RUGBY.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 16 September 1926, Page 3

RUGBY.

PRIMARY SCHOOLS COMPETITION LINKHORN CUP.

HAWERA BEAT MANAIA. '

The fine cup presented by Mr W. J. ' Linkhorn, of Hawera, to encourage Rugby in the primary sohools has evoked keen and strong competition this season. The semi-final between Hawera and Manaia, played l yesterday on the Manaia Domain, was a capital . contest, despite the unfavourable condition of the ground, the result of the heavy rain which fell during a portion of the afternoon.

When the second spell ended the scores were level, eight 'all,- and by mutual arrangement the game was' continued, and iy. a very few minutes Hawera got on a loose rush which ended by A. Dowdle snapping up the ~ ball and scoring the winning try. ,

the play. : The match opened with a good display of fast, open play, in .which both sides; strove bal’d for victory. At length Edwards, who played) remark- • ably well, evaded all opposition) and scored a good try, Robinson converting. Manaia o, Hawera. 0. Play was even for a- time, and) went - up and down lie Id until Wise scored' in . a good position and Meharry convert- - y ed, making the scores equal-and so. > the first spell ended. The second spell was keenly contested. and) it was not until half-way through that Edwards again _ got . J through and scored. The kick failed. Manaia 8, Hanvera 5. • •-■ Hawera attacked strongly, but the .;, opposing defence was sound, and! only just on time Meliarry got away and scored for Hawera, making the scores' ' eight all. - ‘i - _ •> Continuing, Haiwera set up several strong attacks, and l Manaia forced. ’" •; From the kick-out the hall went tintb the midst of the Haiwera players, and Dowdle, playing the correct game, kicking and-following up, took the ball at the opposing twenty-five in his stride /and, cleverly dodging, went on to score. The kick failed, and the match ended with the scores; Hawera 11, Manaia 8. Mr Lawn was referee. Hawera will now have to .play the • winner of the Stratford, group in tlio final. -