RIVALS DRAW

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22637, 14 May 1948, Page 8

RIVALS DRAW

TOLAGA BAY RUGBY UNBEATEN TEAMS MEET < Herald Correspondent.) The meeting of the two teams so far unbeaten in the Thornton Cup Rugby senior championship fixtures, Hauiti, and Tauwhareparae proved the main attraction at the Tolaga Bay Domain last Saturday when the large attendance of spectators present was treated to a fine exhibition of Rugby football by the evenly-matched sides. The result was a draw, each team registering three points from a penalty. Tauwhareparae were without the services of Jackson and M. Lincoln, two backs who played outstanding football in (lie club’s previous games this season. A penalty against Hauiti in front of the posts opened the scoring. I. Hooper making no mistake with the kick. — Tauwhareparae 3, Hauiti nil. The sun, which in the first spell had been blotted out behind a bank of cloud, made its appearance when play recommenced, and Tauwhareparae were unlucky enough to be playing into it. Infringements on both sides were plentiful and from one of them D. Thompson equalised the scores by kicking a good goal for Hauiti. Resourceful Rack Lines For Tauwhareparae. Donald. JHooper, and W. Hooper were prominent on attack and sound on defence, in a back line that was as equally speedy and resourceful as the Hauiti one. C. Hale proved a steady last line of defence and made very few mistakes. In a very fine pack of forwards it was hard io pick out the stars as they all played magnificently, but Shelton, Hooper, and Moore were ones that caught the eye. The Hauiti backs 'did their best to keep the game open and were seen in some snappy passing movements, but overeagerness, and at times faulty passing spoilt their chances of scoring. B. Nonnoa gave excellent service from the scrum and line-outs whenever Hauiti received the ball R. Moore was again as tricky and elusive as ever, but was well marked He was particularly good on defence, Thompson was useful both on attack and defence. The Hatriti pack held their own in a duel against doughty opponents and were instrumental in upsetting many likely passing movements by their sound tackling. Of their number H. Ruru. J. Noanoa, P. Jones and T. Rangiuia were the most impressive. Air. Bert Moles was the referee. Surprise by Takapau Playing with only 13 men, the lighter Takapau team did well to emerge victors over Paikea by eight points to three. Paikea were prominent in some apparently irresistible forward attacks, but found the diminutive Takapau half-back. Jones, a thorn in their side. On several occasions he snapped the ball up from their toes and turned defence into attack. Holding the territorial advantage, it seemed as though Paikea would score from several of their excursions into the Takapau area, but the latter delighted the crowd by fighting back gamely. For Takapau Boyce scored two tries, one of which was converted by G. Stubbings. M. Kokiri scored an unconverted try for Paikea. For the winners. Jones. Boyce and Andrews played well in the backs and G. and T. Stubbings and Goodley were associated in some good forward attacks. Mr. Bert Stewart was the referee.