NGATIRUANUI SUCCESSFUL

Taranaki Daily News, 18 July 1930, Page 13

NGATIRUANUI SUCCESSFUL

ATIAWA LOSES TROY CUP SOLID FOOTBALL AT WAITAKA; MAORI STALWARTS IN ACTION. Tilt* second challenge match of the season for the Troy Cup (for competition between Maori tribal teams from Pukearuhe io Waitotara) was played at Waitara yesterday. Atiawa. the holders, had successfully sustained one challenge this season, beating Waimatc. 'This time, however, the Waitara team was defeated by Ngatiruanui, from the Okaiawa and Tlawera districts, by three points (a try) to nil. Honours rested with the visiting forwards, among whom were the redoubtable Katene (Ike), Rangi Rurn and R. Williams. The experience of these three proved , too much for the younger Atiavva pack. Nevertheless Atiawa was not. disheartened, and battled manfully. The Star back of the day was R. Watson, the captain of the Atiawa team. The Atiawa inside backs did not impress, as they starved a three-quarter line of great possibilities. Campbell, a schoolboy, who was half for .Ngatiruanui, played a good game, making the most of plenty of opportunities. The other backs were a dependable lot. Tuki, the Athletic full-back, was - safe. The game was kept quiet owing to an indulgence in line-kicking, but sparkled forth promisingly at times. Ngatiruanui would have been unlucky if Atiawa had forced a draw, as the visiting forwards were the superior force. During the match, Poi, the Ruanui centre threequarter, and Skelton collided with a crack that was heard all over the ground, Poi was removed from the field with a fractured leg. The game commenced nearly half an hour late owing to the referee’s delayed arrival. A clearing kick by White rebounded from a Ngatiruanui forward, and Atiawa defended. Slow’ passing, ended a Ruanui back movement. Watson relieved for Atiawa with a long kick. Ruanui’a young half, Campbell, was conspicuous with a good mark. Poor passing spoilt chances for Atiawa. Watson broke 'away and swerved to the corner from half-way. Poi retired, Pokai replacing him. Skipper drop-kicked, but the ball did not rise. The quick-moving. Ruanui forwards were breaking up the Atiawa back line. Ruanui hammered its way to the Atiawa line, Williams breaking away in the loose. Back movements were rare, both packs playing a spoiling game. T. Tito caught the Ruanui full-back in possession and nearly scored. McDonald was almost through, but a penalty relieved the pressure. Atiawa backs and forwards opened out with a passing movement, which ended in Rua-' nui gaining a penalty. Pei found Atiawa out of position with a kick. Ike fed his backs, causing Atiawa to defend grimly. Much energetic midfield scrambling pushed Ruanui to its own territory, where half-time came with no score. When play resumed Skipper and White exchanged first five-eighths and fullback positions in the Atiawa team. Dixon broke away from half-way and passed out when Skipper tackled poorly. Dixon came on the outside again and snapped up the ball to score well out. The try was not converted. Linekicking kept the pace down with Ruanui in the advantage. The Ruanui fullback waited for a bounce and Thomas knocked on when he had a great opportunity. Atiawa backs thrust rapidly on both sides, Watson combining well with Thomas and McLeod. Atiawa repeated the movement, but Ike and Rurti were waiting. Skelton’s passing did not give Watson many opportunities. Martin broke through and kicked headily. Watson was obstructed in a goed position. Atiawa stood and watched while Ruanui went through. McLeod successfully stopped a Ruasiui mrward rush, but the whistle had sounded some time before. The Ruanui forwards had a tendency to wait off-side near the scrum. Skelton sent a shocking pass to Watson. Ike broke away, but was caught the toe. The Ruanui forwards swept down to the line, where only the combined resistance of the Atiawa forwards kept Ike out. From a force Watson drop-kicked to Ruanui’s twenty-five.. With only a few minutes left Atiawa was trying hard, Ruanui being content to find touch. The Atiawa forwards rallied, and off-side tactics by Ruanui enabled Watson to line well up from the free kick. Watson was receiving little support from the Atiawa backs. Ike took a free kick from half-way. The kick fell short and Watson' sped upfield. The defence was too good and Ruanui was back once again at the end of the game. Ngatiruanui 8 Atiawa 0 Mr. O’Sullivan refereed.