RUGBY FOOTBALL

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 62, Issue 4427, 19 May 1941, Page 5

RUGBY FOOTBALL

THE WAIPA SUB-UNION. SATURDAY’S MATCHES. The Waipa Rugby Union’s competitions were continued at Albert Park on Saturday afternoon in ideal football weather. On No. 1 ground in an evently - contested game, Waikeria defeated Stars by 8 points to 6, whilst on No. 2 ground Pirates proved too strong for the less experienced Owairaka Native team, winning by 31 points to 6. STARS v. WAIKERIA. The game opened very quietly, both teams taking time to settle down. After an interval of even play, Waikeria were penalised twice in succession but Douglas failed with two difficult attempts at goal. Stars kept up the attack and McDonald set his backs in motion but a Waikeria player secured to relieve. Waikeria were kept busy defending but were afforded further relief when they were awarded a free kick. Stars carried piay back to Waikeria’s twenty-five line and in a forward struggle a Waikeria played got offside. Waikeria were penalised and Douglas kicked a nice goal. Stars 3, Waikeria 0. Waikeria now took a turn and a forward rush took play to Stars’ goal fine. A series of scrums resulted but Stars defended strongly and Waikeria were unable to make headway. Play was carried, back to Waikeria’s territory and some heavy rucking took place. Then the Waikeria wing three-quarter secured and ran three parts of the field to evade Waretini, who tacklecj too high, and scored a nice try. The try was converted. Stars 3, Waikeria 5. Encouraged by their success, Waikeria made a sustained attack and a period of hectic play followed. Clark relieved for Stars when he secured the ball and kicked down field. The kick was returned and in the ensuing plav Waikeria were penalised but Douglas’s attempt at goal failed. A forward rush by Stars looked dangerous but the Waikeria fullback was sound and he found the line with a nice kick. Half-time was sounded shortly afterwards.

On resuming, Waikeria again attacked and Stars were kept busy defending. From a five-yard scrum Waikeria forced their way over and scored near the posts. A good attempt at conversion hit the goalposts. Waikeria 8, Stars 3. Stung by the reverse, Stars swept into the attack and carried play to Waikeria’s goal line but Waikeria’s defence was sound. Stars kept up the pressure and in a nice passing rush Taylor secured to put in a good run and score. Douglas’ kick at goal failed. Waikeria 8, Stars 6. Waikeria now took a .turn and by adopting bustling tactics,. had Stars worried. Territorially the advantage was all with Waikeria, but they were unable to finish off some promising movements. Towards the end of the game a forward rush by Stars’ resulted in Waikeria being penalised, but Douglas was short with a kick at goal. 'A period of give and take play followed and the final whistle sounded with play at midfield. Mr I. Vickers was referee. PIRATES v. OWAIRAKA MAORIS. Owairaka started off well but the more experienced Pirates players soon prevailed and Pirates won comfortably. For Pirates Terry and Old both scored two tries, and Davidson, Lewell and Melrose one try each. Terry kicked a penalty goal and converted a try and Cooper also kicked a penalty goal and converted a try. For Maoris. Barlow and Ngahoe scored tries. THIRD GRADE. Old Boys 10 v. Ohaupo 3.