AN EXCELLENT GAME

Horowhenua Chronicle, 27 May 1935, Page 8

AN EXCELLENT GAME

HUI MAI BEAT PUNAHAU. Considerable interest •centred around the ma'tch at Manakau on Saturday, when Punahau and Hui Mai, the two teams leading the senior championship with even honours, met in what proved to be one of the brightest exhibitions of Kugbj witnessed in this district for a considerable time. It would appear that the spectators present far exceeded the number at any previous match in the Horowhenua Union this season. During the first half of the game HuiMai were the superior team and they piled up eleven points with three against. The second spell this position was changed, for Punahau were the aggressors and though they pressed hard they could only increase their tally to eight points and prevent an increase to the score of their opponents before the final whistle sounded. Punahau held a slight advantage in the ranks of the forwards, but in the backs Hui Mai were faster and their faultless handling on several occasions were, a revelation. The game was played at a fast open clip while at different times the forwards were responsible for some fine concerted work. THE TEAMS. The teams lined out as follows: — Hui Mai (White and Green).—M. Johnson, A. Cook, M. George, G. Cook, L. Bevan, C. Perawiti, P. Ropata, R. Robinson, W. Paipa, T. George, M. Gardner, Tana, Taha, Jockey and Slack. Punahau (Blue).—J. Graham, R. Broughton, S. Home, R. Williams, T. Wilson, H. Parata, W. Parata, G. McDonald, T. McDonald, H. Cootes, G. Ropata, P, Parata, J. Parata, P. Parata and H. Warren. THE GAME. Hui Mai kicked off facing the northern goal and Punahau returned the ball to centre-field where a scrum resulted. Hui Mai hookers were penalised for raising their feet before the ball was in the scrum but Blue did not find touch with the penalty kick. A Cook returned the ball to W. Parata who sent his backs but Warren fumbled and the effort broke down. Blue were caught off-side, Johnson attempting a penalty kick, but the ball hit the men standing on the mark and Punahau forced play out at half-way. From a scrum the Green forwards attacked, Punahau receiving a free kick wore able to spoil the movement. However, A Cook got possession at halfway and dashing up the line found the line inside Punahau twenty-five. With this advantage Hui Mai were giving their opponents some trouble. A. Cook was sent a bad pass, but he recovered the ba I .] and with Johnson in support put in a determined run, the latter player crossing to open the scoring account. He was unable to convert his own rry. Hui Mai ?>, Punahau nil. Even with only ten minutes of the game gone, Punahau placed the opposition on the defensive. Prom a ruck at the twenty-five W. Parata snapped the leather up and broke through to make a great opening for Warren to score. Graham failed to convert. Punahau 3, Hui Mai 3. A scrum at half-way followed the recommencement of play but Punahau found touch with little improvement in their position. C. Perawiti got possessi'n from a line-out and kicked outside the field in the Blue twenty-five. Anxious moments frHowed for Puna-

hau with the Green forwards right on! the line. Ropata gathered in the ball and tried to dive over, but was smothered by the Punahau backs. Punahau hooked from the tight, W. Parata passing to Wtrren who touch-kicked to the twenty-five and alleviated. Blue then .brought the game back to half-way. Bevan kicked up-field, Graham returning. From a ruck Bevan received the ball, handing to G. Cook who showed plenty of speed and cut-in to score in a handy position. George added the extra poinls. Hui Mai. 8, Punahau 3. Punahau attacked from the kick, Coofi.s breaking away to set the Blue back? in motion. The attempt was frustrated by the good defence work of the Gieen backs and who put the leather out of play at the twenty-five. Green were given a free kick for obstruction and that put the game back to the half-way mark. Hui Mai forwards carried play into foreign territory where Bevan collected the ball. Ho passed to George, who made a splendid effert and placed his side still further in the lead. His attempt at conversion went wide. Hui Mai 11, Punahau 3. Half-time was called a few minutes later with no alteration in the poin'.s scored. THE SECOND SPELL. When play resumed it was noticed that S. Graham had been included as centre, Home taking the place of Williams at wing. From the whistle Punahau came to the attack and penned Hui Mai in their own domain until George got