MANAGER’S REPORT

Northland Age, Volume II, Issue 36, 10 September 1930, Page 5

MANAGER’S REPORT

To the President and delegates Mangonui Rugby Union. Dear Sirs, I have the honour to submit to you a brief report of the trip made by the Mangonui Rugby Seniors to Dargaville to meet the Northern Wairoa Senior Reps holders of the “Harding Shield.” Assembling at Shine’s store Victoria Valley, we left there at 10 o’clock on Friday morning, and after a pleasant run reaching Kaikohe in time for dinner, a short rest while the boys stretched their legs and the three cars left for Dargaville. Though it rained most of the way being in sedan cars no discomfort was felt and the roads being good, a fast trip was made, and we reached Dargaville just after 4 p.m. Upon arrival we found arrangements had been made tor us to stay at the Central Hotel. After a good wash the boys wen tsightseeing for an hour or so, and then 6 o’clock found us all doing justice to a good spread provided by mine Host Bromicb. The evening was free with a request that all players be to bed early, which I think was complied with.

Early next morning every one was early astir and shower baths and good rub downs was the order. Breakfast partaken and the team assembled for a short talk from the manager and coach, and a few scrums went down. Afterwards the morning was free and I must here express my appreciation of the way the team to a man kept fit, and assembled punctually at 12.30 for lunch. 1.30 p.m saw us all filing upstairs with set faces to face the photographer, that ordeal over, we wended our way down to meet our rivals bent on a similar errand.

Then to the ground, and final preparations, and a few more words of sound advice from the coach, and the whistle blew and the teams filed out. Judging by the look of the teams they were fairly evenly matched. Losing the toss the Blacks kicked off to be immediately penalised for offside, a scrum going down, the ball being hooked cleanly by the Yellow and Blacks. A passing rush was started but was soon frustrated by solid tackling. Our forwards soon asserted their superiority especially in the loose and soon had play near their opponents line. The first half, play was confined to the forwards with play close to our opponents line, and although twice the Blacks nearly scored, Ned Wilkinson missing by inches, and Rennie Smith after a smart passing bout among the backs racing over and touching down, only to be brought back for offside. Half time came with no score.

Upon the whistle sounding both sides got into it and for a while it looked as though Wairoa would score, but with a well judged kick our fullback sent the ball out well down the field, (I may state here our fullback earned generous applause on numerous occasions for his fine line kicking.) Determined forward play by our men saw them gradually work down field close to the opponents line, and in a scramble R. White picked up and dashed over. The kick failed.

Play was confined to midfield for a while, when Souter gaining possession made a dashing run through the opposition to the full back, but was grassed. W. Thompson who was in close attendance called out to Souter to pass out which he did though down, Thompson taking a low pass and seeing two or three of the opposition almost on top of him took a pot at goal, and potted a beauty amid applause.

This put Mangonui in practically an assured position. Wairoa made desperate efforts to score, and throwing the ball about

nearly succeeded, H. Yates just passing their winger in time. Back the blacks came again and in a great forward rush carried play right down field where Yendell who was playing a great game succeeded in picking up and crossing touched down by the posts. However the try was not converted, and the game ended soon after 10 nil in our favour, and the “Harding Shield” won. It was a fine clean game with the best of spirit shown on both sides, and the game was ably controlled by the referee, Mr. Stevenson.

The teams dined together that evening and their President in a short speech congratulated us on our win, and the team honoured us in the usual way. The manager returned the thanks and we returned the compliment. The President then called on the coach to present the shield to our Captain which he "did in a few well chosen words, our Captain suitably responding. The toast of the Referee and then the King concluded the dinner.

The boys behaved themselves well, and were a credit to the County they represented. Although I have made mention of several players names in mv reDort of the game of the game, I must state that every player did his share, and was worthy of mention.

Mr. Mimn our late postmaster was a great barracker for us, and was the first to convey to us that our Juniors had retained the Shield, He was early on the scene yesterday to bid us farewell, and to send greetings to his old friends.

Leaving Dargaville at 9.15 a.m. we reached Rangiahua for lunch, and thence home. In conclusion gentlemen I desire to express my thanks for the honour of having been appointed manager of the senior team, and the pleasure it has been to me to have been associated with such a fine team, and be with them when they won the Harding Shield, and I trust they will retain it until next season. I anf, Yours faithfully, J. W. Hoskin, Manager.