Takahiwai Beats Kamo In Thrilling Struggle

Northern Advocate, 3 June 1947, Page 3

Takahiwai Beats Kamo In Thrilling Struggle

WITH the crowd on its toes, and towards the end or t ie game following the play'down‘ iff'ySr-f without doubt the most thrilling of the ““Three extra spells were necessary before Takphiwai’s full-back George Mackie scored the only tiy.

Opening well with Tautiri (Kamo) bein« pursued half the length of the field" by big Bill Rata, who fell on Tautiri when he was almost over, the game was packed with thrills. Mosc-s, whose brilliant tackling time and again kept Takahiwai from scoring, was a tower of strength to his side. Kamo just could not get past this lad from One Tree Point. He stopped Paki just on the line and twice saved Kamo by. kicking the bail back when it was dangerously close to his line. . The normal time had long finished hut still there was no score. Kamo’s hopes were raised —and dashed- when G. Brandso took a free kick. The ball hit the cross bar and bounced back.

addressing the players and speelatois before he presented members of the winning teams with medals leteiicd to the excellent quality of the football witnessed. In his opinion the juniors could give the seniors a few lessons sometimes. The president expressed his hope that more schoolboy teams wotdd be forthcoming and felt sure.' that with a more broad-minded and enlightened attitude to the code, his wish- would be fulfilled. Silver medals were presented to the following:—Schoolboys, (Takahiwai 4th grade), C. Mackie. O. Mackie. McDonald, Davis. Hooker. Edwards. Harris. Juniors (Portland A) J. and W. Wells. B. Cooper, T. Puru. S. Meho. R. Withey. D. Harris. Seniors. (Takahiwai A) H. Pirihi, G. Pirihi, R. Paki. W. Rata. G. Pitman, J. Keppa, G. Mackie. Because of lack of time the intended sprints were not held. Results At A Glance . . . SENIOR Kamo 6 (tries by G. Brandso, Moihoi), City b; Tauahiwai 3 (try by G. Mackie). Kamo 0. Takahiwai 8 1 tries oy G. Mackie, T. Paki, H. Pirihi converting), Referees Association 0. JUNIOR Portland A 20 (tries by J. Weils. Withey, Cooper. W. Wells, who also converted 4), Takahawai 0. Portland A 18 (tries b> R Wither W Wells 3 and converted 3). Citv B (/.‘City A 11 (tries by W. Cotterill 2 C'Hagan, Pearce converted), Portland B 0 Portland A 18 (tries by J. Wells, Puru Wither, Nehu. conversions by W. Wells' 2 and Nordstrand). City A 0. FOURTH GRADE Takahiwai 11 (tries by C. Mackie 3, who converted one). City 3 (try by Plaisted). goal-kicking contest H. Pirihi (Takahiwai) kicked from 38 yards (cash prize).

Takahiwai’s turn came next. A try seemed inevitable but the ball went over the dead ball line. After two spells of extra time had been played the play showed no signs of slowing.

In the third spell the ball got so close to Kamo’s goal line that, as the wrestling bout . progressed, a Takahiwai player had only to cover a distance of about two feet to score a try. That is exactly what Mackie did. With a final effort he staggered across and the most exciting and strenuous game was over. G. Brandso played very solidly and only the superb resistance of Takahiwai kept him from scoring. Brandso. with his rugged tactics and undoubted stamina, had always been a marked man and yesterday he gave Takahiwai plenty to worry about. ‘ THE WELLS BROTHERS

The junior final between Portland A and City A followed. j. and W. Wells were much to the fere. Portland's first try was scored by j. Wells after a swift rush, and was converted by his brother. Puru scored next and then Whithey. after J. Wells had passed the ball to him. W. Weils converted.

At half time the score stood at Portland 13. City 0. Portland, helped by good passing, was definitely the superior team and a try by S. Nclui. which was converted hv Nordstrand. brought the final score to Portland l.j. City 0.

In the previous game between Portland A and City ft. W. Wells, who is probably the most promising player in the junior ranks, accounted for lfi of Portland's 18 points. City did not

His last try was most spectacular when he sped from goal to goal, with the rest of the field strung out be-

j The junior game between Portland j \ and Takahiwai was another example I of the- Wells brothers' prowess. TROPHIES PRESENTED The president of the Northland I Rugby League (Mr J. F. Johnson)