SCHOOL SPORTS

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXXIII, Issue 4800, 21 June 1939, Page 2

SCHOOL SPORTS

OTOROHANGA VISITS HANGATIKI RUGBY AND BASKETBALL. Hangatiki school children received a great thrill on Friday last when they received visits from Otorohanga school’s second Rugby fifteen and second basketball team. Training had been fast and furious in anticipation of these games, which were played in a real sporting spirit. The basketball was played in the schoolgrounds, while the boys were permitted to use the men’s football ground. In the football Hangatiki had a slight advantage in size and of this they made full use—the burly livestone forwards packing low, and gaining possession from most scrums. The half knew his business and got the ball away to the backs, who, in spite of a certain amount of fumbling, showed considerable dash.

The visiting team played gamely and tackled well, and on more than one occasion looked dangerous. But luck was against them, and promising performers —especially the left wing—were not given sufficient of the balk

Hangatiki won the toss and attacked from the start, and quite early in the game scored the first try. Whether the visitors were in better training, or whether the local lads “did their dash” at the start, is hard to say, but half-time found the score 3—o in the home team’s favour. The second half showed the visitors on the attack, though the home team not only kept them out but frequently as opportunities occurred, drove them back to the defensive, and twice again broke through. A most enjoyable game ended with the score 11 —0 against the visitors.

Meanwhile the girls had been playing their game on the school ground. The Hangatiki girls had had very little practice owing chiefly to the shortage of numbers, but the team played very well together, showing good team work. The defence was rather weak, but the centres and goalers were fast and played well together. The two teams were very evenly matched, and from the first the Hangatiki girls had to work very hard to keep up with their opponents. The score at half-time stood at 6 —3 in favour of the home team.

The Otorohanga girls played much better in the second half and quickly raised the score to 9 —B. The finish was very close, the Otorohanga team scoring their tenth goal as the whistle blew. The final score was 11 —10 in favour of Hangatiki, and altogether the game was very fast and well played for a primary school match. All then adjourned to the school where refreshments were served and duly appreciated. The home captains took charge and welcomed the visitors. They thanked Otorohanga teachers and pupils for coming along and for the very enjoyable games played. The visiting captains outshone their hosts as spokesmen, expressing their pleasure at having been invited to come along, and thanked the Hangatiki School for a very pleasant afternoon.

The visitors were then escorted to their bus by the whole school, and left for home amidst rousing cheers.

Looking Forward to Show Visit.

The Hangatiki children are looking forward eagerly to a promised visit to Te Kuiti Winter Show, which they have entered as competitors in solo

singing, recitation, and as a choir. The members of the two local Women’s Institutes have been invited to visit the school and to bring their friends for a preliminary hearing of the pieces chosen. Whilst naturally hoping to be winners they also hope to meet with the keenest competition.