HIKURANGI ARE RUGBY CHAMPIONS AGAIN

Northern Advocate, 13 July 1936, Page 8

HIKURANGI ARE RUGBY CHAMPIONS AGAIN

Exciting Double Duel at Park on Saturday JJIKURANGI CHAMPIONS 1935-36! Another page in Whangarei Rugby history was written at Kensington Park on Saturday, when in the final games of the senior championship;, Hikurangi maintained their postion at the top of the tree. The attraction of two senior games at the Park drew a large attendance, and, with the title hanging in the balance, interest was focussed on the two grounds alternatively. To have the chance of a play-off Kia Toa had to vanquish City, and Hikurangi had to be beaten by Old Boys. At one stage of the afternoon, the double —to use a term more frequently associated with the turf —seemed to be working out according to the desires of the public. With less than a quarter of an hour to play, Hikurangi were conceding a single point lead to Old Boys, and Kia Toa were overwhelming City’s early lead. However, another Hikurangi try and a penalty goal in the last few minutes, collapsed the house of cards. Kia Toa left no doubt as to which has been the most popular team in the competition, and, turning on the fireworks to win against a hard fighting City team, sent the sideliners into transports of enthusiasm, the shock tactics of the White brothers in particular creating scenes of almost delirious joy. Consistent And Orthodox, Kia Toa could not quite overhaul the reverses which they encountered before they setled down, although had another round been played, their convincing second round win over Hi kurangi suggests that the Maoris would have been successful. The verdict goes to a team, which although playing less brilliant football, has been the acme of consistent, and orthodox team work. The pack ha-: caried a particularly big share in success. Since the season began, Hikurangi has been unfortunate in losing several of its leading players, but the district apparently has an inexhaustible supply of the material from which good Rugby men are made.

THRILLING EXHIBITION. Thrills were the order of the day in the Kia Toa-City match, which was probably the fastest and most entertaining of any this season. Up to the last 10 minutes, which, incidentally, was played in darkness, it was anyone’s game, both sides concentrating on attack and making use of every opportunity. City were quick to get into action and looked as though they were going to dominate the play. Kia Toa appeared to be all at sea without the services of Mahunga, C. White and Te Paa.

The packs were evenly matched, but City’s hookers got the greater share of the ball. All the forwards played well, using their weight and following up fast. It was difficult to sort out individuals. Griffin, for City, was very prominent in all movements and played probably his best game so far this while, for Kia Toa, Rika, S. Alison and Ricketts were the most dangei’ous.

In the City back division Robbins was outstanding, his passing and tackling being superb. Burch played his usual sound game, and Thorpe was also very good, particularly on defence.

Bob White, for Kia Toa, was supreme, thrilling the spectators time and again with his great runs, and leaving a trail of recumbent opponents in his wake. Heta, on the wing, also did great work, while Rika made the best of most of his opportunities. N. Williams seemed to have great difficulty in holding his passes, but otherwise was quick and versatile. He is still, however, inclined to hold on too long, and thus puts his brother, at second five-eighths, at a disadvantage.

City’s Account Opens, Roos opened City’s account. Picking up in loose play he forced down near the goal and converted. Kia Toa equalised by a masterly piece of strategy. Heta appeared to attempt running through the City pack, but when about to be tackled shot out a long reverse pass, which R. White had run into position to take. He converted from the sideline.

City forged to the front with a glorious burst of chain passing, which swung right out to Shepherd on one wing—and across the field again along Kia Toa’s goal-line for Burch to force his way over—one of the best movements seen at the park. Robbins followed with an easy three points from a penalty. Just before half-time, R. White ran from his own quarter, brushing off the opposition to score, making the position at half-time. 14—8.

In the second spell C. White replaced Wellington, and made himself the winning force in the Maori team. Not only was he brilliant individually, but his dash infused his colleagues, spurring them to greater heights. From a loose scramble, J. Rika opened up to Mahunga, who travelled straight for the posts. R. White converted. In a typical dash, C. White mowed down half the City team, and ended up with a few odd tacklers strewn around, but across the line. R. White landed another difficult kick and Kia Toa led, 18—14. The virile and dashingly unorthodox football which the Maoris were turning on, roused the large crowd to the heights of enthusiasm and while the kick was being taken, a number of spectators chaired C. White. Kia Toa On Top. J. Rika was the next to cross for Kia Toa. R. White converted, his third successful effort from the sideline. City, too, were playing with plenty of punch. Robbins raced from the half-way mark down the line, passed to Shepherd, who centred with a beautiful kick, and Potter, following fast, went over between the posts. Robbins converted.—Kia Toa 23; City 19.

