RUGBY FOOTBALL

Putaruru Press, Volume XXI, Issue 1240, 24 July 1947, Page 8

RUGBY FOOTBALL

FINLAY CUP MATCH Game Against Raglan Putaruru Team Chosen Following are the players for the Putaruru representative team to play against Raglan, at Raglan, on Saturday: Fullback, Brandon (Ma-. ngakino); threequarters, Wilson (Maraetai), Berg (United), Gilbert (Tokoroa); five-eighths, Gillespie (Mangakino), Ohlsen (United), captain; halfback, Wepihana (Mangakino); back row, Jones (Maraetai); side row, Stevenson (United), Douglas (Tokoroa); locks, Warn fManigakino), Wishnowsky (Tokoroa); hooker, Judd' (Tokoroa); front row, Jones (Mangakino), Forrester (United). • Reserves: Backs, Forder (Forest Products), Binny (Mangakino); forwards, Andrews (United), McCurran (United). JUNIOR GAMES Athletic v. United Suffering their first loss of the season, Athletic were defeated 9—5 iby United in a good hard game played at Karl’s Paddock on Saturday. Weather conditions were fair, but a strong wind blowing upfield throughout the game had a marked effect in impairing the judgment of players in both packs. Play opened with United facing the wind. After several fast movements by both packs, Athletic forced the play to United’s twenty-five where Howarth, the Athletic fullback, came up to break through and score for Athletic after ten minutes of play. Dunn failed with a difficult kick. After a further 20 minutes of mixed play Campbell scored for United in a well-timed passing movement. 'Berg failed from a difficult angle. Shortly before half-time, in a fast moving rush backed up by Athletic forwards, Bantan passed to Graham who went over' to score for Athletic a few yards inside the corner flag. Dunn failed l to convert. In the second half United took the field with the wind in their favour, and on two occasions within a short period penalties, were awarded against Athletic for infringements around their twenty-five mark. Berg failed with both kicks. From then on Athletic appeared to be pressed hard, and play ranged around their twenty-five, tho hall on several occasions going out to United backs, who were just unable to break through. United were then awarded a penalty anti Berg kicked an easy goal. A short time later Athletic again infringed and Berg kicked another penalty, making the score 9—(> in favour of United. Athletic, realising that all was not well, made a few changes, and took up the attack, carrying play into United twenty-five. United fought back, putting up a brilliant show of defence which continued until the final whistle. United are to be congratulated on their popular win, as they played throughout with 13 players. Athletic were short of their usual players, but took the field with a full pack made up of their third grade boys. These boys certainly put up a fine performance, and special credit is due to them for the way they worked. Of their number White deserves special mention for his work in the forwards; also to Logan for his initiative on the wing. This player was unlucky in not getting over to score for Athletic. Mr. A. Hurst was referee.