TOLAGA BAY RUGBY

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22662, 12 June 1948, Page 6

TOLAGA BAY RUGBY

THORNTON CUP SERIES DRAW AND 17PT. WIN (Herald Correspondent.) In dull weather but with the grounds in good order for fast play the second series of Rugby matches in the second round for the Thornton Cup were continued on the Domain at Tolaga Bay last Saturday. However, in contrast to the fast exciting displays of the previous week-end, both senior matches mainly developed into forward duels with occasional patches of good back play. In the earlier fixture between Hauili and Country ihe former averted defeat by a stubborn resistance to repeated thrusts by the Country side who held a territorial advantage throughout the game, and with a virile pack, and enterprising back line sorely tested the Red’s defence. Each side scored an unconverted try.

Playing gamely against Tauwhareparae, a more clever combination, Paikea were only three points clown at the interval, but Paenga’s retirement from the half-back position late in the first spell disorganised the back line, as he was the pivot of the Blacks’ attacks and was playing a sterling game. Tauwhareparae took full advantage of this defection by scoring four more tries, one being converted, and won by 17 to nil.

Country Score Early

At half-time in the early game, the score was three-nil in favour of Country, the forwards having penetrated for a try by H. Crawford. The second spell was well advanced whcih an attempted clearance by a Country defender was smothered and R. Moore got the equalising try for Hauiti. The Country combination has improved considerably. Their forwards were on the ball all day, followed up well and were quick to break up the combination of the Red rearguard. Wanoa, T. Maurirere. J. and W. Crawford were particularly prominent. Rnngi Brown at . full-back handled well arid gained much ground. Taare the half-back overshadowed his vis-a-vis on the day; his passes were snappy and accurate and ho varied his play well. J. Maurirere infused plenty of dash into his play and combined well with the other backs. R. Moore was the outstanding back in the Hauiti side, and although hampered bv the attentions of the fast, opposing forwards and backs, and by indifferent transfers, endeavoured to pierce the defence whenever an opportunity offered. B. Noa Noa at half-back played a solid came, but lacked speed. J. Noa Noa proved a sound full-back and had nlcntv to do. T. Raneiuia. H. Ruru and R. Smith were the pick of the forwardsMr. Bert Stewart was the referee. Tauwhareparae's Margin

Play was tight in the opening stages of tlie Tainvharepnrae-Paikea gameWhen play was eventually opened up H. Moore caught the opposing backs out of position and went over between the posts for a simple try which J. Hooper failed to convert. Just before half-time Paenga retired with an injury to his leg. With their star back absent the Blacks’ defence wilted and Donald scored for the Whites in the corner.

A try by J. Brown and two by W. Hooper, oiie being converted by J. Hooper followed in the second spell, bringing the Tauwhnreparnc tally to 17 points.

For the winners W- Hooper, Donald, and Lambert were the pick of the backs, and T. Hooper, I\. Henry and Dobbs excelled in the forwards.

Starting the first spell in the full back position the Paikea veteran J. Leach went into the forwards when Paenga retired hurt and seemed more happy in leading the pack. He was well supported by T. Poki, h Mackey and S. Leach. Besides Paenga. prominent Paikea backs were J. ITapuu and To Kani. Mr. Wi Pare Amaru refereed

Points credited in the Thornton Cup competition are: Tauwharepnrae. 10, Hauiti. 8; Country, 5; Takapau, 3; Paikea, nil.

The indications arc that Tauwhareparae and Hauiti will be the two clubs in the finals, but judging by the improved showing of the teams lower on the ladder an misot ix nnscihlo-