RUGBY LEAGUE

Grey River Argus, 13 September 1946, Page 6

RUGBY LEAGUE

RUNANGA v. ST. GEORGE. VISIT TO WELLINGTON. Playing at Wellington on Saturday the Runanga junior League team were beaten by the St. George senior reserve team by 26 points to 8. The local side were the more experienced team and also heather nevertheless some bright and open football was witnessed. The Runanga team returned last evening. The Play.

Kicking into a strong wind, Runanga immediately attacked but were soon driven back by the St. George forwards. Carey secured and a bright passing movement saw Baker cross under the posts. ■ Mustchin failed to convert. St. George 3—Runanga 0. From a scrum in Runanga 25, Perry brushed through Purnell’s tackle, handed on to Keen who got his pass away to Thorpe who crossed unopposed. Mustchin converted. St. George B—Runanga 0. Runanga backs set up a hot attack and Batchelor had a torrid time keeping his line intact. Not to be denied, Runanga pressed, Buchan snapped up and dived over. Williamson failed to convert. St. George B—Runanga 3. Higson was prominent in some excellent line kicking and from a forward scramble Campbell was penalized under the posts. Williamson made no mistake with the kick. B—s. St. George penned Runanga down in their 25 where Clelland and Higson showed up in some good defensive work. Purnell cut through cleverly, stab kicked when blocked by Batchelor and just failed to field his kick when well clear. Runanga backs combined in several fine movements. Hinks showed great pace and sliped when a try looked certain. Beeton forced in face of a determined rush by Merriman, Higson and Baxendale. Another back attack by Runanga saw Hinks cross in the corner. Williamson failed to convert. S —B. Poor tackling by the Runanga backs let Mustchin over after a good run and half time was called with the score St. George 11 —Runanga 8.

The heavier St. George side carried all before them in a series of concerted rushes and Thorpe crossed again. The kick hit the cross-bar and bounced ovei’. 16 —8. Lee was unlucky with a fine dashing run. Runanga had a period on attack with Higson, Lee and Hinks missing tries in turn. St. George broke through beautifully and all the backs handled for Thorpe to score his third try which was converted. St. George 21 —Runanga 8.

Hickson grassed Daly in the nick of time. Thorpe broke through, and sold several dummies. But Lee with a brilliant tackle saved what appeared to be a certain try. Hinks, Runanga’s speedy winger was almost over after a promising back movement. A high kick from a penalty nearly let Williamson over. At this stage Runanga done nearly all the attacking. Purnell then Lee narrowly missed tries. St. George broke from their goal line and scored a runaway try which was converted right on the call of time making the score St. George 26—Runanga 8. For the winners Thorpe, Keen and Baker played excellent games, while Clelland, Higson, Hinks and Lee played fine games for Runanga.