RUGBY IN THE NORTH

Northern Advocate, 1 June 1936, Page 2

RUGBY IN THE NORTH

MANGONUI COMPETITIONS [Special to “Northern Advocate.”! KAITAIA, This Day. With the weather and ground conditions ideal, the third series of matches in the Bell and Fleming Shields were continued last Saturday. Ahipara showed excellent form in defeating Kaitaia in a game in which they were always on top. Awanui surprised by winning easily against Whangape, who were so unlucky in their two previous games. Paatu fielded a team for the first time this season, but were not quite good enough for Rarawa. Results were:— Senior. —Ahipara 12, Kaitaia 5; Awanui 19, Whangape 3; Rarawa 6. Paatu 3. Junior.—Ahipara 16, Kaitaia 3; Paatu 8, Rarawa 8; Waiharara 3, Victoria Valley 0. Ahipara fielded a team two to three stone heavier all round than their opponents, Kaitaia, and, playing in typical Springbok style, soon had the latter team in difficulties. From a scrum right on the line Kaitaia hooked the ball, but seemingly did not know what to do, C. Te Paa, for Ahipara, pouncing on it for a very easy try. The kick failed and Ahipara were three points up in the first five minutes. Kaitaia rallied, and the visitors had to force. Give and take play at the half-way for some time saw Ahipara go further ahead. Max Bergan, on the wing (a most versatile player), in one of those characteristic runs of his, fended off several would-be tacklers, to score at the corner. For the first time Kaitaia gave some indication of combination, three of last year’s junior representatives, E. Jameson, T. Flyn and F. Donaldson, combining in a nice burst of passing for the lastnamed to score by the posts. M. Yates, as usual, made no mistake with the kick, making the score-board read; .Ahipara 6, Kaitaia 5. Kaitaia immediately attacked from the kick-off, and when M. Yates went over by the posts it seemed as though they would be another five points up, but a scrum was ordered, and half-time came with Ahipara still one point to the good. Kaitaia seemed a spent force on resuming, Ahipara’s weight apparently having told its tale. The visitors seemed to do everything but score, but consistency must be rewarded and M. Bergan flashed over* at the corner for his second try. Shortly afterwards Ahipara put the issue beyond doubt, their big forwards carrying all before them for K. Allen to score. Though Ahipara had a man ordered off, it made little or no difference to them, the match finally finishing with Ahipara winners by 12 points to 5. Mr T. Maughan was referee.