THE LEAGUE CODE

Opunake Times, 13 April 1948, Page 4

THE LEAGUE CODE

STRATFORD VISIT GOOD EXHIBITION A very large number of spectators were present at. the Recreation Ground during the weekend to witness two fast and keen friendly Rugby League matches between Opunake and Stratford teams. The visitors were successful in both senior and reserve grade games, the scores being 24-3 and 15-5 respectively, but Opunake players, although not as fit as their opponents and naturally lacking knowledge of the finer points of the game, nevertheless performed very creditably, especially the reserves, and should show marked improvement as the season advances. , The Senior Came

With a much faster backline the visitors gained a clear lead of 15 points in the first half. The first try came when Cuff played the ball to his backs, Warner securing in a handy position to make a very speedy dash down the line to score ten yards from the posts. S. O'Shannessey converted with a good kick. Coining out from a scrum in the Stratford territory, Anderson passed out to the backs who raced away for another easy try, Warner scoring under the posts. O'Shannessey converted. The Opunake pack were attacking, but clean tackling by the opposition" kept them from scoring. Forcing play back to the Opunake half, Morrison centred a short kick, and Clare, who was following up fast, took the ball on the full to score a runaway try. O'Shannessey converted. Half time": Stratfdrd 15, Opunake 0. Opunake attacked strongly, but was again forced back by Stratford's sound tackling. During a ruck near the visitors Tine, A. Tamatea, the Opunake half, received an injury and was replaced by Syd Hohaia. Play worked uo and down the field, until Lewis, one of the local forwards, dribbled the ball down the, field, where Maindonald secured to score wide out. Lowe missed the kick. A few minutes later Cuff secured near half way r to score under the posts. The lack failed. Opunake made determined efforts to cross the Stratford line again, but just failed on several occasions. Stratford forwards hooked the ball and Fellow picked up to send Clare over for his second try. The kick missed. During the last fifteen minutes Stratford held the local team in their territory until Anderson the Stratford half gained possession from a scrum and went over in the Corner. The kick failed. The final whistle blew with the score Stratford 24, Opunake 3. The teams were: Opunake: J. H. Lowe, L. Ratahi, J. Ratahi, I. Maindonald, D. "De Castro. K. Ratahi, E, Mitchell, A. Tamatea. A. Lewis, I. Morehu, Stan Hohaia, B. Hohaia, A. Stewari, Stratford: B. Croat, R, Clare, L. Cuff, R. Warner, J. Ander* son, Manu, .Anderson, Millar, Walker. Morrison, S. O'Shannessey, Fellow, Dempsey. Referee: Mr. C. Schlichting. The Reserve Came Although beaten. 15-5 (try, conversion by W. Baylis) the lighter Opunake Reserves tackled well and played fast, open football. Inexperience was the chief factor in their defeat, otherwise they played really well.