RUGBY FOOTBALL

Opunake Times, 24 August 1948, Page 4

RUGBY FOOTBALL

TARANAKI’S CLOSE WIN TEAM BELOW FORM Changes in the Taranaki Representative team which played Manawatu at Stratford on Saturday were not a - success, the usual cohesion away the back’s and general resQursefulness being lacking in a game which wag slightly disappointing, although Taranaki won by 20 points to 17, two dropped goals in the final ten minutes giving the team a luckv win—the first for four years. The Tar an aid forwards, led by the outstanding Carlson, again played splendidly against the strongest opposition they have met this season, but the backs functioned indifferently, Beatty’s retirement further weakening the defence. Taranaki points came from tries by Carlson, Schumacher, Instone and Jamieson, Burke, converting one, and Johns and ■Cameron Kicking field goals. For Manawatu Webb, Nicholls and Mcßae scored tries, Harkness kicking two penalties and converting one try. Nickel replaced Aucell in the first half and O’Byrne replaced Beatty in the second. The teams were’: Taranaki: H. Johns; E. Jamieson, J. Ulenberg, J. Instone ; E. Rowlands, G.. Beatty; W. Cameron; D. Carlson; J. Kisseck, P. Burke, P. McKenzie, B. Schumacher; D. Ancell, R. Potier, J. Muller. Manawatu: H. Harkness; C. Webb, R. Keenan, D. McNae; K, Graham, I. Goloquhoun; E. Roberts; E. Craine ; W, Nichols, H. Young, T, Bresnehan, B. Meads; H. Richards, A. Burney, G. Gordon. Mr, J. H. Davey was referee. Fourth Grade Reps Playing bright, open football, Coastal and Central fourth grade Rugby representatives drew fill at Stratford on Saturday, For- Coastal Mathieson scored two tries and K. Reid one, Pukj ere kicked a conversion. Central’s points came from tries scored by Carroll and Pattinson. and a penalty goal and a conversion by Cameron.

JUNIOR FINAL DRAW PIHAMA UNLUCKY A surprisingly large crowd, considering counter-attactions, witnessed the Taranaki Junior Final at Kaponga on Saturday and they were rewarded with a great game, which drew full encouragement from the spectators throughout. Although’ a field goal kicked by G. McEloy right on time made the score 6 all, Pihama was decidedly unlucky not to have won, the forwards playing a splendid game, penning Tariki to defence for the greater part of the second half , and just failing 1 to score on several occasions. The backs defended well hut a tendency by the inside men to kick too much nullified their efforts. With Vincent in good form, snappy passing* -out to the centre may nave brought results. Tariki fielded a much older team but although their backs were dangerous, the forwards could not match the fast, energetic Pihama pack who shaded' them, in all departments except, perhaps, hooking. Although play ranged up and downfield at a first pace in the first half, both teams defended solidly and the- -only score came near the end of the spell, when G. Drought and Vincent exchanged passes to penetrate almost to the line. From the resultant scrum, S. Drought secured and flashed over on the blindside to score a- good try. The kick failed.

Pihama went straight to the attack in the now spell hut Tariki replied with a, strong forward drive down tike sideline, 1). Bell carrying on, hut although ruled out by. the line umpire, the referee a waded him a try, the crowd demonstrating its disapproval. The kick failed. For the next 15 to 2f) rr/inutes Pihama did everything !) at score, Vincent kicking a field goal, unfortunately afterf a. forward pass. Tnriki’s first trim on attack for some time gaw ? them the lead when they we 1 re awarded a penalty in a good > position and Loveridge goale xi. Pihama made strenuous att jempts to equalise

field goal between the posts, the referee blowing the final whistle immediately afterwards. Mr. L. Ross was referee. The teams were: Pihama : M Tito; H. Forsyth, D. Vincent, G. Drought; 13. Conaglen, G. McElroy; S. Drought; D. Campbell; W. Thompson, J. Carey, I. Gopperth, T. Julian; L. Welsh, P. Pickering, W. Yeoman. Tariki: Loveridge; Bell, G. Gladding, Hollis; L. Rumball, Kennedy;' F. Gladding; P. Knowles; G. Long, R. Wilson, K. Burkett; L. Jackson; Sheppard, Hucken, M. Rumble, but just when a win for Tariki looked certain, McElroy received from S. Drought from a ruck right in front and" sent a smart COASTAL JUNIOR REPS. QUADRANGULAR TRIALS Next Saturday Taranaki Junior quadrangular trials will be played at Stratford to select the Taranaki Junior Rep. team to meet Wanganui on September 4th. The Coastal reps have been selected as follows: Full-back: L. Perrett (Oaonui). f’s: M. Barrett (Pungarehu), A. Thompson (Okato), G, Drought (Pihama), f’s: J. Sim (Okato), M. Coupe (Opunake). Half: S. Drought (Pihama). Back row; A. Corbett (Okato). Sides: Harrison (Okato), T. Leaver (Opunake). "• Locks: Peters (Auroa), M. Guillisson (Pungarehu),

Front row: W. Maindonald (Opunake), H. Radford (Okato), M. Cook (Oaonui). , Reserves: Backs, C. Mourie (Opunake), I). Vincent (Pihama); Forwards, K. Julian (Pihama), P. Pickering (Piliama),