiawa: P. Toro; Blair, Ngaia, Wards; Alurdoch, Robinson; Hickey; Awahou; Collins, Wallis, Roscwarno, Guy, Skipper, Preston, Tippett. Waimate: Alasters; Waun, Baldwin, G. Alurlitt; 0. Whalen, Surgenor; Christie; Burke; Bourkc,. Coull, Hansen, J. Alurfitt; Gulliver, Sutton and Hikaka.

Waimate had a territorial advantage in the first few moments, during which the forwards saw the most of the ball. Near the line, Waimate attempted to set their backs in motion, but the inside men were too well marked. Forward passes were frequent. Waimate maintained the pressure and on the twenty-five Okaiawa were penalised for lifting in the scrum. C. Whalen- made no mistake with the kick. Waimate 3 —Okaiawa 0. A similar infringement by Waimate just inside half-way gave P. Toro a slim chance to goal, but the kick lacked height and was lined by Whalen. Two strong runs by Warm down the

touch line were a feature of a period of ragged play following an Okaiawa rush, which was repelled by forward play. Shortly after Okaiawa were offside, but C. Whalen’s kick from outside the twenty-five fell short. A high speculator brought Waimate to the attack and a series of short dashes almost penetrated the home defence. A good kick gave relief and then Okaiawa were seen in motion, the ball travelling via Robinson, Awahou and Murdoch to Wards, who made a solid dash, but sent the ball astray in his pass infield. Okaiawa were again in danger when a free kick gave relief from a sortie in the corner. Near half-way Wallis broke away and the forwards carried

the ball to the twenty-five. Here Hickey .passed to Robinson and before the crowd realised it, Murdoch was away for the line. He completely bewildered the opposition by selling dummies right and left and dived over near the posts. P. Toro converted. Okaiawa s—Waimate 3. Wairnate had a fair prospect of taking tn e lead following an infringement, but C. Whalen’s kick from wide out missed. Just on half-time, Robinson and Ngaia broke away, but a high pass to Murdoch near the twenty-live went astray. Okaiawa s—Wainiate 3. Okaiawa were sternly on the defence following the resumption, being com-

pelled to force twice in a short period

An attempt to pot a goal by Surgcnor was charged down and this appeared to fill Okaiawa with new life. Following a period of play on the visitors’ side of half-way, the ball went along the Okai-

awa backs to Blair. Ngaia raced aroynd quickly to take a well-timed pass and score in the corner. P. Toro’s kick failed. Okaiawa B—Wainiate 3. Play had not been in progress five minutes when the Okaiawa backs were away again, Blair capping a good movement by scoring under the posts after running behind from the corner flag. Ngaia converted. Okaiawa 13— Wainiate 3. Ragged play followed in neutral territory, the only feature being an attempt by Whalen to goal from a penalty, the ball going to the side of the posts. Okaiawa swept to the attack and following a scramble on the line Awahou picked up and dived over. The kirk was not allowed. Okaiawa .10—Waimate 3. For the first time in a considerable period, Wainiate pressed to the home twenty-five. C. Whalen attempted to race through, but lie lost the ball. Baldwin was there and picked up to score. Whalen missed an easy kick. Okaiawa 10 —Wainiate 0.

Two more tries were scored in the closing,.s.fages .of the match. The ball came to Ngaia from the ruck at halfway. He made a sensational run with four Wainiate men at his heels and touched down in the corner. Toro missed with the kick. Okaiawa 19— Wainiate 0.

Wainiate surged to the Okaiawa line, where the home backs attempted to break away. Baldwin intercepted and scored beneath the posts. Christie could not convert. Full time sounded with play at the Wainiate twenty-five. Okaiawa 10—Wainiate 9. Mr R. McDermott was referee.