Decisive Results In Mangonui

Northern Advocate, 15 May 1939, Page 10

Decisive Results In Mangonui

Ideal conditions prevailed in the second series of matches under the jurisdiction of the Mangonui Rugby Union.

Kaitaia B continued its winning way to defeat last year’s champions, Awanui, by nine points to nil. The margin was surprising, but Awanui was only able to field 14 players. Notwithstanding this handicap, it was often the aggressor and if the goalkicking had been a little more accurate it might well have won. Kaitaia A was fully extended by the newly formed club, Mangonui-Oruru, the visitors’ extra experience telling in a gruelling finish. In the Far North, Houhora, which had a bye last week, commenced the season in no uncertain manner to win easily against Te Kao. Ahipara was to have played Manukau, but withdrew from the competition on account of insufficient players. Results were.— Senior: Kaitaia B 9, Awanui 0; Kaitaia A 9, Mangonui 3; Houhora 15, Te Kao 3. Junior; Kaitaia A 8, Houhora 3; Kaitaia B 8, Ahipara 3; Herekino 11, Whangape 0; Awanui B 14, Awanui A 3. KAITAIA B DEFEAT AWANUI The showgrounds were in perfect order for the principal attraction at Kaitaia. With several players still at the military camp in Whangarei Awanui was only .able to field 14 men, but so well did the seven forwards hold the opposition that to the casual observer, this fact generally escaped notice.

In the early stages of the game play w,as even but towards half-time Awanui set up a series of attacks. Obtaining the ball from a good percentage of scrums veteran “Pip” Smith sent Hanna and Yates .away often but their co-partner Ryder was absent, the movements breaking down through lack of experience of the wing men. At half-time honours were still even. On resuming Dan Urlich kicked a neat penalty goal to open Kaitaia’s account. The next score could only come from a Maori team. It was most unexpected. From a scrum mid-way in Awanui. ' territory the half-back threw a long pass to winger Hagger, who instead of going down the side-line veered right infield to dive through a pack of opposing forwards near the uprights. Awanui was unlucky when two penally kicks in succession narrowly missed their objective. However, Kaitaia were not to be denied, Dan Urlich, again in great form this year, put In. a fine run, to in-pass to Moses Yates, who finished the movement

with a really spectacular try reminiscent of his best. Confronted by three big forwards Yates dived right over the opposition to ground the ball. Two more penalty kicks for Awanui within easy range also went narrowly astray. Mr Percy Stone was referee. DEFEAT OF MANGONUI. At Oruru before an excellent attendance Kaitaia A defeated Mangonui. Half-time came with the scores even, Moss Costello scoring after a nice rim, and Mangonui bustled the defence to gain a rather simple try by Cochrane. The new club gave its more experienced opponent many anxious moments throughout the second half but fast following up by Sim Gibb rewarded him with two tries to clinch the honours. Mr Val Beasley was referee.