HAVELOCK WELL DOWN

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXIV, Issue 211, 20 August 1934, Page 3

HAVELOCK WELL DOWN

BIG TOTAL TO HASTINGS. In the early game at Nelson Park, Hastings, the Havelock North team met Hastings in a game that was hardly up to standard. Both sides had to make a call on juniors. Though Hustings deserved victory the margin of l.j points in their favour at the close oi Hie match was decidedly flattering, the \ illagers putting up a better show than the score would indicate. the opening stages saw Havelock press strongly despite the tact that the wind was against them. Dyer had to put in some good work on defence. The visiting forwards were more than holding their own against the redoubtable Hastings pack and with the backs coming cceasionallv into the limelight Hastings were sorely piessed. By making the most of the wind Hastings eventually took up the attack in earnest, the forwards having to do the bulk of the work. A penalty brought relief at a critical stage but" Hastings came back again and a hard kick by Gillies did an unexpected rebound to catch the Villagers napping, and Pearson, who was following-up scored, an easy try, Simpson converting.—Hastings 5, Havelock North 0. The home team continued to attack, Gillies just missing a try in the corner. A sensational break by Rangi Joll gave Mollison a chance, but he elected to kick. The Villagers kept up the pressure, Ferguson, Eddie and Graham in turn making -bids to break down the defences. The last-named missed with a free kick at goal and then Havelock gradually fell back for McNeil to take a futile kick at goal. A good run by Nelson paved the way for Burnett to cross and though tackled in goal he was awarded a try, Simpson making the half-time score read—Hastings 10, Havelock North 0. The Villagers resumed with vigour after the interval, the forwards battling their way deep into Hastings territory where Ferguson and Russell figured prominently. From a loose rush Mollison scored in a handy position for Graham to convert.—Havelock North 6. Hastings 10. Within two minutes the Villagers were pressing strongly on the left wing. Hastings conceding a force. Ensuing play swung between the quarterways for a time, Hastings eventually returning to the attack only to fail and Havelock take a prolonged period on the attack. The Villagers were setting the pace a hot one and though they came close on several occasions the defence held fast. Spending their vigour unsuccessfully, the Villagers found themselves unable to cope with the Hastings forwards, who at this stage were showing something of their true form and for the remainder of the spell Hastingn were definitely on top. Cameron landed a good field goal, then Fredsberg and Nelson each found their way through the defence, neither trv being converted, the final count reading. Hastings 20 Havelock North 5 Mr L. Patrick was referee.