Awanui retains “Frank Cooper” Cup

Northland Age, Volume 3, Issue 30, 27 April 1934, Page 2

Awanui retains “Frank Cooper” Cup

In the first football match of the season played at Awanui last Saturday, the local team retained the Frank Cooper Cup against the challenge of Ilouhora. The Cup was presented last year by Mr. Maurice Richards to mark the first occasion of an Awanui player being chosen for the All Black trials. As was to bo expected for the initial match, play was fairly ragged, but flashes of good play were seen. From the spectators’ point of view the backs did not see enough of the ball, the forwards keeping it mainly to themselves. Awanui appears to have a better team than last year—the forwards are practically the same but the back division is stronger by the inclusion of some new blood. Houhora did not show up to advantage, but so early in the season one cannot judge the form of the Northern boys, and at the end they may be a team to reckon with. The teams were: AWANUl—Fullback, J. Ford 24, H. Yates, T. Fuller, J. Price

26, B. Buckley, Wilkinson 26, C. Evans Forwards, Walter and Wallace Cooper, C, Hutley, M. Richards, F, Harrison, T. Yates, J. Marshall, C. Bentley HOUHORA—Fullback, W. Tara 24, T. McManus, W. Urwin, J. Silva 26. N. Housham, F. Evans 26, C. Ward Forwards, M. Rapaha, H. Hodge, T. and N. Housham, J. Mickalivich, W. Blucher, C. Hoodie, G. Rippingale The first flash of good play came when Buckley secured, and ran up the line to pass to Yates who went out near the line. From the throw-in, M. Richards secured and went over near the corner. Ford put in a good kick from a difficult angle but did not raise the flags. Awanui 3, Houhora 0 Play was confined mainly to the forwards who appeared to be trying out each other. The Awanui backs again got going, Fuller and Buckley being prominent, but F. Evans intercepted and put the ball into Wilkinson’s hands, to be cross kicked to 11. Yates on the wing who raced up the line to go out near the corner. Awanui were not to be denied and from the throw-in the ball went to Wilkinson to Fuller to Buckley, who crossed. Ford’s kick failed. A wanui 6, Houhora 0

Houhora now took up the offensive, but faulty handling spoilt chances. F. Evans put in a good kick for a penalty but the ball did not go over. After some play in Awanui 25, the ball was taken back to Houliora’s territory, but an infringement relieved the pressure for a time. Awanui came back to the attack, and when the whistle went for half time play was near Houhora's line.

After half time Houhora still prsssed but faulty handling again lost chances. From a penalty J. Silva took a shot at goal but a good kick just failed. Awanui came away again, and with loose rushes took the ball up to their opponents’ line for Harrison to score. H. Yates’ kick did not rise. Awanui 9, Houhora 0 Awanui still pressed but Houhora put in a good clearing kick and play was taken to neutral territory. Houhora were on their opponents’ line but they could not finish off their movements. Silva had another shot at goal for a penalty but a good attempt fell short Awanui were away again and faulty handling by Houhora allowed H. Yates to secure and go over the line. Ford made no mistake with the kick. Awanui 14, Houhora 0 Houhora now made a great effort which was crowned with success. - From a lineout near Awanui’s line N. Housham secured and went over. F. Evans’ kick was not successful. Houhora 3, Awanui 14 The game ended shortly after, with play in midfield. Mr. M. Gallagher was referee.