TOLAGA BAY RUGBY

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22664, 15 June 1948, Page 8

TOLAGA BAY RUGBY

M C NE!LL CUP TO COUNTRY HAUITI DEFEAT PAIKEA I Herald Correspondent.) The recent prolonged spell of wet weather did not seem to have any effect on the Rugby grounds at the Tolnga Bay Domain when the Thornton Cup series were continued on Saturday. Though played on during the morning when the school-boys took part in their weekly games the turf did not deter fast back play in the afternoon contests. Playing with only 13 men throughout the first spell, and with H through most of the second half. Pnikea seniors did well to hold Hauili to a six-point margin, a try and a penalty goal to nil. The Country and Takapau game involving possession of the McNeil Cup, was also full of dash, the former prevailing eventually by two tries and a penally goal to a try. Penalty Goal and Try Exchanges were even for flic the first 10 minutes of the game between Haiitea and Hauil! Henderson, speedy Pnikea wing, ran from his own goal line to halt-way and when he lost possession the forwards carried on into Hauiti's 25. but the Reds fought back and trom an acute angle near the 25 mark Thompson kicked a penally goal lor Hauili. Paikea's forwards were getting the ball lrom the scrums but the backs lacked sting and Hauili returned play to the Black’s 25 Here T. Rangiuia made an opening and Ilacre sent the ball through the backs to D. Brown who scored in the corner for Hauili. Paikea iiad a good chance of points from a penalty in a handy position just before half time but T. Pokai's kick missed. With a full team Paikea commenced the second spell in great heart and had Hauili on the defensive, but were unfortunate to lose the services of Tc Purea, one of their best forwards, through a leg injury after live minutes of play. They kept Hauili at bay though the Reds failed narrowly to add to the score when D. Brown knocked llie corner Hag over and R. Moore, tricky five-eighths, was brought down just short of the line after a very de termined bid. A last-minute rally by Paikea in which Henderson nearly scored was an incident of the concluding stages. A feature of the match was Ihc standard of half-back play by Pacnga for Paikea. Buster Love and Te Kani were other backs prominent on attack and sound on defence. Of a hard working pack of forwards, under the leadership of Ted Poki, notable displays were given by Whati, W. Paddy and Te Purae. For Hauili. R. Moore was the outstanding back, dangerous on attack and quick to cover up on defence. D. Brown did not get many opportunities on the wing, but when they came he used his speed to advantage. Noa-noa played his usual sound game at full-back. Mr. Bert Moles was the referee. Country Annex Cup Obtaining the ball from the scrums Country were early on attack and haa Takapau penned up for some time. Wanoa almost scored after breaking through from the line-out, but was well (tickled by Lincoln. A penalty against the Blues gave points to Country when J. Crawford found the uprights. Country 3. Tnarc, the Country half-back, was instrumental in one of the best movements of the day when he went through following a scrum in the 25 and transferred infield to Wanoa who this time scored. J. Crawford failed to convert. Country (1. In the second half, Takapau were on the defensive when "Toot" Lincoln exploited a "snap" drop-out after a forcedown, regained the ball at half-way and when overhauled passed to Ward, who scored. T. Stubbing failed to convert. Country C, Takapau 3. With Lincoln, D. McNeill, Ward and Wills prominent Takapau essayed several likely attacks and the defenders had to force on three occasions. Play was exciting, the Greens keeping it tight and Takapau endeavouring to make it open. A stoppage through an injury to a Green back was followed by a breakdown in a Blue attack. The Green forwards then carried play into Blue’s area and T. Maurirerc scored after bustling the Takapau full-back. Brown failed to convert. Time sounded with the Blues endeavouring to wipe oil the deficit, but with the scores still Country 9, Takapau 3. Honours went to the Takapau pack unedr the leadership of llie veteran "Toot" Lincoln, who was an inspiration to his team as they endeavoured to retain their hold on the McNeill Cup. He was well supported by Wills, D. McNeill and Ward. T. Stubbings after a shaky start on the wing settled down well in the second spell. Campbell held up well against the quick break-aways and was sound on defence. Andrews although not so prominent as usual got in some useful work. Scragg at fullback was generally safe. Taare was the outstanding back for Country. His opening which gave a try to Wanoa was one of the best half-back movements seen for some time. T. and J. Maurirerc were also to the fore in some incisive dashes. Wanoa and W. and T. Crawford shared honours in the forwards. Mr. Wi Pore Amaru was the referee. Schoolboys’ I’lay Keen interest is being taken in the series of matches being arranged for school boys each Saturday by the Tolaga Bay Rugby Sub union. A good standard of play was witnessed on Satturda.v when four teams were in action and it was evident that in the short time the scheme has been in operation the coaching is bearing fruit. The following is (he result of the games played: Results Schoolboys.—Rangers 0 v. Whangara nil: Mangniuna-Anaura 3 v. Rovers nil. The following is the draw for next Saturday's games in the series: At 10 a.m.: Rangers v. Mangaluna-Anaura. At 10.45 a.m.: Rovers v. Whangara.