HAWERA (9) v. OKAIAWA (0)

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLII, Issue XLII, 6 August 1923, Page 8

HAWERA (9) v. OKAIAWA (0)

The meeting of the rival teams, Ha-w-ara .and Okaiawa, on the A. and P. 'Association' ground at Hawera resulted in the. only defeat sustained by Okai>*wa this season. The interest in the ■meeting of the rivals was evinced in the faot T^at, despite the inclemency of •prevailin^weather cojisLifciens, a crowd sufficiently TaftsriTo tax the accommodation of the stand was present to witness the match. Though a slippery grcrand and heavy, greasy ball severely handicapped the speed of the game, it ?was strenuously fought throughout, and ■under more favourable conditions an exhibition of a much higher standard oould have been confidently expected. ■ Okaiawa's chances of success were con- ! Biderably augmented by the absence of Hawera vs two star forwards, West and it. Paterson, but though during the opening stages of the game the visitors maintined the advantage and looked like winning, the second half found ±hem wanting, and on the day's play the. better team won. Though condiy tioris were not conducive to effective back nlay, it was evident that the ab-

Esnre of D. Johnston was sorely felt in the Okaiawa rear division. j Defending the southern goal, Hawera \ set the ball 5 in motion, and following an exchange of long kicks R. Roberts lined at half-way. From the throw-in the red pack got possession, and headed by Johnstoue and Harris made a vigorous assault, which Cameron checked, but kicked to Atkins, whose high punt sent the ball across the home line, iwhere Anderson saved with a force down. R. Roberts, receiving from the ; drop out, quickly placed his pack on ; side, and another attack by Okaiawa wa3 stopped by A. Paterson. Following ] •up a long kick by Nicholls, Toro, the *. Okaiawa rover, collided with Anderson, ! and unfortunately sustained an injury i fe> his knee cap, which necessitated his j retirement. Radford replaced him. A \ paualty to Hawera for obstruction re- ! salted in a line-out in the northern j end. Hawera's invasion was quickly countered by the Okaiawa vanguard, who forced play back to home territory and maintained: a determined aggressive, which eventually terminated in a ; force down by Cameron. Another for- ' midable rush by the red pack placed the : defence in a critical situation, which ! Hodder retrieved cleverly and cross- ! kicked to McGregor, who ran tip a%d put his side temporarily on the attack. I

■Jo. Roberts initiated a swift passing movement, sending to Atkins, to JR.. Roberts, to Nicholis, who centred, and the pack again assaulted, only to be fceaten, by a smart line kick from Ryan. Hunt and Sutherland led a cfcrmUined movement, with which the tome forwards took play to Okaiawa's 25V where Skipper in checking nassed wildly and allowed the attackers a good opportunity, but Atkins relieved. At half-way' Cameron went down to check the. Ok&asjM forwards,: and from the ensuing.&Wimmage A. Pater son sent the bait to -McGregor, who effected a sensational opening, punting high when threatened by R. Roberts. Thomas, following up rapidly, gathered the ball, and after an exciting 25 yards' race ,wifch Tuki jyent over for a try ten yards in. vHodder converted with a splendid kick. , Hawera 5, Okaiawa nil. Skipper, the Okaiawa half, who was experiencing difficulty in handling the greasy bail, changed places with JSTicholis on the left wing. Following the drop out, Anderson and Tuki exchanged kicks, after which Cameron made a good opening, but Hodder's .pass was intercepted by B. Roberts, who in turn was spoiled by Hunt, and tUe Hawera vanguard, who were at this . stage gradually wearing down their Ifeavier opponents, assumed the aggressive. Half-time sounded with Hawera ■ on the attack. The change over took place without tae^ usual retirement. Several changes took place amongst the Okaiawa backs Atkins moved in to the half position, B. Roberts to first and Guv to second five-eighths, and Nicholis went to the right wigd. During the first few moments the visitors pressed, Harris being conspicuous, but Hunt led a forward scramble, which allowed Hawera to re- . lisve, and play travelled to Okaiawa's area. With a good interchange of passes B. Roberts, Guy, and R. Roberts made an attack, which Cameron checked, and from a serum near the home 25 A. Paterson came through and found touch well past half-way. , Jackson was noted in some good play, which resulted in a strenuous tussle right on the visitors' line, where an infringement by a Hawera player allowed Ike to relieve with a powerful kick, which srsnt the 'attackers back to half-way. Thomas took the ball, and after gaining ground centred to his pack, where Jackson got possession -in* front of the posts and smartly goaled with a drop kick. Hawera 9, Okaiawa nil. Followiiig the kick-off, play hovered at midiisid till the visiting rearguard, who v,-are striving to" make the game open, combined in a promising movement, which was foiled by a brilliant save by McGregor,, who initiated a countermovement^ His forwards continued it, and Tuki relieved a critical situation. From just inside half-way Tuki made a fine attempt to goal with a penalty -kick, the ball missing the height of the bar by inches only. With the' drop out the home pack made a combined dash, in the conclusion of which Hunt was \salucky, and R. Roberts was awarded a force.down. Several further assaults "by the home team were frustrated by f». stubborn defence, in wkich Atkins, R. Roberts and Nicholis were conspicuous. A. Paterson retired with an injury to his shoulder, his r>lace at half being taken by Bailey, and Bartlett v/ent oh as rover. Intercepting during ■a passing* rush by the Hawera backs, Harris blocked a nass sent to Ryan, and effected a solo dribble, to be •stopped when dose to his objective by Hodder. McGregor, getting possession, made a fine run, and returned the ball to -Hodder, who when close to Okaiawa's line tried to centre with a short punt, which, however, allowed Skipper to find touch out of the' danger zone. During the concluding stages of the game the home team pressed persistently; but full time sounded, without altsration. to the scores. Mr. A. Neilson controlled the game.