possession and placed Blue on the defensive. However, Blue retaliated and held Hui Mai right on their line. Johnson saved for his side with a line-kick to the twenty-five. Hui Mai forwards then led a rush down-field to the half-way mark. Graham, Wilson and Broughton were associated in a passing rush vrfrich gained a fair amount of ground when the last named player sen 4 ; the ball up-field. Blue went very close to scoring in kicking over the line, but the Hui Mai forwards were too fast and forced. Green backs, starting a passing rush, but George was too far ahead for his pass and S. Graham intercepted, but was well grassed. Gveen were awarded a free kick and Johnson found touch at the centre flag. George snapped the ball up from a kick only to be collared by Warren. Hui Mai forwards carried play into the Blue's area, Perawiti marking at the twenty-five to find touch On the corner flag. Warren saved by kicking up-field. Punahau" were striving hard to increase their score and carried play to the twentyfive, Avhere Hui Mai were caught offside. J. Graham's attempt at .joal was excellent, but the ball hit the upright and passed on the outside of the post. Play was then in the twentyfive on the western side of the field and Warren tried to work the blind with Broughton, but was smothered. This caused the Green forwards to converge round the line and Warren again snapped the ball up and hurled It across field to W. Parata. This player cut-in and handed on to Home, who scored a try commendable i'or a. higher standaid of football than is played in this district. J. Graham converted. Hui Mai 11, Punahau 3. This left only ten m.nutas of the game and though the Punahau stalwarts endeavoured to give their backs an opening, Hui Mai's defence was toe strong. When the final whiscle sounded the points remained tb.j <v.me. Mr. Tom Parata very ably controlled the game. 'SHANNON DEFEAT WANDERERS. The match, Shannon v. Wanderers, played on the Levin Domain before a fair gathering of spectators, resulted in a clean-cut win for the visiting team 'by eighteen .points to nine. Ideal conditions favoured the game, which, however, .presented an exhibition of football, on the whole, of only a mediocre standard, although in the latter stages play brightened up considerably, and some really fine work was seen. The teams lined out as under: — Wanderers (Black)- —A. Winiata, G. Royal, Patterson, Nicholson, D. Taylor, Royal, A. Winiata, Milroy, H. Taylor, E. Hudson, A. Pilcher, R. Knox, J. Bond, K. Drysdale, Hiekey. Shannon (Red).—J. Kiriona, P. Nepia, R. Roberts, N. Robbie, R. Kohika, B. Cameron, J. Cameron, N. Riehardso'n, J. Anderson, D. Mercer, C. Anderson, Dalzell, iS. Robbie, Payne, Johnson. THE GAME. Wanderers kicked off against the sun, and attacked, but Kiriona cleared with a, strong kick, and. pressed in their turn, carrying play deep into Black territory. From a five-yards scrum the ball crossed the line, and .Wanderers accepted a force. Shannon

were driven back to half-way, where from a scrum their half-back, J. Cameron, sent his '.backs away, but poor passing spoilt the attempt to' open up the game. Shortly after, however, N. Roibbie secured the ball on the halfway line and made a determined run, dodging through the 'bulk of the opposition before passing in to Anderson, who dived over to gain first blood for Shannon. \l*. Nepia failed with the kick. Shannon 3, Wanderers 0. Loose play followed the kick-off, Wanderers forwards carrying play well inside Red territory. Shannon backs again attempted to open up the game, carrying the ball to mid-field, where Patterson secured for Wanderers, and after a sharp dash handed on to Taylor, who was grassed near the Red line. Offiside play among the defenders re : suited in a free kick for Wanderers, Alt'. Winiata goaling from a handy position to equalize the score. iShannon 3, Wanderers 3. Shannon forwards again attacked determinedly, and Wanderers were obliged to force once more. A good kick by Patterson saw the .ball go out of play near the Red line, and from the line-out the Black backs attempted to go over, but were unable to penetrate the defence. A further infringement by the visitors gave Wanderers another free kick, enabling Winiata to again goal and place his side in the lead. Wanderers 6, Shannon 3. At this stage a re-arrangement was made in the Shannon team, R. Kohika replacing J. Cameron as half-back and the later moving back to second fiveeighth. From a scrum in mid-field, the Black forwards secured the ball, as