Football

Te Puke Times, 4 August 1931, Page 3

Football

Te Puke Holds The Shield

A match that has been eagerly looked forward to since the Te Puke representatives gained a last minute victory over Rangitaiki, thereby securing possession of the To Hurunui-Apanui Shield, was played against Rotorua on Saturday.. A wo se day for the game could scarcely have been; imagined, biting showers and bluitery winds prevailing throughout the morning, whilst at 2 o’clock a torrential downpour of rain forced everyone to seek shelter. However, the weather improved just prior ? > the game starting and the rain held off until about ten minutes before it closed. Fortunately the ground was not in bad order although here and there pools of water made things rather un pleasant for the players. Considerable improvements had been effected by the local Union since the last match, the spectators’ stand having been enlarged and enclosed by a substantial fence. Two Union Jacks and the New Zealand flag floated proudly in the breeze. Despite the wintry conditions there was a very large attendance, many people using their cars as a shelter from the weather whilst others, wrapped in coats and mufflers, lined the field determined to see the struggle to the finish. The Rotorua team did not ar rive in Te Puke until about 2 40 and the match consequently did not start until 3 o’clock. On taking the field it was at once seen that the visitors, who wore black oolours were decidedly heavier than the local team. Rotorua kicked off and play was at once taken to Te Puke’s 25 where Dare returned to the centre. A free kick .to the reds transferred play to the visitors’ territory where from another penalty Dare kicked a goal giving the home team, a lead of 3 points. A rush by the Rotorua forwards, headed by Taiapa placed Te Puke’s line in jeopardy but Cleary and Kelly relieved the pressure. The local forwards then set up an attack, the backs co-operating with a passing rush which was btopped by sure tackling by the Rotorua backs. Give and take play of an even nature followed, Green, the visiting full back, putting in some good work. Dare and McKenzie were next conspicuous with a fine rnn, but the Visitors' defence checked the onslaught, Play was then taken to the oentre from where Steel carried the leather to Te Puke s 25 where two free kicks failed. The pressure was kept up but Corbett Relieved and from a rush Rotorua had to force down. Some good passing by the visitors’ rear guard was stopped by McKenzie. No further score had been registered when the half time whistle went. * Te Puke 3—Rofcoru a 0.

Play had only bean resumed a few minutes when Webber oleverly intercepted a pass, slipped through the opposing backs and scored Te Puke’s first try. Dare failed to Convert, 6- 0. From the kick out, Thompson and Green* ing carried the bail to Te Puke’s line. Cleary making a good save. TJhe visitors, however, continu'd to attack and from a free kick, a neat goal Was placed making the scores 6 3. Donovan then headed a rush by the local forwards and some exciting play was wit uossed near Rotorua’s line. Here Corbett cut in and dodging between forwards and backs, registered Te Puke’s second try. The major points were not added, Te Puke 9 Rotorua 3 A great rush by the Rotorua forwards, placed the Te Puke line in danger, but Cleary was equal to the occasion and Kelly Sent Cooney, Dare and McKenfcie away with a good run. Even play followed, each side being awarded numerous frae kicks, from one of whioh Dare added another three points to Te Puke’s score, 12—3. The light was now beginning to fail, but the teams continued to attack and counter attack, neither side gaining much advantage until a penalty kick awarded Rotorua, saw a further 3 points added to their total, the game ending, Te Puke 12 Rotorua 6.' '