WHAKARUA RUGBY CUP HELD IN RUATORIA

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22761, 6 October 1948, Page 7

WHAKARUA RUGBY CUP HELD IN RUATORIA

(Herald Correspondent.)

Despite inclement weather, play was fast and open when the City (Ruatoria) Rugby fifteen defeated Hauiti (Tolaga) 17-5, in the final match of the season. It seemed that the Whakarua Cup might change hands when Hauiti led in the first half, but the heavier City forwards were superior in the second spell and City went on to win by five tries to one.

Play was stopped for several minutes about half-way through the first half while attention was given by the district nurse to one of the visiting team, P. Jones, who suffered a leg fracture. The teams were:—

Hauiti (Red). —D. Brown, W- Noanoa, R. Thompson. Z. Smith, P. Noanoa, T. Te Rure, S. Haere,. R. Smith, 11. Ruru, W. Rangiuia, M. Walsh, TRangiuia, P- Grey, J. Noanoa, P. Jones, Reserves: B. Brown: R. Rangiuia, H. Grey. City White).—W. Goldsmith; W. Te Raima, R. Kerr, W. Walker; J. McIlroy, J. Reedy; P. Reedy; D. Maxwell. J. Crawford, C. Nepe, N. Mackey, C. Tucker, E. J. Nepe, H. Goldsmith, D. McClulhie. Reserves: W. Callaghan, H. Hogan. A steady drizzle of rain began just as the teams went on, making the ball very difficult to hold. Early Hauiti Attacks The Reds pressed in the early stages and were almost over, but City gained the first points after 20 minutes of play, the forwards taking charge in a rush about 35 yards out and P. Reedy going down for the try. McClutchie’s kick failed. The Hauiti forwards launched the the next successful attack from halfway and the centre Thompson, scored a try under the bar. He added the goal points and Hauiti led, 5—3. Just before the interval Tucker followed up very fast and dived over for an excellent try 10yds. from the goalIt was not converted but City had a lead by six points to five. The slippery condition of the ball meant the loss to City of two likely tries early in the second half. They were pressed in turn, however, before the forwards made another successful assault, McCluthie getting a try from a ruck.

The Reds had just forced down again when following a high kick by J. Reedy, the City forwards went over once again and C. Nepe touched down for a try converted by Mackey. Just on the final whistle, Tucker secured in the line-out, and started P. Reedy, J. Reedy, Mcllroy and R. Kerr in a passing bout capped with a try by the wing, Te Rauna, making the tally 17-5 in favour of City. Mr. P. Whaipooti was the referee.