FOOTBALL

Opunake Times, 23 August 1932, Page 2

FOOTBALL

FINAL ON WEDNESDAY. STRATFORD v. OKAIAWA. By upending Star in a great exhibition of the code at Stratford on Saturday, Stratford seniors earned the right to play off with their old rivals, Okaiawa, for the provincial championship. The match is set down to be played at Eltham at 2.30 p.m. on Wednesday-and judging by Stratford's performance against Star, and Okaiawa's defeat of. Patea there is every indication of a slashing match. Saturday's match can be described as football at its best. Jack Walters and Co. set out to completely disorganise Star's classy set of backs, and it was the red forwards' strength, cleverness and speed that carried them to victory. Star were relying on their backs to pull the game out of the fire, and the brilliant exhibition given by their rear-guard will live long in the memories of the spectators. Time and again the ball flashed along the back-line, the game being played at a whirlwind pace. Brougkton, Kinsella and Aubrey were forever a 'source of anxiety to the Stratford supporters, but every effort was met Avith deadly, serious tackling by the Stratford backs.

Stratford drew first blood, J. Walters diving over for a brilliant unconverted try. Just before half-time P. Collins, the junior member of the Stratford team, increased his side's total to 7 with a wonderful snap dropkick from about 30 yards out.

The second half produced fireworks and Bedford opened Star's account with a penalty goal. Star then gave of their best but the final whistle found the score still at-- • Stratford 7—Star 3. Mr. C. Gernhoefer refereed. South Taranaki fans will undoubtedly assemble "en masse" at Eltham on Wednesday, as for several seasons Okaiawa and Stratford have played off, Okaiawa on the majority of occasions being branded runners-up. This year, however, the southern team is determined to produce the goods. They have showed throughout, that they have a splendid all-round combination and all that remains to be seen is whether or not the Stratford forwards will prove their stumbling block.