BRIGHT PLAY AT OPUNAKE

Taranaki Daily News, 4 August 1930, Page 4

BRIGHT PLAY AT OPUNAKE

HOME .TEAM WINS BY Hi To 8.’ \V \I MATE’S (■•REDfrABI.E (jA ME. By id puiiiis to 8 Oprinukc defeated Waimate at Opunake, thus gaining •second position <jn rhe southern division ladder. The p’uy was bright throughout and although Waimate lost it gave a most. iTcditable display, being very little inferior on the day to Opunake. Considering that the team comprised several who laid taken little part iu earlier games and that some of the best furwards were absent Waimate’s performance was nothing of which to be ashamed. The Hohaias registered nearly all Opumike’s scores while for Waimate Mercer and Long scored three points each and Whalen added two points. Those who played conspicuously were R. and C. Hohaia, T. Robinson, I'l. Lusk, Conroy, McCullum and Harrison for Opunake, and Mercer, Winecra, Whalen, Eliason, C. ami W, Bourke and Paterson.

Loose play followed the kick-off and from ;i muddle by Waimate an opening came to Opunake, Cruden dummying successfully and scoring easily behind jho goal. The try was a gift and. R. Hohaia had no difficulty iu converting. Waimate’s first 'try was well deserved, resulting from o forward rush by Lavery f.nd the two Bourkes. Paterson nipped in and threw the ball to Wineera, wh» sent it io Mercer, The latter scoring at the corner. Aided by the wind Whalen added the two points. Good following up by Waimate was a feature of the game. Waimate’s tackling was fairly sound and atempts by Opunake to break away were firmly held. A weakness in Waimate’s defence gave C. Hohaia an opportunity and withconsiderable nippiness he scored behind the posts and converted his own try. Passing by Edwards, Mercer and W. Bourke Sent Long over to score for Waimate. Whalen w-as unable to convert. At half time the .score was Opunake 10, Waimate 8-

A dribble by Hodge had Waimate in difficulties anil it had &to force, once more. Up to this stage Opunake backs had failed to come to light but in the later stages their play became very nippy. Good passing between the Opunake men, McCullum, Robinson and C. Hohaia, enabled C. Hohaia to score. He failed to convert his own try. Opunake drove the ball over the line at the corneig Mercer rushed up to force but missed and R. Hohaia scored. Harrison missel the kick. Mereer was injured in his fall. Waimate. attacked and from a scrum a move was made by Paterson, Mercer and Ret, Rei’s kick over the line compelling Opunake to force. The Waimate backs repeatedly attacked. Play was very fast and provided a treat for the spectators. J. Rei had to leave the field with injuries. C. Bourke made a final dash for Waimate and the game ended: Opunake H' Waimate 8 Mr, K. MeNao reefreed.