RUGBY FOOTBALL

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 81, Issue 7253, 18 September 1950, Page 5

RUGBY FOOTBALL

OTAHUHU DEFEATED 14—3 WIN FOR REPRESENTATIVES Otahuhu seniors received a sound trouncing from the Te Awamutu representatives’ on No. 1 ground last Saturday by 14—3 after a solid game during which there were few really dull moments. Both teams were changed to some degree before the game, the Otahuhu team being depleted of some players who were in the Auckland team which played Northland. This did not prevent the visitors from playing a fast, open game which was only defeated f by the Te Awamutu pack which remained steady throughout the game. The Otahuhu backs were not seen to full advantage and were beateh by the Te Awamutu line wihch played the advantage of the strong wind throughout the match. The home line was not up to great standard and lost ground in many movements because of the speed which was contained in the Otahuhu outside backs. A. Rowan lead the Te Awamutu pack with his usual dash and they held ground in practically all spheres except lineouts, in the majority of which Otahuhu gained ground whether it won possession or not. While Te Awamutu tried shovelling the ball out to Walker at half back over the top, the Otahuhu team used different tactics which always told. The forward who jumped for the ball came down with his back to the opposition players and the ball held down low. It was then passed out along the ground to the half back who was always waiting. When Te Awamutu did gain possession the inside backs were overwhelmed by the Otahuhu line or else the halfback was caught in possession by the number eight who was fast off the mark.

From the scrums possession was about even, nearly all of Te Awamutu’s moves succeeding in the ball going out to the backs. When Otahuhu gained possession, N. Ormsby, who played as number eight, could always be depended to spoil, or help spoil the move early and he did some good work all through the game. In the loose rucks the Te Awamutu team held its own and gained ground often. When the Otahuhu pack did kick through, the backs were always present to send the ball up the field. Adam played great position and saved his side on numerous occasions.

The first try of the game was scored by N. Ormsby and was converted by Adam who had failed previously to kick a penalty from a similar position, against the wind. The Otahuhu team tried a penalty goal and were almost successful in putting it over. The ball went a little wide and quick following up by R. Archibald, right flanker, caught the Te Awamutu players asleep in goal and a try was scored which went unconverted. Adam had another shot at goal before half time but missed. The second spell was entered with the score reading 5—3 in Te Awamutu’s favour and with the wind at the back of the home team. The game became fairly open and the ball went around fast with Te Awamutu following up the advantage well. Wfelker converted a penalty from close in but missed another which he took a few minutes later. J. Sizemore showed his speed to score in the corner after a short run. He handled better in the second half than he did in the first, and worried his opposite number whenever he gained possession. Otahuhu missed two penalties in fairly quick succession because of the strong wind which it was difficult to allow for. B. Smith next made a beautiful run around the field and through the outside of the Otahuhu line to score an unconverted try which provided the final points of the match. E. Kingham broke through brilliantly only to be called back on time for an infringement. Ohaupo Down Cambridge The Ohaupo team defeated the Cambridge juniors in a match which was not up to the usual standard because of conditions last Saturday. With a high wind prevailing, handling was difficult and neither team were able to play the conditions very well. Ohaupo had the better advantage with one try to their good scored by Len Karl at half time and the wind at their backs during the second half. The forwards went well and held the visiting pack without much difficulty. Len Karl scored another try and Maddren scored two tries in the second half. The score at the conclusion of the game was 12—6 in Ohaupo’s favour. The following are the final results of all l games played last Saturday:— Senior.— Te Awamutu 14, Otahuhu 3. Junior.— Ohaupo 12, Cambridge United 6. Kia Toa 8, St Patricks 6. Third Grade.— . Te Awamutu United 8, Ohaupo 3. College 43, St Patricks 0. Sixth Grade.— Gorst 15, Selwyn 3. Ohaupo won by default from Pirongia Rovers l . Third Grade Representatives The following third grade players have been selected to represent Te Awamutu against Tamaki:— Woolston, Clarke, Macken, Bennett, Marshall, Moisley, Goodger, Ackroyd. Semmens, Williamson, Newton, Kevin Karl, Cately, Hodgson, Kay, Hewitt, Heta, Mercep, Moffat.