MUST DECISIVELY DEFEAT RUNANGA IN FORWARD GAME

Grey River Argus, 20 June 1949, Page 2

MUST DECISIVELY DEFEAT RUNANGA IN FORWARD GAME

For the second time this season, Runanga, the championship leaders were defeated at Whigham, Park, yesterday, by Marist, after a fine forward game in which-both packs played excellent football. The five points margin by no means flattered Runanga, who trailed the field throughout. Only fine tackling by their backs kept Marist's score down, but territorially, Marist had the best of the game. A notable feature of the game was the fact that Marist won a handsome margin of the scrums. In this respect, the hooking of J. Calder was outstanding, and Marist’s success was due in great measure to the Cine forward play of C. Mcßride, K. Mosley, and R. Neilson who shone out in the pack, and were all prominent in the loose play. L. Dargan, the- Marist full-back, shaded the representative custodian J .Soster, both in kicking and in the manner in which he defended his line. It was Dargan’s best game of the season. Another Marist back at the top of form was V. Meates, two of whose conversions must rank amongst the finest kicks seen at the park this season. Of the other Marist backs, M. Teen stood out for a fine attacking game, his first try being the best of the match. J. Curnow disapopinted in his handling which was by no means accurate, while T. Dunn played solidly. Despite his inclination to go too much on his own, G. Menzies was the outstanding Runanga back. In the second spell the back line was altered when R .Forrest retired injured, and his place at centre was taken by L. Forrest. Without being brilliant, M, Thomas played a useful game for Runanga. J .Higson did not. see much of the ball, but on the occasions when Runanga won the scrums, his passing was too slow against fast moving opponents. Of the Runanga forwards, all of whom played well, R. Baxendale, 1. Marley and J. Newton were outstanding. The scrums did not pack as well as Marist’s and some of the enjoyment of the game was lost by this factor. Neverthless, the crowd was highly excited as they witnessed a fine battle between two outstanding packs, and as play advanced from end to end, mainly in loose forward rushes, with a considerable amount of tight play. THE PLAY V. Meates missed a 40 yard penalty kick scon after play started, and a loose Marist forward rush took play to Runanga’s line. Soster cleared to the 25 after a scrum and later brilliantly side-stepped three men to clear well against a strong attack. The first points came ten minutes after the commencement. Dargan kicked for the line, but Runanga had possession and lost the ball. Teen picked up in the loose, and made a fine 20-yard dash to score near the corner, in a very fine effort. V. Meates kicked a great goal. Soster missed a 40 yard penalty kick, and Mcßride and Calder led a loose rush from half-way, Soster being forced out into touch.. Against a strong rush by the Runanga forwards, V. Meates saved well, and then the Runanga backs swung into action, W. Curragh losing possession for Marist to clear from a dangerous position. Mooney made a fine break up the side-line as Marist kept up the pressure on Runanga’s territory, until J. Curragh cleared usefully. Baxendale broke through with Menzies in attendance but W. Curragh lost possession the ball eventually going to I. Marley when he wontover for a good try after 27 minutes’ play. Soster missed an easy kick. In one of his best loose dribbles, Newton gained over 30 yards for his side, but Dargan beat him for possession and found touch. Menzies next went away on his own to be veil stopped by Dargan inside the 25. Just on half-time, Marist were penalised almost in front of the posts, and Foster missed the easiest of kicks. The half-time score was Marist 5, Runanga 3. SECOND SPELL G. Scalmer replaced L. Forrest in the forwards and R. Forrest retired nt half-time. Teen was unlucky not to scoi’e for Marist early in the spell after the Marist backs had staged a bright movement across the field. Teen made a dash for the line between the posts, but was called back, and from the resultant scrum, J. Meates forged his way across the line near the posts. V. Meates converted. With the score seven points down, Runanga came again, and missed a "reat opportunity. However, Marist were penalised at the 25 and Soster kicked an easy goal, after six minutes’ play. This was followed by a period of heavy tackling as the Mar;st. backs endeavoured to open up play. Soster missed another easy kick when J. Meates was penalised near the 25, but Runanga kept up lhe pressure until a scrum infringement brough relief to Marist. The Runanga backs took a hand, but Menzies was well caught in posses■•on in Marist territory. The Runanga forwards were exerting great pressure, as they kept Marist back to their line. The backs made sev-

eral strong efforts but found the defence of T. Dunn and M. Teen could not be penetrated. Scalmer was unlucky when Dargan dropped the ball, in not being able to secure it before the dead line was reached. Marist were again penalised in front of the posts, and Soster added Runanga’s last points after play had been in progress 20 minutes. Marist livened up the attack, the backs being seen in some lively rushes. The last points of the game came from a second magnificent k : ck by V. Meates from more than 35 yards out. The two full-backs indulged in a kicking bout until the Runanga forwards got in a good position. Off-side play spoilt their effort, however, but play continued in ’-Tarist territory where the defence rmeained solid. Desperate efforts by the Runanga backs met with some of the soundest tackling seen from Marist for seasons, and in the last ten minutes, with the Runanga backs showing great dash, Marist needed the most solid defence to prevent defeat. They were seldom out of their territory during this period, but Runanga were unable to equalise and the game ended in midfield with the score — Marist 12 —Runanga 7 Mr R. Baird was the referee.

Blackball Hard Pressed To Hold Off Ngahere

Blackball were indeed fortunate to stall off a determined challenge from Ngahere in the main country fixture, which was played at Ngahere yesterday. The final score of 19-11 in favour of Blackball was flattering to the winners on the run of the play. Though neither set of back's capitalised on the rugged and effective work of the respective forward packs, the game was always interesting for the fairly large gathering of spectators. Bright open play, engendered to a certain degree by indecisive tackling, saw Blackball take over control in the first spell. and at the interval they led by 13 points to 2. .McLure was in top form, and won the ball with monotonous regularity. Nuttall had a real field day, kicking no fewer than five goals. It was unquestionably his kicking ability that won the day.

Superiority in the forwards, and brilliant play by P. Mulcare at the base of the scrum, saw Ngahere stage a great' recovery to have matters all their own way in the second spell. Once Ngahere forwards had gained complete mastery, they endeavoured to make matters easier for their backs.

Blackball still played courageously in the second half, but breaks simply did not come their way. Playing, in fine style, F. Mulcare was the guiding light in nearly all Ngahere’s back movements. The ball generally went along Hie chain in orthodox fashion with Kit'.van conspicuous for his opportunism.

R. O’Donnell was the outstanding Blackball forward, his backing up and handling being exemplary. How he missed inclusion in the representative team has left many ardent followers of the code wondering why. Aynsley and McLure gave good service in the Blackball pack.

Sweet man, at half-back, Pascoe and W. Mountford were the stars of the back line. Nuttall revealed all his former ability, his lino and, goal kicking being particularly accurate. At full-bacK for Ngahere, Manson was a disappointment. At no stage did he seem at ease. Usually most reliable, this may perhaps be only a temporary lapse. Reedy, on the flank, was also a failure. Kirwan and P. Mulcare were the best of the rearguard. J. Gibson, at first five-eighth, played a commendable game. Hi q crisp passes and jinky runs showed that he possesses more than average versatility. F. Mulcare played a solid game in the forwards, but his badly directed goal kicking lost his side many valuable points. McLennan came into his own, and was in the van of many a forward rush.

Blackball’s points came from tries by McLure, McGougan and W. Mountford. Nuttall kicked live goals. For Ngahere, P. Mulcare, Reedy and Kirwan scored, and F. Mulcare kicked a penalty. The final score was Blackball 19, Ngahere 11. Mr J. Griffen was referee.