PILE MEMORIAL CUP

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 11, Issue 77, 8 September 1947, Page 5

PILE MEMORIAL CUP

KEEN RUGBY GAME WAIKITE DEFEATS PAROA After holding the Pile Memorial Cup for two seasons, the Paroa team (local champions) were defeated by Waikite (Rotorua) last Saturday after a stirring game. The match attracted a large number of spectators and from start to finish was a hard, even contest full of incident. Both teams were definitely on their mettle. A much improved Wairaka fifteen defeated United by two points in another closely contested game. At Matata the Rangitaiki junior reps were soundly beaten by the final challengers of the season for the Shalfoon Shield to the tune of 16 points- to 3. PILE CUP GAME WIN FOR ROTORUA VISITORS From the kick off both teams threw their full weight into the game. They appeared very even and as the game progressed this was' evident. Sewell (Waikite) gained a good number of points from kicks while Dodd (Paroa) took full advantage of any opportunities accruing from penalty awards. Paroa kicked off and took play into Waikite territory. The yellow team held their ground and gradually worked their way back into the centre of the field.

’The first score in the game went to Waikite. The forwards took play through ..to the Paroa 25. A penalty kick was awarded and Sewell was considered an optimist when he placed the ball for a shot at goal. A beautiful kick sailed over in fine style. Waikite 3, Paroa 0. Paroa took play into Waikite territory and Paroa was awarded a free kick inside the 25 mark and 10 yards in from the side line. Dodd put a very good kick over. Waikite 3, Paroa 3. R. Laurie (Paroa) had his nose injured soon after and was removed to the side line for treatment. He returned to the field a short time later. The Waikite backs got away and put in a good run down the field. Their rush was stopped and a Paroa player sent a long kick into their territory. Paroa followed up fast and the yellow fullback was bustled into kicking for touch. From the lineout the ball went along the backs and was'•kicked into touch by Dodd. The Paroa back line got away from the next lineout and the wing put in a great run, but was tackled on the Waikite 25. C. Hakopa. in support took the ball and scored in the corner. - . Paroa 6, Waikite 3. From a nice move by the Waikite backs S. Morrison scored a spectacular try between the posts. Sewell had no difficulty in converting. Waikite 8, Paroa 6.

The Waikite backs gained possession again, the ball passing along the line and was dropped. A yellow man moving up in support took it on at his toe. The Paroa fullback collected and found touch. From the lineout Paroa got the ball and worked play back to half way. A free kick to Waikite gained 25 yards. Just before half time Waikite were awarded a penalty on the Paroa 25. With the sun in his eyes Sewell narrowly missed collecting a further three points. Paroa made the pace in the second half and the yellow team responded in the same spirit. From a lineout the Paroa backs gained possession and pressed forward to their opponents goal line. Waikite was helped out of a hole when they were awarded a free kick on their goal line which found touch past the 25. Paroa was awarded a penalty kick on the Waikite 25 and J. Dodd put it over with a pretty kick. Paroa 9, Waikite 8. From a lineout the Waikite backs took possession and gained some ground. Both teams were all out at this stage with only one point separating their scores. The play was willing and fast. Paroa were pushing through with the ball at their toe when Waikite collected. The ball went along the line and the yellow wing found touch with a good kick. For an infringement in the lineout Waikite were awarded a free kick and Sewell made no mistake about where to put it. Waikite 11, Paroa 9. Smart work by D. Tawa took Paroa up to the yellow goal. Waikite

were awarded a free kick and this again got them out of a nasty situation.

Play stayed in yellow territory but Paroa could make no more headway. Laurie tried a drop kick at goal which narrowly missed. A second drop kick at goal by another player a short time later also failed. Play was in Paroa territory when Waikite took the ball across at their toe and Waetford forced. Waikite 14, Paroa 9.

Waikite appeared to have the upper hand and although Paroa attacked relentlessly they could not Nor could Waikite get through to the stubbornly defended Paroa goal. The final whistle went with the score still at Waikite 14, Paroa 9.

Mr L. Abbott, Opotiki, was referee.

WAIRAKA 11 v UNITED 8 From an even start United gradually assumed the offensive and the back line swinging in nicely initiated some fine movements from one of which McKenzie went through to score. United 5, Wairaka 0. The Wairaka forwards retaliated and carried play deep, into the white jerseys half. From a pass by R. Crapp, T. Crapp shot through the opposition to score -near the upright. T. Riini converted. Wairaka 5, United 5. McKenzie figured in a brilliant interception which almost resulted in a try. With Cave in attendance the two made half the field but Back the Wairaka full was safe. Territorially the game remained in United’s favour till McGougan cut in nicely and broke through the yellow defence to score well out. Plis attempt to convert failed. Half time arrived with the score: - United 8, Wairaka 5. Wairaka attacked from the outset in the second half. Twice the forwards carried all before them and twice running United were lucky to force. A long shot at goal by T. Riini from a penalty award missed narrowly but the forwards were not to be denied and swept in once more, M. Riini going in nicely to score. The same man failed to convert. Wairaka 8, United 8. M. Riini made a brilliant solo run covering half the field. He centred but was beaten to the ball by Morpeth who returned. The yellow and blacks were tireless and dominated all tight play. A free kick in a fair position saw Lafferty lob over a beauty. Wairaka 11, United 8. Back in the open the white jerseys made better headway by flinging the ball about amongst the backs. McGougan playing at half fed well and Morpeth was prominent in all back play. Kahue retired with an injured leg and was replaced by Skelton.

The United backs now dominated the play pinning Wairaka down in their last quarter for a longish period but the battling yellow forwards broke clear again just on the call of time. Mr Mitchell was referee. PRESENTATION CEREMONY PILE CUP HANDED OVER At a short ceremony at the conclusion of the game Mr J. Hohapata, one of the donors of the Pile Cup, presented the trophy to the manager of Waikite. team, Mr M. Coughlan. He spoke in Maori and then in English. It gave him great pleasure to present the Cup to a visiting team and he hoped to see it go around, said Mr Hohapata. Mr Coughlan then replied. Mr S. Morrison, captain of the winning team called for three cheers for Paroa and the Paroa supporters for their hospitality. It had long been the ambition of his team to win the Pile Cup and this had now been realised.