RATANA JUNIOR CUP

Taranaki Daily News, 18 July 1929, Page 14

RATANA JUNIOR CUP

WAIMATE RETAINS TROPHY

RUGBY GAME KEENLY CONTESTED

FINAL SCORE ELEVEN TO THREE,

The Ratana junior Rugby cup for Maoris was retained at Manaia yesterday by Waimate, who defeated Taihape by 11 points to 3 after a close,- even game.

Waimate opened the game well, Pire and Parata nearly getting away. Taihapc were saved by a tree kick, and they responded with a push into Waimate’s corner. After some work, in the pack Taihape backs attempted passing, but the greasy • ground restricted this class of performance. Waimate worked to Taihape’s twenty-five, but the backs failed owing to- the slippery ground. A breakaway with ball at foot was made by Waimate, Hikaka and S. Rei. taking a prominent part, and a race ensued for the ball, which went over the deadball line. Further scrambling Took place on Taihape’s line, Waimate just failing to get across. T. Rei followed up with a smart dash but missed his footing at the posts. Clever back work advanced Taihape upfield. Waimate recovered quickly and after good combined play by the backs S. Rei was afforded an opportunity which resulted in a score. Ruru Sam failed to add the points.

Awarded a free kick, Taihape registered a penalty goal Hekanui putting the ball over. 5

W. Edwards attempted a penalty kick for Waimate, but missed. Taihape worked into a good position and later compelled Waimate to force twice just before half-time.

Resuming the game with the scores even, the visitors had the su n behind them and shaped aggressively, Waimate combating their efforts successfully. Taihape then advanced with a great rush down the field, but Waimate held their own and worked their way back to Taihape’s corner. Taihape backs made a spectacular attempt to score, their effort being stemmed just at the corner. Waimate drove play back to their opponents’ line and compelled a force. Ruru Sam carried play right to the corner, where Taihape were hard pressed. After a scramble on the line W. Edwards scored and S. Rei converted with a, good kick.

Taihape backs made a good attempt to open, the game but they were smothered, Waimate’s collaring being sound. The backs of both sides livened,' the play being very attractive to spectators for some minutes. Waimate were worried in their corner, the visitors making the pace fast until Wineera shot the ball right up the field, others following up well and nearly scoring. Once again Waimate became dangerous, but the visitors’ full-baek was too sound. Awarded a penalty 8. Rei attempted & goal and put the ball over for Waimati just on time. The final scores were:— Waimate 11 Taihape 3 Mr. H. K. McNae refereed.