Otiria Holds Hone Heke Cup In Draw

Northern Advocate, 23 August 1945, Page 7

Otiria Holds Hone Heke Cup In Draw

(Special) KAIKOHE. This Day. Otiria faced its most serious challenge to date and at one time looked like coming of! second best when Kaikohe played it to a draw on the Otirja sports ground for possession of the coveted. 40-year-old trophy of northern Maori Rugby, the Hone Heke Cup. Kaikohe was assisted by a strong wind in the first half, and after about 20 minutes' play, scored near the peg from a fine back movement that included every player in the back line, (he right winger. Tango, making the touchdown. Playing at second five was Peter Smith, Kaikohe’s wellknown Rugby star. Smith made a good attempt: at a difficult kick. The second Kaikohe try came from a forward rush into the same corner, and Smith again failed to make a virtually im_ possible kick. Half-time score was 6—o to the visiters. In the opening spoil Kaikohe took full advantage of the wind and kept play con sistently in Otiria’s defence lino. After the break, Kaikohe again started off well, but Otiria definitely got on top in the final 20 minutes and kept the challengers extremely busy defending their own line. G'tiria’s first points came from an offside penally kicked by Wharorau when the second spell was about half done. The second score was a try gained by B. Cherrington in the corner. The ball came from a ruck out to the backs and was handled by four players before going to Chcrington. Wharerau missed an impossible kick. Two minutes later the whistle blew. Referee was Mr I. Smith, of Moerewa. It is understood in Kaikohe that a draw will enable a second challenge to be made, but a number of challenges have yet to be played and the season is well advanced. Serving as a curtain raiser to the football was a particularly active basketball cup match played between two Maori teams, Otiria and Ngapuhi, who also drew. 13 all.