HAWERA (9) v. OKAIAWA (0).

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLI, Issue XLI, 19 July 1920, Page 5

HAWERA (9) v. OKAIAWA (0).

SENIORS.

The above teams met on the Hawera ground on Saturday, and the game resulted in a win for the home team by 9 points to nil —three tries scored in, the second spelL Both teams were minus some of their best players, Hawera having no' fewer than six absentees. —West, Pogarty, Paterson (2), Robertson and Cameron—whilst Okaiawa were without the services of. John-s-tone and Martin, two of their best forwards, and others, Martin being disabled. The Hawera team kicked off with the sun in their'faces. The opening stages of the game were of a give-and-take order, Okaiawa at one time nearly scoring a goal from a free kick, the attempt being a very good one. Matters took a dangerous turn later on for the visitors. Lavery,, who was playing a good game, headed a fast rush right to their line, where Wills securing kicked too hard, and a force resulted. The Reds now took a hand at aggressive plaVj which ended in a force down for the home team. Hqwey.er, it was not long before the visitors again got into difficulties. Laurie Wills, playing half, opened up play, and the Yellow rearguard attacked vigorously, relief coming to the defending team by a free kick for overeagerness on their opponents' part. The Hawera team continued to attack, and half-time came with the ball in Okaiawa territory. In the second spell L. Hunt, who was nearly always in the van, gained possession, streaked for the line, and passed to C. Whittington, the latter transferring to Wilkinson, but a free kick to Okaiawa brought temporary relief. Wilkinson again got, possession shortly afterwards, and this time sprinted for the line, which h© managed to cross at the corner. Ryan did not add the major points. A mistake on the part of an Okaiawa player in miskicking the ball into Wilkinson's hands gave the latter another opportunity. Taking the ball on the full when going at top speed, he outdistanced all opposition, and again got across at the corner. He took the kick himself, but it was a poor attempt. The Yellows continued to press their opponents, and ' Murphy forced himself over the line. Wills took the kick, but no goal resulted. There was no further score. Mr Card acted as referee, and gave general satisfaction.