TAKAHIWAI – HIKURANGI; SOLID BATTLE

Northern Advocate, 21 June 1937, Page 3

TAKAHIWAI - HIKURANGI; SOLID BATTLE

The Takahiwai-Hikurangi match was a great struggle. It was a battle, more ragged than spectacular, and yet very interesting and, at times, exciting. The Maoris led B—3 at one stage and were very unlucky not to get another try, as the defence was well beaten when the move was pulled up for obstruction. Hikurangi, however, are always a hard lot to beat and evened up early in the second spell. Takahiwai’s first try came when big Bin Rata snapped up from a play-the-ball in the goalmouth and charged through to score. Hooker goaled. Hikurangi scored when C. Hamilton fooled the opposition by declining an easy penalty goal and cross-kicking to Taylor on the wing, who raced over. C. Hamilton’s shot, a good one from well out, just missed. Before the interval, the exchanges were willingly contested. C. Hamilton should have materialised with a fairly easy penalty shot. Takahiwai’s next try was a good one. First of all, Slako put in a nice run and then Hooker opened up, sold a dummy and Satti and Ben Pitman handled, for the winger to score. Rata missed. ,

Then P. Mackie featured in a great run and Hooker came up on the outside to take the pass and race round with Ben Pitman in support. A try was certain when the whistle went and Takahiwai were penalised for obstruction.

Hikurangi went to the attack, and had the Maoris well hemmed in. The ball was slung out to C. Hamilton, who strode through an opening and touched down. R. Hamilton levelled it and from then on a keen/ battle waged with neither side gaining any material advance. Mr R. Scott was referee..