OKAIAWA PROSPECTS

Taranaki Daily News, 20 April 1935, Page 3 (Supplement)

OKAIAWA PROSPECTS

JOHNSTON REAPPEARING MAKING USE OF JUNIORS Okaiawa’s was a solid team last year under the eye of Davy Johnston, finishing third in the competition. The district is football-minded, arid whatever piay fee the prospects at the beginning of a year the’ southern red-and-black, like the northern, always seems to come out well up the ladder.

Apart from a consistently good record in the senior competition, Okaiawa is becoming famous for a seven-a-side team with a great record. With a back line composed mostly of clever Maoris the team won half-a-dozen first junior tournaments last season and began again this year by winning the Manaia tourney last week. The prospects look good for a well-seasoned back line. Okaiawa may not have Ray Clarke to lead the forwards this year, as there is a suggestion that he may move to the Stratford district. Rosewarne, too may be an acquisition for a Hawera club, but Preston, Awahou, Tippitts, and Thomas are all solid forwards.

Davy Johnston, old Taranaki fiveeighth and All Black of 1929, is having another year. He devoted most of his time last season to coaching, but he took the field when injuries reduced the team against Patea, displaying all his old coolness and capability. As a leader of the team he will be invaluable, and to a man of Johnston’s style of play a lapse of six years will not detract so much from his powers, Ormond, who was prominent last year, has left the district, but there is plenty of good material among the junior players to fill any defections. Several of last year’s stalwarts Will be availably, and it should not be difficult to select a strong well-balanced fifteen. Tui Robinson is a versatile five-eight, and if he has Johnston’s collaboration it will be a merry combination. The three-quarter line will be given plenty of opportunity and it is here that last year's juniors will probably show their worth.