RUGBY FOOTBALL

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 112, 15 May 1939, Page 2

RUGBY FOOTBALL

Woodville Beats Bunnythorpe

SCORE OF 17—3 WITH SLIPPERY BALL

On their home ground on Saturday Woodville footballers had their first win this season in the junior competition by beating Bunnythorpe 17—3. Tho visitors were playing two men short and were lighter than Woodville in the scrum where the latter practically monopolised the ball with the result that the home backs had a run or two but a slippery ball prevented accurate handling. The game was interesting and many exciting forward rushes took place. The teams were: Woodville (blue and black), Bolton, Ansin, Negekai, Skittrup, McNeil, Hutchins, Russell, Bryson, Stewart, Birchall, Giles, McDovatt, Collins, Maclean, Kopke. Bunnythorpe (maroon): Anderson, Wclshaw, Wiggins, Spall, D. McKenzie, Gee, Armstrong, Guy, Leek, Adamson, G. McKenzie, Wilds, Sinclair. Bunnythorpe was handicapped from the start but played gamely within their own territory constantly beating back the onslaughts of the heavier blue pack and occasionally returning the compliment. For twenty-five minutes Woodville failed to score though forcedowns were ordered after several rushes. Returning from half-way McNeil cut back on the blind and then centred. Bryson took the ball, drew his man and passed to Ansin who scored well out. His kick failed. Half-time sounded soon afterwards. For the start of the second spell Woodville asserted its superiority and held Bunnythorpe on the defensive well within their twenty-five most of the time. The inside backs were running well, Hutchins having come in to half and Ansin to first five-eighths. From a set Serum Hutchins forced his way over about halfway out and Ansin converted with a good kick. Woodville 8, Bunnythorpe nil. Similar tactics again brought Woodville close to the line and Hutchins took a clearly hooked ball to score again, this time on the blind and too far out for Ansin to goal though the kick was a good one. Woodville 11, Bunnythorpe nil. Bunnythorpe rallied after the kick-off and forced their way up dangerously near the Woodville line but the attack failed and they were steadily forced back again into their twenty-five. From a loose forward scramble on the grandstand side, Maclean secured and started the backs, McNeil kicking for the corner. Russell fumbled and fell over the line with the ball at his toe but it rolled clear and Negekai in support touched down in the corner. The kick went wide. Woodville 14, Bunnythorpe nil.

For a spell then, Woodville seemed to be taking things for granted and the reds brought play up to the quarter line. Sinclair started a dribbling rush that made little ground but crossed the field well supported, so that the blue backs came in to save. Coming clear of the

ruck the ball went straight to Welshaw who scored easily though well out. The kick missed. Woodville 14, Bunnythorpe 3. The Woodville forwards charged the line repeatedly in the remaining few minutes but were often sent back and it was not until just on time that a rush initiated by Stewart brought results when Bryson picked up and fought through to score well out. The kick missed, tho final score being Woodville 17, Bunnythorpe 3. Mr. A. Jewett was referee. RAILWAY GAME WOODVILLE BEATEN BY PALMERSTON NORTH A game played between Woodville and Palmerston North railwaymen’s teams took place yesterday at Woodville and the visitors won by eight points to five after a good game in which they had the advantage in weight. The match was hard and fast, conditions being ideal for clean handling. Tho second spell was well advanced before the visitors opened their account when Ryan secured from a lineout and ran twenty yards to score. About halfway through the second spell Woodville attacked and Bryson kicked through to score and McGregor converted, but Parrish tried and Fitzpatrick goaled for Palmerston North to give them the victory. Woodville were unlucky in not scoring from penalty kicks in the earlier stages of the game, several attempts being made. Mr. F. E. Hosking was the referee.