they were doing in the majority of cases, and Winiata sent his men away in a good passing rush. The effort failed, however, on the Red line, and a five-yards scrum followed. Wanderers were awarded a further penalty, Winiata failing to find the uprights from a difficult angle. From further loose play in mid-field Kohika secured possession, and transferred to Dalzell, who nearing the Black line, handed on for Richardson to equalise the score. Nepia failed to add the major points. Wanderers 6, Shannon 6. A further spell of patchy play saw the intervention of half-time with no alteration in the scores. Upon resuming, Shannon, playing against the low sun, took the ball to the Black line, Wanderers retaliating in 'their turn. A free kick to the visitors relieved. A few moments later both B. Cameron (Shannon), and I. Patterson (Wanderers), retired injured, the latter being replaced Iby W. Winiata. Further loose play resolved into a scramble between the forwards for possession. Shannon were awarded another free kick and from a handy position Nepia cleared the bar. Shannon 9, Wanderers 6. Play now began to liven up and several promising attempts at back play were made on Iboth sides, ibut were nullified by improved tackling. The Black forwards rushed the Red line in a body, and when the heap of players was sorted out near the side-line, a Wanderers' player was found on the ball. Winiata failed with the 'kick. Shannon 9, Wanderers '9. •Play now became more willing, and passed back and forth as both sides endeavoured to score. The Red forwards assaulted in a body with the ball at their toes, and near the Black line L. Dalzell picked up to dive over and place his side again in the lead. Nepia failed to find the uprights. Shannon 12, Wanderers 9. From willing play near the Black twentynfive Robbie secured and passed to J. Anderson, who carried the leather through to scoTe his second try of the day. Nepia again missed with the kick. Shannon 15, Wanderers 9. Shannon continued to press, Wanderers working hard to hold them, and having to again accept a force. Roberts secured for Shannon in mid-field, but a dangerous rush was stopped Nicholson, who intercepted the ball and found the line. Shannon backs continued to throw the ball about, and only good tackling prevented their scoring on several occasions. T'Jiey were, however, not to be denied in their final effort, when Robbie, securing the ball in mid-ifield, sent a long, high pass to J. Anderson, who neatly gathered in, and transferred to Nepia, to Johnson, to J. Cameron, who went over for the .best try of the match. Nepia failed to Jseeure the extra points, and the game ended a few moments later, with the score:— Shannon 18, Wanderers 9. Mr D. Ransfield carried the whistle. RAHUI V. OTAKI. Played on Rahui ground this was a fast and clean game, fought out in a sporting spirit. Otaki won the toss and elected to play with the sun behind them. From the kick-off Rahui attacked and a force-down relieved. Otaki gradually worked their way in~o Rahui territory and from a free kick on Rahui's i 25 line, and from a difficult angle, Nicolson had a shot at goal, but in doing so brushed the referee, putting him off his balance so the referee ordered another kick, but it was unsuccessful. Shortly afterwards Winterburn had an unsuccessful attempt at S-oai. Rahui forwards were doing well against the sun and Otaki were neghmiiig to lose ground; finally another force down relieved. Otaki dropped out, but Rahui kicked back. Otaki forwards were trying hard to score, but Rahui were defending well. Otaki all but went over, but good kicking by Kuti relieved. Otaki were penalised just outside Rahui's 25 and Kuti

with a nice kick found the line 10 yards from Otaki goal-line. Both, forwards were getting- through some ./JgM rucking play, when A. Hakaraiar penalised for off-side play. Kuti made no mistake with the kick,, Rahul ?