’Karamea Has Revenge Over Thames

Northern Advocate, 17 July 1939, Page 2

’Karamea Has Revenge Over Thames

Beaten by 17 points to 14 when visiting Thames earlier in the season, Maungakaramea had its revenge at Kensington Park on Saturday afternoon, Physical Training, the Thames visitors, being defeated by 33 points to three.

The play was not of a high standard, and, as far as the spectators were concerned, was anything but exciting, being principally confined to tight forward work, with the backs seldom getting into action. Physical Training soon opened the score, R. Dovell going over in the corner a few minutes after the kickoff. The home team pressed solidly and the visitors had to touch down to save on several occasions. Except for one attack, which was nullified by an infringement, Physical Training could not gain the Maungakaramea quarter, and, after a spell in mid-fiold, had again to touch down to save. The home team, however, was not to be denied, and N. Boyd went through to pass to S. Alison, who went over. Jack Nash converted; Maungakaramea 5, Physical Training 3. Lead Increased. A penalty to Physical Training gave Maxwell an unsuccessful shot, -and just before half-time the visitors were fortunate in not having their line crossed in a series of hot forward attacks. However, immediately before the interval whistle; the Thames forwards suddenly switched ends, and it was Maungakaramea which Had to force.

Leaving nothing to chance, Maungakaramea opened the second half with a strong burst, Physical Training touching down to save. P. Morresey then went over in the corner, Nash’s conversion attempt from near the sideline failing when the ball hit the far post: Maungakaramea 8, Physical Training 3. Visitors’ Strong Bid. Physical Training was now doing better, and several movements showed promise-. E. Dovell, the centre, picked up from a loose attack and sent to Harnett, a forward, who galloped over unopposed, only to be called back for a forward pass. Grey, the first fiveeighths, then made a bid, endeavouring to cut through, but the defence held.

A long period of mid-field battling by the forwards followed, until Grey went away in a short dash, which he ended by attempting a goal from the field, Maungakaramea being compelled to touch down. Retaining possession to save from a home forward attack found the visitors penalised, Nash failing with the attempt. The best back movement of the day came shortly before the end, Thorpe, the home centre, gaining possession and with Nash in support, set sail for the line, cutting through to score in a handy position. Nash converted, and the game ended with the score:

Maungakaramea 13 Physical Training , . . . 3 Visitors Entertained. After the match, the Maungakaramea Club entertained the visitors at dinner at the Settlers’ Hotel. The: president of the club, Mr T. O’Carroll, proposed the Loyal Toast, and also that of the visitors, the manager. Mr T. Clive Lowe, responding. Mr Lowe said the game had not been spectacular, but It had been played in a great spirit. The captain, Mr J. Poland, also replied, to the toast. Mr T. O’Shea, selector of the Maungakaramea team, thanked the: visitors for coming to Whangarei, ancl said that he hoped it would be possible to make the fixture an annual one. Mr F. O’Shea proposed the toast of the Whangarei Rugby Union, Mr E. Cummings, vice-president. replying. It was gratifying, he said, that teams such as Physical Training and Maungakaramea had not forgotten the social side of Rugby, as was the tendency to-day. Mr L. Morgan, the secretary, endorsed Mr Cummings's remarks, and said the game should be played for the game and not for anything else. The union would do all it could to further the meeting of the two teams annually.