FOOTBALL.

Waipawa Mail, Volume LXVIII, Issue 101, 20 May 1940, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

CENTRAL H.B. SUB UNION WAIPUKURAU AND OTANE . STILL LEADING. Rugby was played on Saturday under excellent weather conditions in Central Hawke’s Bay. Otane and Waipukurau maintained their unbeaten record, the former defeating Takapau and the latter registering a win over Porangahau, but in both instances the margin was small. Old Boys scored their first win of the season against Waipawa. The positions on the ladder at the conclusion of the first round are as under:— W. D. L. Pts. Otane 4 1 0 9 Waipukurau 4 1 0 9 Perangahau 3 0 2 6 Takapau 3 0 2* 6 Old Boys 1 0 4 2 Waipawa 0 0 5 0

SENIORS. By defeating Waipawa seniors on Coronation Park Old Boys registered their first win of the season, whilst AVaipawa have still to “break their duck.” Old Boys won by 11 points to nil, but the score hardly indicates the difference in the teams. AYaipawa were definitely on top in the forward division and repeatedly carried play from one end of the field to the other, but mishandling by the backs saw several promising movements break down at the critical stage. Waipawa fielded a full team and were able to lend Old Boys a man to fill up their ranks. The teams were as under:—

AYIN FOR OLD BOYS. WAIPAWA NOW AT THE ■ BOTTOM OF THE LADDER. Waipawa.—Wilson, Davis, Renner, A 7 ercoe, