REP. RUGBY.

Wairarapa Age, 31 July 1936, Page 6

REP. RUGBY.

HAWKE’S BAY DEFEAT WAIKATO HASTINGS, July 30. In a representative Rugby match, played to-day in wretched weather conditions, Hawke’s Bay defeated the touring Waikato side by 26 points to 11. In the first spell Bay had the advantage of a stiff wind but for all that they did not hold a big territorial advantage, the tourists proving themselves adept at turning defence into attack by means of enterprising back play and excellent work in the lineouts, where they were superior to the Bay forwards. At the interval Hawke’s Bay led by 12 points to 3, though after the change over they had this lead somewhat reduced. They more than retrieved the position later in the game, when play generally became brighter and more open. The home forwards were definitely on top in the second spell and the backs, too, showed an improvement, though in this direction the Waikato backs were better as a combination than earlier in the game. Contrary to expectations the tourists had gji equal share of the ball and the fact that they did not score more points was due to their slow passing, which allowed the very mobile Bay forwards to indulge in effective spoiling tactics. A bad fault with Waikato was a tendency to get offside. On this account alone Bay reaped a harvest of points.—(P.A.)