MATAKAOA WIN EAST COAST RUGBY CUP FROM WAIAPU

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23339, 23 August 1950, Page 10

MATAKAOA WIN EAST COAST RUGBY CUP FROM WAIAPU

(Herald Correspondent.)

Matakaoa relieved Waiapu of the Pepere Gold Cup in a senior representative Rugby match played in Tikitiki on Saturday, winning three-nil. At intervals throughout the match, play had to be halted to enable players, and sometimes, the referee, Mr. G. Nepia, to wash mud from their eyes. As play progressed it was difficult for players to see the ball during tight rucks and it was even more difficult for spectators to distinguish the players. The sides were evenly matched, although Matakaoa appeared to have a slight forward advantage.

For Waiapu. B. Manuel, T. Kaua, B. Ruwhiu and L. Tuhaka gave excellent displays in the forwards.

Tuta Taare, a young player, showed great determination and with support from V. Rickard, right wing, was unlucky not to score after a brilliant break from half-way. W. Mills, of Matakaoa scored the only try of the game. G, Pahuru and S. Potae, also played consistently well for Matakaoa. The following were the teams:—

Matakaoa. —J Barbara, W. Mills, B. Rickard, R. White, N. Walker. P. Meridith. S. Potae, B. Walker, M. Goldsmith, G. Goldsmith, G. Moana, B. Henare, G. Pahura. B. Te Ngahue, R. Pahuru. Waiapu.—B. Kururangi, K. Waihi, V. Rickard E. Tuhoro, T. Reweti, M. Rickard, T. Taare. B. Rowland, T. Kaua, W. Rowland, B. Ruwhiu, N. Waikari, L. Tuhaka. M. Turei, 8.. Manuel.

Near the end of the game the Waiapu full-back, B. Kururangi, was replaced by B. Maaka. After the game the Matakaoa team were the guests of honour at a dinner given by the Waiapu Rugby Sub-union in the Tawhiwhirangi Dining Hall. “We appreciate the value of gaining, and also the value of success,” said Mr. V, G. 11. Rickard, chairman of the host sub-union, in presenting the cup to Mr. Ross White, captain of Matakaoa.

The cup, which was presented to the Waianu sub-union in 1927. has been a keenly contested trophy on the East Coast.