RUGBY FOOTBALL

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVIII, Issue 221, 16 August 1928, Page 10

RUGBY FOOTBALL

OROUA SUB-UNION.

(From Our Owin Correspondent.)

APITI, Aug. 15.

The only senior grado match played in the Oroua sub-union last Saturday was the final for tho Beard Cup competition when Apiti and Waituna tried conclusions at Kimbolton. The meeting of theso teams had been eagerly awaited by the rival supporters and, as the Waituna fifteen were without the services of Dais and Miles, it appeared that the chances of a win for Apiti had improved. As not infrequently happens, however, Waituna played above themselves and were able to snatch an eleventh hour victory.

Apiti won the toss and unaccountably elected to play against a glaring sun which proved a severe handicap throughout the first spell. From the kick-off Waituna enthused great vim into their play and displayed a marked superiority in tho tight. A good movement by the Apiti backs saw them again almost the length of the field until halted by Hartley, who lined out well downtield. Waituna wore showing up well in tho line-outs and Shannon was varying his play cleverly, his high kicking to the centre spelling danger to Apiti on more than one occasion. After a period of hard, forward play, Spence put in a good run for Apiti and transferred to McNae, who was brought down close to tho line. Tho same player almost succeeded in. crossing a few moments later but wae pushod out at tho corner. Finally, a forward rush by Apiti caught tho opposition out of position and Beard scored. McNae’s attempt at conversion failed.

Apiti 3, Waituna 0.

Waituna, however, were not to bo denied and fro mam overwhelming forward rush Monk picked up in the ruck and dived across. R. Shannon’s attempt at goal was successful.

Apiti 3, Waituna 5.

The play was at this stage fast and exciting, but excellont defensive work prevented either side from adding to their score. Half-time sounded with Apiti on the attack.

On the resumption of play the Apiti forwards took control, but could not cross. A good back . movement broke down when Elliot intercepted - 'and made a spirited run before being collared. The next try was the result of a misunderstanding between the Waituna backs, and Osborne, following up, was able to ground the ball between the posts. McNae’s kick failed badly. Apiti 6, Waituna 5. Play of an even nature followed and Parsons showed up prominently for Waituna. A dangerous movement close to the Apiti line was broken up when Barling secured and lined out well down the field. From a break-away from the resulting line-out Waituna were penalised and Beard kicked a great goal from the halfway mfirk. Apiti 9, Waituna 5. Waituna now began to play with great spirit and fast following up saw G. Buckman caught with the ball in Lis possession. A penalty was awarded Waituna and Palmer kicked a good goal. Apiti 9, Waituna 8. The Apiti forwards were now being overshadowed by a fitter pack and gradually Waituna worked nearer to tho coveted line. Finally, a smart piece of work by Smith saw him work the blind side and ground in the corner. R. Shannon’s kick failed. Apiti 9, Waituna 11. Time sounded immediately afterwards, leaving Waituna with a well-deserved win by virtue of which they will hold the Beard Cup for a further season. Mr Harris had charge of tho game. The championship table at the ond of the competition is as follows:

As a result of Waituna’s success in the Beard Gup competition, each team engaged in the senior competition lias now secured a trophy. Apiti won tho first senior competition, Rangiwahia the sevenaside and Waituna the Beard Gup.

Team T. W. D. L. For. Agst. Pis. Waituna 5 4 0 1 63 33 8 Apiti 5 3 0 2 47 34 6 Kangiwah ia 4 0 0 4 14 57 0