Sparkling Rugby, Perfect Conditions At Whangarei

Northern Advocate, 18 July 1949, Page 7

Sparkling Rugby, Perfect Conditions At Whangarei

Fastest Rugby football seen at Whangarei this season was- provided by a flora flora side, the back line of which comprised all junior players with the exception of M. Macnay and A. Dobson, and a full-strength MidWestern team.

Flora flora won 25 —3. Something of a sensation occurred about 15 minutes from the end of the game when Referee Gentry ordered the Mid-Western captain, K. Babe, from the field for using his fists.

Rugby Park had made a remarkable recovery from its hammering of the previous two Saturdays and conditions were perfect. A good crowd attended, b"ut unfortunately only two games were played at headquarters. That Hora Hora did not suffer through the inclusion of about nine juniors was proved by the score. Ihe forwards played a rattling game and the backline was fast and enterprising. PROMISING JUNIORS

M. Macnay, at fullback played his usual good game, and A. Dobson, the other senior back, was sound also, but the palm must go to the junior quintette, R. Smith, R. Cameron, C. Him J. Macnay apd C. Flavell for providing last and spectacular play The merit of the win was accentuated by the fact that Mid-Western, too, also cracked on the pace and threw the leather around. Wells and Gunson were going well and T. Crawford, at centre, made some determined runs. The Mid-Western forwards never let up and played their usual rousing game. The game proved that the Whangarei union, with its wealth of junior talent in all the lower grades, has a very bright future. Referee Gentry gave yet another outstanding display with the whistle.