>> Otaki 10. Rahui still continued to press. Otaki were awarded a free kick and. Nicolson had a great attempt from well -out, but the ball just dropped short. Otaki wore not using the sun to advantage, instead of opening up * play, they were trying t 0 beat Rahui at their own game by keeping it tight. As soon as the ba.cks opened up the play the ball went right through tho back line, with Bishop held up right on the line. With half-time near at* hand' Otaki were trying to pierce the defence but Rahui were finding the line as much as possible, as the backs were practically useless on attack with a. very bad sun' in their eyes. Larkiu got a heavy-jolt on the shoulder, and half-time whistled with the score unaltered. Rahui 3, Otaki 0. From the kick off Otaki held Rahui, but retaliating, Rahui pressed them back and Otaki forced. From the drop-out Otaki took play into Rahui's 25 and from a free kick Nicolson had a shot at goal but was unsuccessful. Good line kicking by Kuti had Otaki on the defensive and Otaki were penalised in a very dangerous position, Kuti kicking a poster. Rahui kept up the attack and. good passing bouts were only stopped by good defence. Still, Rahui were not to be denied and a good dummy ,by Utiku sent Higgott over jus}; outside the posts. Kuti failed with an easy kick. Rahui 6, Otaki 0. Shortly afterwards Flanagan went off with an injured leg, Lemon Te Hana going on. The backs re-arranged themselves but playing out of positio'n it was not totheir advantage and defence was their main feature. The Otaki forwards worked their way into Rahui territory, and from a free kick A Hakaraia had two unsuccessful attempts at goal. Rahui were starting to tire and Otaki had them on defence. Rahui were penalised right under" the own goal-posts, Nicolson failing to raise the flag. Hard rucking play in midfield was taking place when time was called with tluv score, Rahui 6, Otaki 10. It was very pleasing to see Mr. P. McLeavey in. charge of the whistle and he did much towards keeping the game fast and cie&n. It was an education to the players and will imrpove junior football to have only the best referees for their matches. > The Otaki team on defence were very sound but they lacked penetration. The backs' defence was sound, but they should have opened up play in the first half. Flanagan, up to his retirement, was th© main stay of the backs. The- forwards are young and inexperienced, and with coaching would be a first-class pack. B. Winterburn and A. Littler toiled throughout, and wen; certainly the p'ek of. the forwards. The Rahui team's tactics wcrethe deciding factor, playing tight against the sun, and opening it up in the second half. Kuti at full-back wasvery reliable, fielding and kicking with good judgment. The backs were a very even lot and made most of every opportunity. One or two are a trifle weak, on defence, but this game will improve them and they should be a; good' scoring line before the season is finished. Larkin, behind the scrum, outclassed his opponent and with a bit of weight should go far in football. The forwards all played well, packing and dribbling exceptionally well. In fact their was not one who did not do hisshare Pussell was the best loose forward cm the ground, his pace being a deciding factor in his play. Rahui lagged in the last 10 minutes and their is only one remedy, more training. The teams and officials were the guests of Mr. J. D. Howell to a very fine dinner.. ' OTAKI v. POXTON. Otaki were obliged to proceed via Shannon owing to the Levin-Foxtou route being flooded. On the teams taking the field it was obvious that both were evenly balanced in weight. Foxton won the toss and elected to play with the sun behind. The day was ideal for playing. Foxton kicked off. From a good rush Otaki backs secured, Peter Hakaraia secured and scored a try which w r as unconverted. A litt'e* later Kohe Webster, a lightweight, but fast, scored a try, which remained unconverted. Play was at this stage made open by Foxton which suited them. Gihnour (Foxton) secured and scored. Huff Foley scored but Huff missed. Half-time score.: Otaki 9, Foxton 8. On resumption of play Te Hana scored for Otaki from a passing rush by the forwards. Barrett, missed conversion. A penalty kick was awarded Otaki in Foxton's. 25, Barrett taking the kick and converting.. Foxton by this time had warmed up to play and brilliant football was witnessed. Barrett again goaled from a place kick awarded as a penalty. For Foxton Moses scored a clean cut try and Huff converted, making scores: Otaki 18, Foxton 13. Mr. Alf Flutey refereed most satisfactorily. A good crowd witnessed the match. FoxV»*<%| played a sound game but on play. And form were outclassed, and Otaki deserved their victory. WELLINGTON RESULTS. The following are the results of senior games played at Wellington on Saturday:— Tirst Division. (College Old Boys 8, v. Athletic 3. Petone 10 v. Hutt 6. Marist 17 v. Wellington 13. Poneke 17 v. Eastbourne 6. Seconld Division. Oriental 13 v. Berhampore 0. t Johnsonville 9 v. Me]rose-Selwyu 3. Petone 11 v.'iMirainar 8-. St. Pat's 0.8. 11 v. University Ifr..