TOKOMARU RUGBY

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22623, 28 April 1948, Page 7

TOKOMARU RUGBY

BEST PLAY IN YEARS SENIOR K.O. FINAL (Herald Correspondent.) Saturday's final of the Tokomaru Bay Rugby Sub-union’s knock-out competition in which United seniors took an 8-3 decision over Mata provided some of the best lootball seen on the ground over a long period. Mata were put on the defensive in the first 10 minutes and twice saved with a force. They then went themselves on to the attack. For 20 minutes there was no score. Both teams were handling well and the tackling was good. United infringed in a dangerous position and Blanc’s kick opened the United returned to the attack and from a scrum in the twenty-five Williams flung the leather out to Joe Oates who made an opening with a fast run for Baker to score and convert. United forced the pace and Baker added a further three points when Mata infringed in front of the goal. Mata were immediately on their toes to reach their opponents’ line, but half time brought a much-needed spell. In the second half United spent most of the time on the defence. Mata pressed hard and at one stage a hectic 15 minutes seemed bound to result in a Mata score but United’s defence was very sound. It was in this spell that United showed their mettle. Hard pressed by a slightly fitter team they used clever tactics to hold off the attack. In the United backs Joe Oates was outstanding at first five-eighths and with more co-operation might well have increased the score considerably. Williams as half played a grand game and kept Oates well supplied. Probably the oustanding figure on the field was the Mata full back, Waru. A young newcomer from Tolaga Bay he showed great promise. Blane as usual was everywhere and seemed to attract the ball like a magnet. Buster Peachey and Dany Walker on the Mata wings played good football and supported Blane on every occasion. The second spell brought no addition to the score and the match ended: United 8, Mata 3. Mr. Mick Forrester was the referee. At the end of the game the shield was handed to the captain of the United team, P. Awatere. This shield was presented to the Tokomaru Bay subunion in 1946 by Mrs. Fred Maxwell and was won in that year by Mata. Last year United gained the trophy. In the junior match United B drew with Tawhiti in a game that had both teams working hard. Tukarua, United’s full-back, was the star unit. A spectacular run from Lance Hadfield gave United their only try. Both these players and several others on the field, are still attending school. The score was Tawhiti 3, United B 3. Mr. Jack Maxwell was the referee.