RUGBY FOOTBALL WEST COAST WIN RUNDLE CUP FROM BULLER

Grey River Argus, 30 June 1947, Page 6

RUGBY FOOTBALL WEST COAST WIN RUNDLE CUP FROM BULLER

Showing marked improvement on its form in the first home-and-horne match at Hokitika, the West Coast representative team scored a decisive win over Buller in the return game at Westport on Saturday, by 15 points to 12, and regained the Rundle Cup. Although the home team led by 9 to 6 at half time, it was obvious that Buller would have a formidable task in retaining the advantage, as the opposing backs had, at that stage, settled down to play very attractively. In the second spell, Coast was definitely the better team, and although Buller fought back with typical determination, it seemed half way through that they would lose The- Coast forwards played much better than in Hokitika, packing solidly and working hard in the tight. Thej got a greater share of the ball from set scrums than in the earlier matcn. ■K. Horrack, at half, gave his backs a good service. The best of the Coast forwards were W. Butler, who played a really splendid game; R. Eastgate, R. Birchfield, and R. Weiblitz. It took some time for the visiting backs to settle down, J. Muir being a little uncertain at first five-eighth, but as the game progressed they played with increased determination, R. Stoop combined well at second five-eighth with the Coast skipper and centre three-quarter, E. Walker, and at times they cut the Buller defence the shreds. Stoop showed initiative in going for openings, and played a brilliant game. Walker, however, was the star back on the field, and greatly impressed the crowd with his determined running. The first of his two tries was a grand effort, as he dummied a would-be tackler and then beat off the BuLer full-back. L. Silcock, although opposed by the classy Buller winger, R. Hawes, also played a fine game, with limited opportunities, on the right wing. The best forward on the field was the Buller man, W. Mumm, who scored all of his team’s three tries 1 , one from a brilliant individual movement, and he was always a source of annoyance to the Coast backs. C. McHerron also gave a serviceable display, while M. Ryan and J. Stuart were other good Buller forwards.

The Buller back line was never impressive as a combination, but players such as. 1 A. Luff, until he went off from half-back early in the second spell; O. Smallholme, who covered up admirably at centre three-quarters, and Hawes, came out of the game with their reputations untarnished. A decided weakness in the line was at second five-eighth, where D. Greig, suffering from a knee injury, found it difficult to stop Stoop. The teams were:—-

West Coast: J. Lindbom; T. Silcock, R. Stoop, K. Rea; E. Walker, J. Muir; K. Horrack; R. Eastgate, D. McKendry, A. Panther, G. Nelson, R. Birchfield, W. Butler, R. Weiblitz, T. McCone.

Buller: F. Neighbours; R. Hawes, O. Smallholme, P. Neighbours; W. Dixon, D. Greig, A. Luff; A. Mosely, J. Nicholson, W. Mumm, D. Beveridge, H. Williams, C. McHerron. Buller attacked early, P. Neighbours making a run. McHerron kicked into Coast territory, but Rea saved in grand style. Buller were winning the scrums and line-outs, but the defence was solid. Hawes looked like scoring, but the whistle went. Later, Mumm dived over for a try. Buller looked like scoring again when Hawes got away, but he was downed by Silcock. McHerron kicked a good goal when Coast were penalised. Then Walker scored a great try, after tricking the Buller backs. Two minutes later Coast were awarded a penalty, but Lindbom failed. Luff nearly scored for Buller, but a penalty was incurred. West Coast levelled the scores to 6-6 when Lindbom kicked a penalty goal. Before half time Mumm snapped up the ball to have a clear run in. On resuming, Luff went off injured, and was replaced by Mullan. Mumm dashed ovei’ the line, but had knocked-on. Walker looked like scoring, but was caught by F. Neighbours. Stoop secured from a scrummage inside Buller’s 25, and, evading the Buller backs, sent to Walker, who scored behind the posts. The kick was charged down. The Coast backs were now playing sparkling football, and another score came when Stoop got through and passed to Walker, who passed to Silcock, and he scored near the corner flag. Coast 12, Buller 9. Coast nearly scored when Walker blocked Dickson’s kick, but the latter threw Walker into touch. Lindbom with a penalty goal from the sideline made the scores Coast 15, Buller 9. Then Silcock was in full speed for the line, but Hawes stopped him. Mumm, McHerron and Ryan made a vigorous attack on the' Coast when McHerron barged over for an unconverted try. Buller made repeated efforts to score, without success, the final score being: West Coast 15—Buller 12. Mr A. Fong was referee. COAST JUNIORS BEAT BULLER In the curtain raiser the West Coast junior team played bright Rugby to beat Buller by 11 points to 9. It was Coast’s first win in such a match at Westpor for 10 years. For Coast, W. Wilson, A. Dobbs and T. Mully scored tries, one of which E. Russell converted. Tries for Buller were scored by Bennett and' G. Gettley and L Champion kicked a goal from a penalty. MATCHES AT GREYMOUTH Only lower grade matches were played at Greymouth on Saturday. Results:— Third Grade: Cobden beat Tech 8-6. Fourth grade: Tech beat Cobden 17-6. Fifth grade: Cobden beat Star 6.3. Sixth grade: Teen Beat United' 8-6. Blaketown beat Cobden 9-0. Celtic drew with Star 9-all. Seventh grade: Celtic beat Cobden 17-0; Blaketown A beat Blaketown B 14.0. THIRD GRADE REP. GAME Playing at Ikamatua yesterday, the

Inangahua third grade representatives beat a Greymouth fourth grade representative team 11-3, two tries 1 , one converted, and one penalty, to c. penalty goal. HOKITIKA GAMES In the Westland Rugby sub-Union matches at Hokitika on Saturday, Kiwi seniors beat Kokatahi 12-11, after a great tussle. Ross juniors beat St. Mary’s 20-9; Kokatahi juniors beat Excelsiors 5-3 and Kiwis beat Porates 8-6.

In a fourth grade match Celtic (Greymouth) drew with H.D.H.S. 16 all.

South Westland Beat Greymouth 10-8

Indicating that they should be strong contenders for Dittman Shield honours, in their match shortly with Inangahua, South Weslland Rugby representatives yesterday defeated Greymouth representatives in a match at Harihari, by 10 points to eighf. The scene was fair indication of the game, which was keen and interesting throughout.