Rugby Football

Te Puke Times, 13 September 1932, Page 3

Rugby Football

Opotiki v. Te Puke

The final match for the possession of the Te Hurunui-Apanui Shield was played at Opotiki on Saturday between the Opotiki representatives (holders of the trophy) and the Te Puke fifteen (challengers). The visiting team that took the field was the same as selected, every man making the trip. The game created a great deal of interest quite a number of Te Mkej enthusiasts journeying to OjwißkJi to witness the contest, whilfet jn that town business was suspended for a couple of hours to enable shop keepers and their assistants to be present. There was in consequence a very large attendance. Mr George Peebles of Whakatane was referee. The Te Puke players wbre their red and black uniforms whilst Opotiki were in black and white.

Opotiki kicked off and the home backs at once set up a passing rush that carried play to the visitors’ 25. The latter gradually worked the ball back, Potaka and Hadley being prominent and Ojiotiki’s territory was invaded, Jones, however, got the ball out to his backs and play was again transferred to Te Puke’s 25 where two free kicks were awarded Opotiki, a shot at goal from one failing. The red forwards retaliated and Farmer placed the ball dangerously near the home line blit the defence was too good and » play was again taken to the centre. B6th teams were playing hard, first one side then the other holding the advantage, and it was a tense moment for Te Puke when another attempt to goal from a free kick was made by Opotiki, tfie kick, however, again failing, Potaki and Farmer Were next Conspicuous but an attack on the hoine line was checked by the black and white forwards. Play continued very, even until half time was called.

Shortly after the game resuming'Mdcton who bad been injured Was'replaced by McNaughton, as the: result of an arrangement made prior to the game with regard to replacements. Play continued to be of a very even nature and kept the spectators wildly excited. An attack on Te Puke’s fane would be frustrated and Would be followed up by the Visitors making strenuous efforts to oross their opponents’ line, but although each side was on the of Bcoring several times ’gbbd defensive work prevented the line being crossed. The Te Was showing improved form' in this spell, and towards the dose of the game appeared to hold the upper hand, farmer’s line kicking gaining round time after time. . Whilst •firOpatiki’s 25 this player from a mark had a poo at goal the bail only just failing to go over the cross bar, The black and white forwards then made a great run down the field and put up a strong ftttaok, but play was shifted back ■Gb centre and then worked to CTpotiki’s 25. Here Farmer secured and made a run for the line, passing to Oleary who was backing him up but the latter failed to take and a promising rush broke down. The whistle had gone a couple of minutes earlier and some ot the players forgetting that the ball was still in play Commenced to leave the field or otherwise a score might have been registered. As it was the game resulted in a draw. The matoh was certainly one of the closest and most interesting Witnessed in the Bay this season, the'teams appearing to be almost equah OpotifclV forwards possibly.' held a slight advantage, but the lighter visitors put up a great fight against them. Farmer &nd Potaka Were possibly the best of the Te Puke backs, Ahomlro also playing well. Mcitenfcie was too well watched to be very prominent. In the forwards Whiteside played a fine game breaking through time after tide. For Opotiki Jones distinguished himself at half and BlaCk played his usual nippy game. The forwards were a good even lot.