COWAN CUP GAME.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 13643, 30 August 1937, Page 4

COWAN CUP GAME.

PAHIATUA JUNIORS WIN. BY GOOD BACK PLAY. lii a game tlmt was characterised by scrappy forward play and occasional fine back movements by Paiuatua, Hukanui were defeated by six points (two tries) to nil, at the Manga tainoka Domain on Saturday . In the forwards Hukanui had an advantage in weight and, using it judiciously, had slightly the better qt the vanguard exchanges, though Pamoua did well from set scrums. Pahiatua, however, were head and shoulders above their opponents in back play, fielding some of the best rearguards in the junior competition this year. Murch was in bis usual good form, scoring one very fine try and looking dangerous whenever he had the ball. Maurice Kershaw and r. Mills, at half and first five-eightli respectively, combined well, the latter initiating some good movements by straight, hard running. George Smith and Mick Tata lirangi were always well to the fore, the former scoring a good try. Among the Pahiatua forwards Malcolm Kershaw, the captain, was probably the best and most conspicuous player, well supported by Bruce Fowke and H. Goss. The rest of the pack played well in the loose but all seemed animated by a marked distaste for putting their heads down in the tight, despite the constantly reiterated advice of thensupporters. , „ For Hukanui, P. Udy and Davies pI a yed well among a verv mediocre set of backs. Most of the Back moves broke down in the five-eighths and when they did go out further little ground was gained, the backs for the most part running directly across field. The Hukanui pack were a good set of toilers and did well in the tight, particularly in line-outs. Among the best workers were R. Udy, ~\Venham and Daldy. Mr vv . Lawry controlled the game very ably. THE PLAY. Hukanui kicked off and a series of scrums followed around the half-way mark, with several back moves by Hukanui gaining little ground. Following a set scrum Murch cut through but was well brought down by Welch. Reds broke through to the green line, which was threatened for several minutes, but Maurice Kershaw cleared well. A few moments later a back movement by green almost sent Smith over in the corner. Hukanui were relieved by a series of free-kicks with which Welsh, who was playing a fine game, gained a lot of ground. Pahiatua came back with a. fine forward rush ill which Malcolm Kershaw and Fowke were prominent, and hammered at the Hukanui line, their back movements being pulled up just short of the line on several occasions. Play went bac±c and forth ior the major part of the spell until George Smith, at centre, picked up and bullocked his wa> through for a- good try His shot at goal missed: Pahiatua 3, Hukanui O. From the kick-off Murch got away for a fine run, but Welsh was again in position and cleared nicely. Reds went on to attack fiercely now and kept the play in green territory for about ten minutes. J. McKay had a busy time at full-back stemming the tide of Hukanui forwards. Just before half-time, the green pack went downfield with a fine rush and set their backs on attack. Tataurangi secured and went infield on cl sent oil to Kershaw, who took a pot, his effort, however, going astray. The Pahiatua pack went to the attack alter half-time and a good deal Of rucking play took place. Their backs were going very well and several excellent plays almost brought tries. Murch used a speedy cut-in with great effect, and with a little better backing up would have added to Pahiatua’s score. The Hukanui pack sent plat- back to half-way, where P. Udy gained ground with stab-kicks. Soon after a fine back movement by the greens saw Murch cut in and run thirty yards to score a beautiful try near ithe posts. Smith missed an easy kick at goal. Play from then on was in favour of Hukanui, hut the red pack were unable to finish off their moves and their backs could not get going. The game finished a few minutes later after a. good deal of ragged and unimpressive play. The play generally was of a low standard and not nearly up to the form shown by either team in the earlier competition games. Pahiatua, on the day, were a much superior team and were unfortunate in not running up a higher score. Hukanui disappointed, as it was expected that they would put up a good show. Their forwards played well, but their backs, except lor good tackling, were never in the picture. Mr O. Stone presented the cup to “Snow” Kershaw (captain of Pahiatua) after the match-