Takahiwai Beats City On Muddy Field

Northern Advocate, 16 June 1947, Page 3

Takahiwai Beats City On Muddy Field

Covered with mud churned up by the players, and soaked to the skin, Takahiwai beat City by 18 points to 3 in the Rugby League game at Jubilee Park on Saturday.

Flay was tight, and- the most of the first half was played in heavy rain, which made the ball greasy, the players muddy, and the game somewhat slow. City scored the first try when C. Pearce crossed Takahiwai’s line after a clever dribbling run.

Takahiwai answered smartly with a try by M. Nathan, which was converted by his brother, R. Nathan. Shortly after, during a heavy downpour. Keppa scored again for Takahiwai. R. Nathan again converting, bringing the half-time score to Takahiwai 10, City 3. The sky cleared slightly during the second spell and J. Stringfellow scored Citv’s second try. G. Pirihi scored again lor Takahiwai. R. Nathan again converting and a final try by H. Pirihi. Takahiwai captain. brougm the score to Takahiwai 18. City G. Hollows (City) was well marked. Takahiwai was taking no chances and as soon as he got the ball his opponents were down on him smartly. Although he made several dashes and eluded some of the opposition Hollows could not manage to find an opening and the game was one of the few in which he did not score at least once.

City juniors had more luck and beat Portland Rovers by 6 points to 3. This was the Rovers' first appearance and play was fast and open until a heavy shower just before half-time slowed the game considerably. AUCKLAND VISITORS

The feature of Saturday’s League was the game between the visiting point Chevalier juniors and Portland which was won by the visitors, 13—8.

The Wells brothers were in fine form and were responsible for all Portland’s points. Both teams were evenly matched, and in the first half Portland had the visitors hard pressed. W. Wells showed bis usual speed and scored the first try amid enthusiasm. Point Chevalier also had a fast man on its side and one “Speed” Hughes replied with a try which was converted by W. Mason, making the half-time score Point Chevalier 5, Portland 3. A brilliant try by J. Wells, converted by his brother; added five more points to Portland’s total, but the Aucklanders replied with tries by G. Watson, converted by Mason and- W. Quidley, and the final score stood at Point Chevalier 13. Portland 8.

D. Thompson (Portland) played a brilliant game as five-eighths. For Takahiwai. (fullback). J. Chetham, H. Pitman (wing). R. Paki and H. Pirihi (forwards) played good games as did the City men. Truman (halfback). Pearce (wing), Stringfellow (breakaway) and Thompson (fullback).