Kamo Spring A Surprise

Northern Advocate, 11 July 1938, Page 2

Kamo Spring A Surprise

Kamo took the field confident that the match would not be an easy one for Hikurangi, particularly as the day favoured forward tactics. Hikurangi failed to get started early, the Kamo forwards definitely outplaying their opponents throughout the first spell. Codling, Gibson and Rarity, Hikurangt’s inside back-liners, alone saved Kamo from securing tries.

Kamo Forwards Attack

The first 10 minutes saw a succession of attacks by the Kamo forwards, which left Hikurangi somewhat staggered by the unexpected onslaught. A rally by Hikurangi saw the veteran full-back for Kamo, W. George, caught in possession, but he slithered through the mud and kicked clear. Hutchins, Hikurangi’s left winger, indulged in a tricky passing movement, which would have had better results if a fellowback had been present to accept his pass. Recovering from the set-back, Kamo’s forwards again went into the fray, Cunningham forcing for a 215yard restart. Skelton missed an opportunity to land a penalty kick from an awkward angle. Hikurangi tried to battle away from the danger zone, but the ball was carried behind for a five-yards’ scrum, which resulted in another force-down for Hikurangi. Skelton, Kamo’s second five-eighths, was playing cut on his own, and narrowly missed scoring when he tried to side-step to the line. Incorrect positional play by Kamo saw Gibson dribbling the ball from the half-way line with no one to stop him. He could not have missed scoring. Cunningham raised the flags with a beautiful kick, and Hikurangi led by five points to nil. Skelton’s Great Try,

Hikurangi. forwards took charge for a brief spell. Securing the ball from

behind a scrum. Codling soul, Gibson away hut Skelton intercepted when Gibson tried to send the ball further. He used ins speed (o carry him ovci for one of the fines! tries of the season. His kick from nearly in front of ihe posts was a gift. Half-lime came with the score reading. 5- -5. Dull Second Spell. Play was comparatively di.il in the second half. Kamo being apparently determined to hold out for a draw rather than risk win or defeat. Hikurangi was obliged lo play without Codling, who had retired at half-time With a knee injury. Hutchins came up to half thru k position, and a I lot a Horn player. Redwood, took his place on the wing. With this combination Hikurangi flourished territorially but could not make sufficient penetration, Kamo's tackling being deadly. With only 10 minutes to go, both teams livened up, and a fast and furious contest ensued, Kamo’s forwards playing with as much fervour as they had begun. C. White, C. McDonald and Fletcher set the pace for the forwards to invade the visitors’ territory. The game ended with no additional score. Mr R. Stevenson refereed.