Thrilling Preliminary Game

Northern Advocate, 18 July 1938, Page 2

Thrilling Preliminary Game

Although leading by 12 points to 3 at half time Central, failed to hold the upper hand against Hora Horn in the third grade curtain raiser at Rugby Park. Hora Hora rallied in the second spell to carry the day by the narrow margin of 13-12.

With the leading two third grade teams fielded, expectations of an exciting match were more than fulfilled, both teams playing sterling football. Although territorially Hora Hora had the better of the first half gnd moslf of the second. Central’s backs were toe aggressive and found openings too easily in the defence. It was this factor alone which enabled them to score as> they did.

Within the first 10 minutes, throe points had been credited to each side, McKinnon scoring after a fast burst down the wing for Central, and Parkes kicked a penalty for Hora Horn

Central Scores Early,

Hora Hora’s forwards were working overtime, but the backs failed to give them sufficient support, and were weak on defence. Seme fine movements by Alderton, Simpson, and Stanton, fivev-eighths and centre respectively for Central, cut Hora Hora’s defence to ribbons. Taking charge of the ball from the halfway mark. Central’s forwards carried it into the opposing 25, where Stanton secured and passed to McKay, the latter going over for a beautiful try. McKinnon’s kick failed.

Alderton opened the way for a brilliant effort when he intercepted. He was brought to the ground on the 25-yard-line, where a penalty was awarded against Hora Hora, McKinnon putting over a magnificent kick to make the half-time score 9 —3.

TTora Hora Rallies,

Playing a fine forward game. Aston ted the attack in the second spell for Central. McKinnon’s fast dashes assisting in keeping the ball in Ihe Hora Hora twenty-five. A scrum on Hora Hora’s line saw Pollock dive over, for another try. McKinnon's kick failed to rise.

Despite those setbacks, flora Hora still held the territorial advantage, and it was not long before the forwards wore within striking distance of Cen-

tral s line. Following a short punt out Of a midfield melee, the He,;, Ho iao forwards stormed Central s line carrying the ball over for Taylor m be awarded the try Parker.' kid: brought the score to 12—• 8 in Central’s fav..ur. Pali Ison's SensaiioiiaJ Try. flora Hora kept on the attack. Patt;son putt in;; (ho ball on: close to the corner. A succession r.T flve-vard scrums followed, from one of which Paltison, Hora Mora's right wine,or. saw an opening, captured the ball in midair and dived over for a sensational try. Parkc-s added the extra points, and so pave Hera Hora tin- had. Ik to 12. Although dazed after be ; mazin;; (live across the 1 1 IK*, I’atlison was. able to continue, and was instrumental in keeping the re.llyina, Central forces from scorin.e. further, ’[’ho name ended with Mora flora the victors by one point. Mr J Beasley was the. referee.