MATA AND UNITED WIN IN TOKOMARU RUGBY

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 22951, 20 May 1949, Page 6

MATA AND UNITED WIN IN TOKOMARU RUGBY

(Herald Correspondent.)

In the main fixture of the Tokomaru Rugby sub-union last Saturday Mata narrowly defeated Waima by a margin of two points while United, whose backline showed glimpses of form, won against Tawhiti, who in the early stages looked the winners.

In the early curtain-raiser, High School displaying good team work, defeated Waima juniors in convincing fashion. So far, the School fifteen remains unbeaten. Mata Defeat Waima Though giving pounds away in weight the Mata forwards gained a fair share of the ball in the early stages of the game with Waima. The score opened when Waima were penalised and from a handy position Blane goaled. „ Shortly afterward, Mata were put on the defensive and Goddard snapped up a knock-on to cross for a quick try. The kick at goal missed. With the score even, the game became exciting. Too much kicking spoilt initial constructive play though both fullbacks were playing soundly. From a ruck Mata heeled to T. Walker to Blane to Morey who scored. The kick at goal again failed. Just before half-time T. Walker slipped smartly on the open side of a scrum to fool the opposition and score between the posts. Blane converted and the score was 11—3 in favour of Mata. Early in the second half the heavy Waima pack tested the Mata defence, but could not penetrate until from a scrum ‘about 15yds. from the line Te Kira sent Te Rina over for a try alongside the posts. A little later H. Edmonds landed a penalty goal and the score was Mata 11. Waima 9. Repeated thrusts by the Waima backs and forwards nroved fruitless as the efforts were individual, and the final whistle came with no further change in the score. For Mata. AhiDene, Hooper and Waru assisted by Lomas and Barwick played well in the pack, while Blane, Walker and the full-back performed well in the backs. For Waima, Pekana, Teohaere, Ryland and Williams were always to the fore. Goddard. Edmonds and McMillan impressed in the backline. Te Pura on the right wing was seen in several determined side line dashes. Mr. D. Colbert was the referee. United Gain Clear Margip The Tawhiti vanguard rushed play to the United line in the first three minutes and D. Harrison dropped on the ball for the opening try. Shortly afterwards. United ceded a scrum penalty in a- handy position and Maraki goaled, six points up for Tawhiti in as many minutes. Flay now moved to Tawhiti’s twentyfive, where Awatere hooked and the ball' went through’ several hands to Martin, who drew the opposition and sent Oates on to score under the bar. Williams converted.

Territorially the play was very even. Tawhiti were penalised and Williams goaled. Half-time came with no change in the score. .

Early in the second half Fox transferred the ball to Green who sent Maraki on to score in the corner for Tawhiti. The United pack invaded with a dribbling rush and from a melee Stevens dived for the ball. He missed, but Tichborne was there to score. Williams converted and United led, 13 —9. Shortly afterwards, Matehe sent his backline away and Parata scored wide out with three defenders clinging to him. Maraki with a fine attempt just failed to convert. Tawhiti were then penalised for Williams to goal. Further points came when Robb, n junior, registered a fine individual try for United. Tawhiti’s hopes were dashed when D. Hadfield dropped a field goal and the final score was United 22 Tawhiti 12. For United. W. Parata, W. Forrester, G. Arnold and P. Potae were conspicuous in a hard-working pack, while in the backline Martin, a new-comer who has played for Victoria College, gave a smart performance ably assisted by Oates. Hadfield and Tichborne. Kopua at full-back played well. For Tawhiti Goldsmith and Herbert were a tower of strength in all departments in the pack, while P. Parata played a sound loose game. Maraki and Green were the mainstays in the White backline. Ratapu, at full-back, was sound. Mr. J. Morgan was thp referee. High School Remain Unbeaten High School defeated Waima juniors, a much heavier team, by 14 points to, 6. For School Collier scored two, tries and Hadfield one while Milner converted a try and John Te Kawa kicked a field goal. Waima’s points came from two penalty goals. Mr. J. Corbett was the referee.