HAWERA (12) v. OPUNAKE (5)

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXXI, Issue LXII, 13 May 1912, Page 5

HAWERA (12) v. OPUNAKE (5)

This match was played at Opunake on Saturday, and resulted in a win for the visitors, after a good game. Though the score was so much against the local team, the Hawera score included two penalty goals, and Opunake were on several occasions within an ace of scoring again Hawera kicked off. Opunake' at once set up a determined attack and twice almost got over the line. Hawera backs saved. From a scrum Hawera set up a passing rush, which, however, came to nothing. Bad passing among the local >backs spoilt several good chances. Then a clever piece of work by Lusk and T. King ended a smart run by scoring in a good place. J. Martin was successful with the kick. Hawera liver.pl up. and rushed the ball down the field. Ryan, for Hawera, stopped several dangerous rushes. A free kick relieved Hawera on their lino, and they set up a determined attack. Webb was collared just on the Opunake line, after a good concerted piece of passing. Then a free-kick gave Hawera an opportunity, and Reid placed a good goal. Opunake_. 5; Hawera, 3. Opunake made the pace, but the intercepting of a pass enabled Hawera to force Oounake. They play went up and down the field. Hawera backs were kicking high, and following up, and the Opunake line was in danger again. Long kicks between the backs, ailrl then the yellows attacked strongly. A free-kick gave Reid another opportunity to place a goal, and the spell ended : Hawera, 6; Opunake, 5. Give and Lake play succeeded, and then Whittiugtou almost got over. Opunake cleared with a great rush. Hawera . worked back, and lost several changes by i inaccurate passing. A good passing rush was spoilt by Barlow hanging on too long. Opunake set up a counter attack, and only good defence saved a score. Hawera again attacked, and Beamish got over', no goal resulting. The game was very fast, and Hawera shortly afterwards scored again, Hunt getting over the line. No goal resulted, and the game ended without further score. The teams were pretty evenly matched. Hawera owe their success to their back play. The Opunake forwards were frequent offenders for off-side play, and gave their opponents several opportunities to score. Opunake were good in the inocf.. Both full-ba.cks showed excellent kicking powers and good defence.