Matauri Bay Beat Omaunu

Northern Advocate, 12 June 1939, Page 2

Matauri Bay Beat Omaunu

WHANGAROA

The day was fine with a strong downfield wind for the match between Matauri and Omaunu at Matauri Bay. With the sun and wind behind, Matauri kicked off only to be driven back by' well-directed kicks from Tom and “Digger” King. Matauri continued to press, and, as usual, endeavoured to open up play, but the hooking was not clean. When the ball did come out, it was mishandled by the inside backs, causing every movement to become abortive.

Omaunu forwards played a good game. Twice Matauri went over for what appeared to be certain tries, but they were disallowed. Finally, Ben Pere, at half, cut in smartly, eluded four players with his tricky, corkscrew run and handed on to the winger. J. Fere, who scored a try in an easy position. The kick was disallowed on account of double handling. At half-time the score stood at 3'—o in favour of Matauri.

I'orlain Try Lost

lii Iho second spell Omauiui look advantage of the wind with high kicks and splendid line-kicking by the King brothers, who launched attack after attack, and for 20 minutes the play stayed practically m the Blue 25. Occasionally Matauri broke away in splendid bad; rushes, or individual

bursts, but always the play was returned. At this stage Matauri was

very lucky to stave off trios. With 10 minutes to go. J. Paki (Matauri.) broke away and cracked on pace to boat four players and gallop for the line, yards ahead of anyone. To everyone's amazement, he con-

tinued on over the line to score a beautiful try over Hie dead-ball line, which, of course, he mistook for the goal-line! Another certain try was thus lost to Matauri.

In the closing stages, Matauri was always on the attack, and S. Hona, at centre, J. Fere, wing, and C. Rei missed scores by inches. The final whistle went with the score: Matauri 3, Omaunu 0. leaving Matauri still unbeaten and leader in the competition.