Ahipara All Out Against Te Kao

Northern Advocate, 13 June 1938, Page 10

Ahipara All Out Against Te Kao

Te Kao's match against their kinsmen, Ahipara, marked the first occasion that Te Kao have been defeated on their home ground. Winning the toss, To Kao elected to play with a howling gale behind them, and kept Ahipara defending strenuously all through the first half, to score only once. Waiting for the ball to be kicked out for the interval, Johnnie Newton charged down Urlich’s clearing kick, to go on and score the easiest of tries. Te Kao invariably kicked too hard and Ahipara were content to keep their line intact, Urlich doing a lot of work, though at times he appeared rather casual.

The Ahipara forwards backed up very well and at times assisted the backs to clear by-packing tight and taking the ball well upheld with their superior weight. On changing over, it was Ahipara’s turn with the elements, and it was not long before Max Berghan (a cousin to the T. Berghan who played so well on Saturday for the South Island), in one of those characteristic solo runs of his. bumped several would-be tacklers off to score by the posts. This versatile player converted, for Ahipara to lead 5—3. Te Kao responded gamely under pressure. Wiry veteran George Kaipo, up to all his old dodges, took play into Ahipara's territory on several occasions, but the ball was most elusive, the wind often blowing it back yards at a time. Max Berghan scored again, and the reverse spurred Te Kao on to greater efforts, and for the first time during the match play was in the twenty-five against the wind, but, try as they would. Ahipara were destined to win. Mr N. Wilkinson controlled the game. Houhora’s Narrow Win In a ragged game at Kaitaia. the home team went down narrowly to Houhora. For the winners, Diservich scored two tides, Pickering one and F. Evans converted one. For Kaitaia A, Tom Flinn scored all the points (a try and two penalty goals). Mr Morice was referee.