OPUNAKE (Io) v. PATEA (0)

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLI, Issue XLI, 15 August 1921, Page 5

OPUNAKE (Io) v. PATEA (0)

The above game, played on the Opunake ground, proved an easy victory for the home team. Patea, winning the toss, elected to open with a strong breeze in their favour. Play throughout the first spell was without any feature. Opunake, though having the better of the play,'did not score. Upon resuming play Patea were immediately upon the defensive, and within three minutes from the kick-off Walsh crossed the line. The kick at goal taken by Lusk missed. Patea now livened up and for some minutes play was in mid-field. Opunake presently put their opponents upon the defensive and were awarded a free kick in a favourable position, Lusk making no error with the kick. Shortly afterwards Hohaia put up a spectacular run and crossed the line near the cor-

ner. Tlie kick at goal just missed. Patea now set up a vigorous attack and play was carried near to Opunake's line. The defence was too solid, however, and a good kick by O'Rorke, smartly followed up, relieved the posi- ' tion. Hohaia, securing again at midfield, successfully evaded the oppos- : ing backs and secured his second try. | I The kick again failed. Patea still put • considerable vim into the game. A dribbling rush by Lichtwark and Bowman resulted in the latter touch- ' ing down at the posts. The kick, taken by Bowman, went wide. Play of an even character was continued for some time, terminating in Patea making a vigorous attempt to score, but the ball was kicked too hard and Opunake forced. Mr. H. Holmes refereed. During the game he had occasion to suspend a player from each team for rough play. .