FAST EVEN GAME

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 56, Issue 32873, 23 June 1947, Page 5

FAST EVEN GAME

WEST DEFEATS HIKUTAIA RUGBY PLAYED IN PAEROA GOOD DISPLAY BY BOTH SIDES By two penalty goals to one try West defeated Hikutaia on the Paeroa Domain No. 1 ground in a match played under the jurisdiction of the Paeroa Rugby Union on Saturday. Though the day was marred by cold showers there was a fair crowd present, and they were rewarded for their attendance by a good display by both sides. All the points were scored in the first spell when Speechlay kicked two penalty goals for West, and C. McGregor scored a try for Hikutaia, following a fine opening by Gillespie. In the second spell Hikutaia held the territorial advantage but could not cross West’s line. They had a great chance of evening the score when they were awarded a penalty in a handy position, but Clotworthy missed an easy kick. West missed an easy try in the first spell. Carmichael made a good opening and cut through, but with three men outside him and only one man to pass he elected to hang on, and a sure three points went begging. West forwards played well all day and it was due mainly to them that Hikutaia did not add to their score. The backs did not combine well and apart from N. McMillan did not play good football. McMillan was the outstanding back on West’s side and played his best game this season. His handling was good and his defence saved his side time and again. Speechlay played a sound game at full-back.

Though lighter than their opponents, Hikutaia forwards displayed their usual dash and kept West busy all day. Gillespie' was again outstanding and was in every movement. McCollum was unlucky in having to retire halfway through the second spell, his place being taken by Dufty. Dixon did not play his usual game’ and his handling was bad at times.

Mr H. T. Grant was the referee.

Teams were as follow: —

West (black and white):. C. Speechlay, R. Manson, W. Vercoe, R. Elvidge, F. Carmichael, N. McMillan, W. Harrison, R. Strong, J. Dean, R. Finlay, N. Herold, P. Fathers, E. Hampton, P. Collins, B. Sarsfield. Hikutaia (red): J. Tukaki, G. Clotworthy, A. Dixon, L. Hamilton, R. Dixon, P. Gillespie, V. McCollum, W. Duncan, C. McGregor, A. Jeffries, J. Trembath, B. Lowry, C. Bax, J. McRae, L. Corbett.

UNITED 3, MORRINSVILLE 0 SECOND SENIOR MATCH Fast open football was the order of the day on No. 2 ground of the Paeroa Domain on Saturday when the United senior Rugby team defeated Morrinsville by three points to nil. Both sides threw the ball about at every opportunity and the result was one of the best games seen in Paeroa for some time.

United’s points came from a try by A. Crosby after most of the backs had handled the ball.

Mr G. Payne was the referee.

JUNIOR RUGBY

UNITED 6, BEAT NETHERTON 5 In a very evenly contested game, the United junior Rugby team met the Netherton juniors on the No. 2 ground of the Paeroa Domain on Saturday. The match resulted in a win for United by six points to five. For* United P. Gregson and R. Gallagher scored tries, and for Netherton R. Laurent scored a try 'which was converted by R. Adams. The referee was Mr L. Vercoe. MATCH AT KEREPEEHI HOME TEAM BEATEN BY WEST The West junior Rugby team travelled to Kerepeehi on Saturday where they played the kerepeehi junior team. The game was very hard throughout, the field being deep in mud. The West team was successful in a victory of eight points to six. Scores were gained as follows: T. Williams, one try, McMillan ond penalty kick and a convertion.