Bay of Islands Season Opens

Northern Advocate, 10 May 1939, Page 2

Bay of Islands Season Opens

The curtain went up on the Bay of Islands Union’s competition on Saturday when some scintillating play was seen. Principal interest attached to the meeting of Otiria. last year’s champions. and Tautoro, but the latter side was far undorslrcngth. seven of the best players being absent, and the champions had a picnic to the tunc of 38 points to four.

The standard displayed by Otiria was anything but good. Not only did the players Jack fitness, but there was an entire absence of combination between backs and forwards, emphasising the great need for the services of a coach, as well as for training facilities.

Most of Otiria's tries came from scrambling play near the opposing goal-line and not from that concerted effort which is desirable. Honest toilers were M. Wharerau (five-eighths), B. Korewha (winger), T. Brown (centre), D. Ututaonga (forward.) and T. Keogh (forward). J. Wharerau, onetime Bay representative forward, was a passenger fn the team. For Tautoro, Pompey Rivers played an outstanding game. He led his beaten forwards against an experienced pack like a true All Black representative. H. To Eore kicked a gem of a field goal from 35 yards out to register the only points for his team. Kaikohe v. Motatau. T. Dalton was one of the most impressive players for Kaikohe. He led the Kaikohe backs in all their movements, and was to the fore fn attack and defence. Johnny Wilson, who was a Bay rep. last season, was up to form on Saturday, and was the most impressive member of the Kawakawa. pack. By scoring three tries for Motalau. J. Kingi was a valuable member ot the team on the day, and his wide experience in the past should prove r. decided asset to his club. The Kauwhata brothers proved their worth in the Ohaeawai pack.. They are reliable forwards, possessing both weight and speed, and the ability to keep on the ball at all times. There is very little likelihood that J. Edwards will be surpassed as the best half-back in the Bay according to the manner in which he played for Ohaeawai on Saturday. He was proficient in handling the ball, and his control over the forwards in scrums was perfect. On account of the very poor field at Molatau, D. Webster was not able to produce his best for Kaikohe, but he created a favourable impression in the match, which was his first in senior competition. He is a young player, possessing plenty of speed and Rugby sense. Two good grafters, T. Monaghan and L. Kidd, played solid games on Saturday, and a little more training will produce the best in them. K. Dargaville, the Kaikohe fullback, played his usual reliable game, though he could not kick to satisfaction on account of the state of the ground. Not very fast on his feet, he always gets his man.