RUGBY FOOTBALL.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 11 September 1934, Page 3

RUGBY FOOTBALL.

MAORI ‘ ‘ALL BLACKS.” The Maori team, which is to play a series of matches, ami next year leave, for a tour, held a practice on the Otaki domain on Saturday afternoon. The eight taking part —Hohatata (Bay of Plenty), Davis (North Auckland), Phillips (King Country), Mitchell (Bush), Cooper (North Auckland), Tangitu (Bay of Plenty), ftopata (Horowhenua) and Rika (North Auckland)— stripped well. All are of solid build* active, and good footballers. Several showed pace, their kicking was good, but an improvement will be necessary in passing. They are, however, the making of a solid combination. Playing against a mixed Otaki team they showed points, but play, naturally ,w T as not of a strenuous nature. That will come once on tour. Mr. Kingi Tahiwi, manager, was present at the match. Mr. Harry Jacob, with whom the visitors stayed, refereed .

LICENSED VICTUALLERS’ CUP. A match for the L.V. Cup was played at Otaki on Saturday between Shannon and Waimeha. The day was fine, the ground, in good order, and the game witnessed by a large number ot spectators. The teams were: —

Waimeha: White, Burke, Carmont, Love, Olliver, Jenkins (2), Parata, Nimmo, Love, Smith, Boptata (2), Russell, Gordon.

Shannon: Pope, Thomson, Cole, McEwen, Batt, Porter, Brooker, V. McEwen, Better, Purcell, Batt, Annesley, Woods (3). \ • Waimeha started cIT at a great pace, the forwards being conspicuous by fine, hard play. iShannon for a time had a deal of defensive work, but performed creditably, although weak pin}', at times, was noticeable. Early in the spell Shannon accepted a force down, then came a respite after fast rushes, Love suffering a slight injury. J. Jenkins opened up play by smart work, running almost to the line to send out a pass. Ho worked round and ac- . ccpted the ball to go over for a welldeserved try which he had no difficulty in converting. Waimeha 5, Shannon nil. Waimeha continued aggressive till Porter put in a nice run, but his pass was missed and a likely score lost. Shannon were soon back on defence, and another force down relieved the tension. At this stage the northerners endeavoured to open up the game and passing was good, but a trifle on the slow side. Peter McEwen put in a good run, carrying the ball almost to the line. He tried to “dummy,” but was upended. Waimeha in tprn accepted a force. Play of an even nature followed till Dick Ropata dived over to score a good try, which Jenkins failed to convert, B—o.8 —0. Ropata shortly after scored his second try after smart play, and Jenkins goaled by a nice kick, 13 —0. . The second spell was much more spectacular than the preceding one, and smart passing rushes eventuated. Shannon showed improvement in their play, while some of the Waimeha players lacked condition. However, it was not long before .F. Jenkins dodged through to score a fine try. It remained unconverted, 16—0. Despite the score against them Shannon never let up and a passing bout between Woods, Thomson, and Porter saw the latter cross for a nice try. Purcell’s attempt to convert was a good one, 16 —'3. ‘Smart following up saw Woods go over for a well-deserved try near the corner. Purcell failed to convert, although his kick was a fine one, 16— 11. With the score gradually creeping ■up Shannon played in a determined manner, and handled the ball nicely. Then came a sudden reverse, Garment making a god run to score. Jenkins failed to add the major points, 19- -11. Bright football continued, but Shannon were held in check, despite a series of nice passing rushes. Further good ply by Carmont saw this player again sporo. iJenkins failed at goal, and time was called. / WAIMEHA 22. * , .S&fctfN’ON 11.

.Mr. Alf» Pluthy referee, and dur}&g the final stages of the game had occasion to order Dick Ropata to the side-line for tripping.

I)" PSBESSKmTION OP CUP. . The presentation of the handsome «up, donated by publicans of Otaki «otne years ago, was then made by the Bev. Father Klordan, President of the Bugby G&Uhfeil. In his remarks, he stated that the season was quickly coming to a close but il that day’s contest was a criterion then it augured well for next doason. He. congratulated the victors .on their win, aftd spoke of the line sportsmanship that had prevailed. He hoped football WOBld always be played in such a friendly manner. Amidst applause the &ev. Father Biordan handed the cup to the Waimeha skipper, Mr. Jenkins, (Cheers followed). The latter, after a few remarks, asked that Mr, f. C. "Meyer, President, retain thk'nks. Mr. ‘Mhyer, in doing sa Shid it gave him pleasure in seeing ®i's team secure a ‘win. They f had %eeii near victory on . several occasit&s and he was pleased to see their rewarded. The team ' had had, its jups and downs, but where'er it played* the members had always acted in a sporting manner, and pKsTyed the .game as .it should be played. Naturally, they played to win. Mr. Meyer then congratulated Shannon for their splendid play, and stated that / when the secon d hpell commenced they I 'had .’Waimleha thinking. ■' iCheers were ' then called for Shan■.ahd, the latter* '.in lusty manner, 5 garve three for 1 Wiitneha.