RUGBY SEASON ENDS

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 77, Issue 6566, 15 September 1948, Page 9

RUGBY SEASON ENDS

SEVEN-,'A-SIDE TOURNAMENT SATURDAY’S COMPETITIONS The Kawhia District Rugby Football Union wound up the season with its apnual seven-a-side tournament, held this year at Marokopa, all clubs competing with the exception of Kawhia. Added attractions this year were goal-kicking and dribbling competitions, which drew good entries. Results are as follows: —‘ Junior sevdn-a-side: Taharoa defeated Marokopa, 3 to o—a try by Whitiora scored in an extra spell. Kinohaku defeated Oparau, 3 to 0, I. Holmes scoring. Final: Kinohaku defeated Taharoa, 6 to 3. For the winners Stokes scored and I. Holmes kicked a penalty in the second spell; Jim King scored for Taharoa. This game had an exciting finish, as Taharoa were in the act of scoring an equalising try when the time-keeper’s whistle sounded, and as the referee failed to hear the signal many spectators were in doubt as to what the result would be. However, when it was made clear that the Taharoa player was yards short of the line when time was sounded the game was awarded to Kinohaku under the rules adopted for the day. Senior Seven-a-Side: Oparau defeated Kinohaku by 9 to 0, tries by D. Atkins and Gardiner and a penalty by the latter. 1

Final: Oparau defeated Marokopa by a try by Gardiner. This game was in the nature of an endurance test, as five extra spells were played. The Marokopa team seemed very fit, but Oparau showed better combination, and were winning the ball from the scrums. This advantage and the fine work of D. Atkins behind the scrum made them look like winners all the way, but the Marokopa defence was very strong. P. Gilbert was almost, over early in the first spell, but a live

yards’ scrum was awarded, and the ball w*as forced. Fordham kicked off smartly, hoping to catch Oparau off their guard, but Gilbert saved. In the second spell D. Atkins put in a great run almost, the length of the field, only to be hauled down five yards short of the line. In this and the next ■spells Gardiner had shots from penalties, but both missed. In the fourth spell Atkins again made a spectacular run from behind the scrum, fending off a tackler and falling over the line, but was recalled for putting a foot out. The end came very suddenly when, with M'orokopa setting off with a passing rush, Gardiner intercepted and had an easy run to score under the posts.’ The senior goal-kicking was won in a close finish by L. Tata, of Kinohaku Club. Wi Holmes was the winner of the junior competition; two junior kickers Holmes (Kinohaku Club) and R. Parker, of Marokopa, putting up a better performance than the senior competitors. The dribbling was won by'J. Phillips, in the senior grade, and R. Stokes, Kinohaku, in the junior grade. I Trophies for -these competitions were donated by Messrs R. Neeley, N. Bowyer. E. Mosley, L. Dalziel, and J. F. Phillips. These and the Reeves trophy for the junior seven-a-side and the senior cup will be presented at the annual tall to be held shortly. ' Messrs F. Ormsby, N. Bowyer, and A. W. Palmer acted as referees. TE RAU-A-MOA BOYS BEAT OPARAU All Te Rau-a-M°a visted Oparau on Sunday to see their own local boys beat the Oparau Fifteen, winners of the 1948 championship and the Haylock Cup—by 13 points to 12. The weather was ideal, and, with nothing at stake, the game provided a fine exhibition of Rugby and sportsmanship. Two referees, Mr E. M. Gilbert and Mr E. Holley, were need* ed as the game was so fast that they could only last half each; but none the less both trundled along in fine style. It would be unfair to pick out any individual players, all of whom appeared, to strive to attain All Black standard. All present agreed that the thrilling crossing of the river on the swing bridge, the dashing football witnessed, and the sumptuous afternoon tea provided made the >isit well worth while.