OKATO TUG-OF-WAR

Taranaki Daily News, 11 July 1929, Page 3

OKATO TUG-OF-WAR

SOME GREAT CONTESTS. SEVERAL TEAMS REMAIN IN. The Okato tug-of-war tournament waa advanced another stage last night when, in the presence of a large crowd, the fourth and fifth rounds were decided. There were several thrilling pulls that roused the crowd to frenzy, whilst no little interest was added by an occasional surprise, not the least of which was the defeat of Brownies, with th« redoubtable Pepperell as anchor, by Stony River in the fourth round of tho heavyweight. The Stony River captain, unquestionably seized the psychological moment to catch the Brownies napping. As on the first night the officials all did their work admirably, though there was some delay owing to a protest. There should be some great, pulls tomorrow night before finality is reached. There still remain in the lightweights > Warea (three lives), Pungarehu (twd lives), and Hempton and Kahui (one life each), and in the heavyweight Ngaia Bros, (three lives), Stony River (one life). Details arc: — LIGHTWEIGHT. Third Round. Pungarehu Road (two lives) defeated Hempton (two lives) by five inches. Pungarehu took half an inch as sooa as the strain was on and, despite desperate resistance on the part of Hemp,ton, increased it to two inches at the end of the first minute. Thereafter Pungarehu never looked back. Kahui (two lives) defeated Egmont (two lives) by eight inches. Kahui took an inch and a-half as soon as the lever was released and increased it to three and a-half inches at the end of the first minute. Kahui held eight inches when one minute to go was announced, and. they were content to rest on their oars. Warea Road (three lives) defeated Stony River (three lives) by two and a-half inches. This pull between unbeaten teams proved a fine struggle. Warea Road took an inch and, responding well to their captain’s signals, increased it to three inches at the close of tho first sixty seconds. This they were content to hold for the next minute. Then Stony River with determination put their full weight into th? strain and regained half an inch, 'but could do no more owing to the ©olid resistance encountered. Benton (one life) had a bye. Fourth Round. Hem.pton (one life) defeated Egmont (one life) by six inches. Numerous flickers of the light introduced this pull, a slight advantage being held by Hempton for the first minute. At two minutes this was increased to five inches Hempton finally winning by six inches. Pungarehu (three lives) defeated Benton Bros, (one life) by five inches. Pungarehu gained the light at the gradually increasing until the indicator showed five inches. Bentons, though a new team, held on gamely, but were -beaten by the more experienced team.. Kahui (two lives) defeated Stony River (two lives). This pull opened with the lights during the first minute giving alternate flickers that . brought plaudits from the crowd. Kahui’s stamina, however, prevailed, the team winning meritoriously ! by nine inbhes. Fifth Round. Pungarehu (two lives) defeated Kahui (two lives) by seven inches. Pungarehu held half an inch from the start but not for long, as the light soon flickered, and with a minute gone Kahui had half an inch advantage. The strain had told, however, as in the next minute Pungarehu seized seven inches and held it. Hempton (one life) defeated Stony River (one life) by three and a-half inches.- This proved a fairly strenuous pull. Hempton gained an inch from the start and gradually increased it, though not without stern opposition. HEAVYWEIGHT. Third Round. Brownies (two lives) defeated Egmont (one life) by two inches. Brownies toot half an inch and increased it to two inches in the first minute. This they held for the next minute, despite Egmont’s most strenuous exertions. A great pull over the last half . minute saw Egmont strive hard to avoid elimination, but they could regain only half an inch, which they lost in the last few seconds. Ngaia Bros, (three lives) defeated Stony River (two lives) by two inches. This was a great struggle. The experienced N"aia Bros, at once took an inch and a-half, but Stony River in the next minute got half an inch back.. Ngaia Bro>. then put their shoulders into It with a will, -but their less experienced opponents hung On equally as strenuously and a desperate pull saw Ngaia win bv a -bare two inches. Benton had a bye. Fourth Round. Stony River (one life) defeated th® Brownies (two lives). Brownies took the light to two inches at the pull of the pin and held it for 15 seconds, when Stony River with a great heave showed the blue light and held till the whistle sounded. It was a surprise win and th® audience applauded vociferously. Fifth Round. Ngaia (-three lives) -beat Browniea life) by an inch and a-half. Excitement at fever heat greeted the opening of this encounter, as it was felt that Brownies would extend their doughty opponents, and so it proved. Ngaia at once took the light with half an inch, but Brownies regained it and tor probably twenty times in the minute the fight flickered before Ngaia Bros, were able to gain an inch, which they increased to two inches in the next half minute. At the signal for a minute to "o Ngaia with a great heave took fivo inches, but the excitement grew tens® as Brownies gradually made up the leeway. The whistle sounded, however, while they were yet an inch and ahalf to the bad.