POWNALL TROPHY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 231, 30 August 1937, Page 12

POWNALL TROPHY.

DEFEAT GF RANGITIKEI. WANGANUI, Aug. 28. A Rangitikei representative team was beaten by 17 points to three on Spriggens Park to-day, when the annual match for the Pownall Trophy was played against the Wanganui Metropolitan Union. Tho visitors, in spite of a good showing, were outclassed in practically all departments, and by reason of superior combination, particularly in passing rushes, Wanganui were able to retain the trophy. Rangitikei displayed plenty of vigour throughout the encounter, but with the exception of one occasion in the first spell were unable to cross the Wanganui line. At half-time the home side was leading by 10 points to three. Wanganui’s first try came from a passing movement started by B. Thomas. The ball was subsequently handled by D. G. Barton and E. Chamberlain, the latter scoring between the posts. Welsh converted. Tho home forwards made tlieir presence felt at this stage and combined for another try. Thomas secured, and on being hemmed in, feigned a pass. Rangitikei accepted the bait, and with a quick side movement Thomas darted for an opening, where he passed to Welsh, who had no difficulty in scoring between tho posts and converting his own try. The only score by Rangitikei followed a line-out from which L. Davies went over in a scramble. A kick by L. Pye went wide.

Rangitikei were faced with a stiff proposition in the second half, and made persistent attempts to score. The Wanganui combination, however, had a telling effect, and frequent Rangitikei onslaughts were quickly smothered. After several minutes of hard, rucking play Wanganui became dangerous on the attack. A scrum was ordered in a corner near the Rangitikei line and Dickie secured. In a neat passing movement the ball went right across the field and Berryman beat C. Culpan for the line. A kick by Welsh failed. The visitors were now faced with a hopeless task, but made persistent and commendable efforts to score. Twenty minutes before the game ended Taiuru was compelled to retire because of an injury and was replaced by F. Cutts. A penalty goal for Rangitikei was missed when Wanganui were penalised for lifting in a scrum, Rye’s kick going wide. W. Bush, Rangitikei, attempted a field goal a few minutes later, but his kick missed by a narrow margin. Almost on the call of time, Cutts sent the ball downfield and Thompson dropkicked a neat goal. The referee was Mr E. Walilstrom.