SENIOR MATCHES.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLVI, Issue XLVI, 1 June 1914, Page 4

SENIOR MATCHES.

HAWERA 1.(9) v. OPUNAKE I (3). Despite unpromising weather ■ conditions, Opunake brought in a good team to keep their fixture with Hawera, and after a good, interesting and willing struggle, suffered defeat by a margin of six points. Hawera, winning the toss, played with the wind, Rowlands kicking off for Opunake. George returned well, and McSweeney, taking the ball well, at once set up an attack. Beamish made a weak kick, and the opposing forwards rushed into Hawera territory. A free kick for off-side play by a Hawera forward gave Opunake a shot at goal, but the ball fell short laulty taking of the ball by Hawera .backs exposed their line to danger from a dashing forward rush until Beamish and Robertson cleared, and the ball was for some time in neutral territory. Then Hawera set up a vigorous attack, and over-eagerness spoilt a good opportunity. Twice in succession the ball came out to Toy on the wing, but the chances were lost. Hawera continued to press, and a penalty almost in front of their opponents' goal gave George an easy chance, which, he missed. Shortly! after he had another in a more difficult position, and almost piloted the oval over the bar. Hawera, playing well and with dash, got on some good pass- '' mg rushes, Doherty getting the ball away to his backs in good style. Barry, on the wing, was, however, crowded out of touch. Again the ball travelled across the field, but there was no finish to the effort. A free kick to Hawera gave George another shot at goal, and he made no mistake. —Hawera 3, Opunake 0. Keeping up the , attack, Hawera had the visitors penned on the line. Doherty got away smartly and tried to short-punt, but overdid it, and Opunake forced. Ha-1 wera backs were getting on passing rushes, but could not get over, and play was uninteresting until, from a free kick for which "no charge" was given, George annexed another goal.— Hawera 6, Opunake 0. Hawera forwards headed by Whittington and! V\est, kept up a constant attack, and Bishop put in a good dash. Shortly i atter half-time so\inded without any-ad-1 dition to the score.

On resuming, Opunake played with much more .dash. Barry almost let feis ; side down, but Sou, with fine kicks, cleared the line twice in quick succes- . sion. * Then Hawera retaliated. Bishop | (who was playing a great game on the } wing) started a fine dribbling rush, and Hawera looked like scoring. King i' sent them back with a useful kick, and the Opunake forwards took up the running. They got on a slashing rush, ! and Hawera just managed to force. ! From the kick-off an Opunake back marked and had a shot at goal. West (Hawera) dashed up, passed to Whittmgton, and he to Bishop, but a. mulled pass spoilt a good opportunity. Hawera continued the attack and swarmed into Opunake quarters. Doherty secured, sent out to Beamish, to George, and one o^tfe* b?st runs of the day resulted. With his wing man racing beside him, George made the mistake of passing m-field, and the rush was smothered. Free kicks relieved Opunake till Bishop and West set up another strong .attack...-Good kicking was shown by Kayner (Opunake) and Robertson and feou (Hawora). At length the persistence of the Opunake forwards was rewarded, Rowlands scoring as the result of a loose rush. No goal resulted. — Hawera 6, Opunake 3. Soon after the play recommenced, Rowlands made a very good attempt to convert a mark They were getting aIL over" HaWera, and only good defence preventer a furl ther score. Both sides now strained every nerve, and good play was shown by both back teams. Bishop and Radford were associated in good saving work, and Hawera defence was severely taxed until the forwards broke away with West, Whittington, and Radford in the van. Bishop secured, made a fine run, and almost got over. Hawera continued to press, and at length a miskick by King gave them an opportunity of which West took advaniige'i c had been well on the ball all through, and was now rewarded by securing a try. No goal resulted.- - Hawera 9, Opunake 3. The last five minutes' play was very exciting, both sides fighting hard. Opunake made a imal dash and kept the Hawera backs busy, Sou saving in fine style. The ball went into touch, and the whistle sounded "No side," leaving the scoresHawera 9, Opunake 3. Mr J. Crowley was referee, and gave both sides every satisfaction.