TWO HIKURANGI TEAMS WIN NARROWLY IN GAMES WITH TAWHITI

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 22946, 14 May 1949, Page 6

TWO HIKURANGI TEAMS WIN NARROWLY IN GAMES WITH TAWHITI

(Herald Correspondent.) The Hikurangi Rugby Club gained two successes against Tawhiti at Waipiro Bay during the week-end, the seniors winning 6—3 and the juniors by eight points to nil. Though a wet ball imposed a handicap three of the five tries came through the backs.

In the senior match the Tawhiti forwards were superior, Tamepo, D. Harrison, and B. Dcwes showing up, and T. Fox, B. Green, J. Maraki and S. Kopua being the best backs. For Hikurangi, the pick of the forwards were S. Rogers, M. Ferris, P. Ferris, S. Moeke and W. Tangira, with T. Reedy and J. Rigby outstanding in the backs. The lastnamed, a new comer to Hikurangi’s ranks, proved a hard tackier. Hikurangi led, 3—o, at halftime, as the result of a try by J. Morrell. After the change over, Tawhiti’s forwards kept up the attack which finally led to a try by B. Dewes after a 75yd. forward rush. The game looked like being a three-all draw until the fiveeight, G. Stainton, short punted, J. Rigby gathered the bounce and J. Morrell ran 25yds. to score. Hikurangi still led 6 —3 when Mr.-D. Colbert signalled full time. In the junior game the Tawhiti backs shaded Hikurangi in tackling. The Hikurangi forwards, however, kept the game under control, S. Haenga and H. Keelan showing particular dash. Keelan scored from a ruck and M. Reedy converted. The second try came from a back movement by B. Reedy, L. Butler, J. Hongara, M. Reedy and D. Ferris, the last-named punting over his opposite and scoring wide out. The kick failed, giving Hikurangi the B—o8 —0 victory. Mr. J. Takarangi was the referee.