It was almost dark now and N. Williams, like a hawk of the night, racing after a high kick robbed the City fullback of the ball and scored handily. White converted, and a spectacular game ended:—Kia Toa 28, City 19. Mr Sutherland refereed.

A GRUELLING STRUGGLE. The ability of both teams to check attacks robbed the match between Hikurangi and Old Boys of spectacular play.

The sun played a big part in the match handicapping Hikurangi in the first half. On many occasions a high kicked ball was misfielded for that reason. Old Boys were equally dazzled in the early part of the second spell, and it was noticeable that im-

mediately the sun became less troublesome, the play improved. Hard kicking among the packs, and ineffective manoeuvres by the inside backs of both teams did not provide much incident in the first spell which territorially was Old Boys. Hikurangi were repeatedly penalised for forward breaches, mainly lifting in the scrum. Tapper going close, but nol quite close enough with each of five penalties. In the second half the game became more open, with both sides making determined efforts. Remarkable Handling. Remai’kable handling was seen when Hutchings nipped smartly through the centre, sent a difficult pass to Rarity, and on to Campbell, who gathered in at his finger-tips. He was lowered by Tapper a yard from the line.

In close play, J. Bryden forced through several tackiers and opened the score for Hikurangi. Although the whites charged too soon, Conway goaled. Old Boys were not long in equalising. Holmwood juggled the ball for Massey to snap it up, shoot past a couple of Hikurangi men, and sprint half the length of the field to score between the posts. Tapper converted. Smith had his side in trouble when he kicked weakly across his own goal line, and Hikurangi were in

full cry when pulled up with a penalty. Unnoticed Codling and the half changed positions, enabling Conway to drop a cleverly conceived goal from wide out.

Again Old Boys countered, taking the ball upfield in a good passing movement, Collins raced across the line after it, touching down as he flew past. Running almost out of touch to take the kick, Tapper landed a beauty giving Old Boys the lead, 10—9. However, Hikurangi regained their grip on the game and also on the championship, when, after the inside . men had penetrated well, Campbell capped it. with a score. To make the margin more clear-cut, Conwaj- kicked a penalty, and the game ended. —Hikurangi 15; Old Boys 10. How They Went.

Few men enhanced their reputations. After due allowance has been made for the sun equation, Tapper, although often faulted, was superior to Holmwood. Campbell tackled and ran well. He should use both hands in receiving a pass. Massey again showed a good turn of speed. Codling would have been happier at half, where he has been playing such good junior football. Conway went much better than Smith, whose passing was sluggish at times. The Hikurangi man has a good knowledge of the game, and is quick to seize an opening.

He gave Hikurangi the back leadership, which Old Boys lacked. The best forwards were B. McConnell, J. Bryden and Pomfrett (Hikurangi), and Bradley and Ferguson (Old Boys). Mr J. McLeod refereed. SENIOR B. Following their victory over Pipiwai the pervious., week, Manaia won as comfortably as the score of 16—3 indicates against. Whatitiri, Their scorers were Heffernan, McLaughlin, Dale and S. Hutchinson, Heffernan converting two. Manaia owed their dominance principally to a superior and enterprising pack. Paul, at fullback, was safe for the losers, and showed a good knowledge of running his backs into position on attack. L. Edge completed a good passing rush to score Whatitiri’s try. THE JUNIORS.

For three parts of the game the heavier and more experienced Hora Hera juniors did much as they pleas ed with High School. Tries were scored by Bercich, Taylor, N. Boyd and H. Findlay. Two were converted by D. Findlay, who also kicked a penalty. Towards the end High School turned on. some good handling

allowing Kermode and Martin to | score. Alison converted one try. CITY V. HIKURANGI. The surprise of the day was City’s defeat of Hikurangi, the first loss the leaders have suffered this season. At half-time Hikurangi led by a try (Cunningham) and a penalty kick (Martin) to a penalty goal kicked for . by Chissel. Shortly after resuming another penalty by Chissell evened the scores, and right on time Ross finished off a good back movement to gain City's winning try. Oncrahi, who had a comfortable win, are now one point behind Hikulangi, and the meeting of these teams m the second round, should be full of interest. third grade.

High School 9 (tries by Mcßee, Coote and Cumpsty) beat Old Boys 0. Hora Hora 13 (tries by Patterson. rsm 3 \ n< i < -' two conversions by Calder) beat Onerahi 5 (try and conversion by Joass).