PLAY AT MOTUEKA

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 76, 19 May 1941, Page 7

PLAY AT MOTUEKA

COMPETITION MATCHES SATURDAY’S RESULTS The opening matches in the Motueka Rugby Sub-Union’s competitions were played at Rugby Park on Saturday, when there was only a small attendance of the public. The senior fixture was a game between United and Riwaka, the latter winning by the narrow margin of seven points to six. In the junior match Riwaka were successful against Combined whom they defeated by sixteen points to eight Play in both matches gave promise that the standard will not be lower than last year despite the fact that a number of the regular players are now serving with the forces. Before the best can be expected of the teams entered in the competitions the surface of the playing areas at the Park will have to be improved, there being at present a great deal of rqugh grass on the field. UNITED V. RIWAKA Riwaka was somewhat lucky in winning on Saturday, the scores at the closing stages of the game being six points to three in favour of United, when Evans came to light with a potted goal and gave his side the lead by one point. For the first fifteen minutes play was fairly even, with Riwaka being the more aggressive team An infringement, however, gave United an opportunity and Bisley goaled with a nice kick. United 3-0 Although United were often successful in the scrummages the heavier Riwaka forwards broke up quickly and nullified their efforts A nippy interception by G Trewavas allowed him to break through and pass to Dobbie who battled his way over at the posts against strong opposition to register Riwaka’s equalising score. Evans failed with the kick. Riwaka 3, United 3 The first part of the second spell was composed mainly of a series of line kicks Riwaka took the initiative when the backs in a passing movement transferred play to within five yards of their opponent's line, where Uawken was successful in grassing Evans A counter attack followed, in which Riwaka were penalised for offside, but Coppins was unable to turn the chance to account. Riwaka secured from a scrum, the ball travelling from J. Ryder to A Ryder to Evans, who booted and regained possession to race to United’s territory before being collared Hawker and Bisley were responsible for the return of the ball and Turnbull, following up fast was sent in to score near th< corner Bisley failed to add the extra points. United 6. Riwaka 3 The Riwaka forwards pushed bacl-

their opponents to the home quarters, but the defence held until Evans, se--1 curing in a handy position, potted a : goal as time was sounded, making the final scores: Riwaka 7, United 6. Mr A. H. Eddie controlled the match.