RUGBY FOOTBALL

Opunake Times, 16 September 1947, Page 4

RUGBY FOOTBALL

JUNIOR SEMI-FINAL PUNGAREHU UNLUCKY Playing good football against Kaponga in the Junior semi-final at Opunake on Saturday, Pungareliu were unlucky not to have clinched a win, the game being drawn 6 all. Pungarehu scored two tries to Kaponga's two penalties, but poor goal-kicking deprived the coastal team of its chance to win. It is hard to understand why goal-kickers go so far back towards the 25 to attempt to convert tries under the posts, especially with such a strong head wind. It is a fault which should be overcome by all goal-kickers in this district. Although tlie strong wind interfered with handling and fielding, the game was always fast and interesting and one or two reallv fine movements were witnessed. Pukere, a promoted fifthgrade player, with Brophy, was the outstanding back on the field, his penetrating run which gave Brophy his second try being a really brilliant effort. The forwards all worked well against a heavier pack. Mcßride, Kaponga's full-back played a fine Q'ame under difficult conditions in the second spell and was largelv responsible for keeping his line intact. The Game The teams were: Kaponga: (Black), Mcßride; Bryant, Oakes, Norgate; P. Cameron, T. Cameron; Tattersall; C. Hartlev, R. Brickford, T. Griffin; D. Eden, W. Ingram, M. Kissick, A. Worthington; T. Crowley. Pungarehu: (Yellow and Black), Davis; Barrett, Aylwood, W. Phillips; T. Pukere, Brophy; I. Phillips; D. Hall, M. Brophy, A. Hall; Ru'kawai, Gillisson, Bennett, Barrett; J. Phillips. Pungarehu had Two early penalty chances but the wind was too strong. Mcßride however, favoured bv the wind opened the scoring with a good free kick. Brophy followed up a high kick to field the bounce at top and raced awav from the opposition to score a good try under the posts. The kick failed. Mcßride kicked another good goal shortly afterwards. Pungarehu's second try started from a scrum near half-way. I. Phillips fed to Pukere who beat the defence brilliantly before sending Brophy over under the posts. The kick again failed. Half time score:

Pungarehu 6, Kaponga 6. Kaponga forwards nearly scored early and then Pukere and Brophy were associated in a dangerous movement, the latter just failing to beat Mcßride, who tackled well. Mcßride fielded nicely and raced his backs into position, Bryant being tackled five yards from the line. I. Phillips dashed 30 yards, but a bad pass to Pukere, who had a clear run home cost a certain try. Just before time the ball eluded a Pungarehu forward just as he was about to score and the game ended with the score unaltered. Pungarehu 6, Kaponga 6. Mr. G. Butler was referee. Toko beat Tukapa A 12-0 in the other first Junior semi-final. REPRESENTATIVE GAME TARANAKI'S SECOND WIN Taranaki defeated Hawke's Bay by 5 points (one try converted) to 3 (a try) on Saturday under very adverse conditions and thus claimed its second win for the season. Superior loose forward play gave Taranaki the advantage, but although the game was interesting' enough the weather did not favour good rugby. Price scored for Hawke's Bay, Novak scoring Taranaki's try and Cameron converting.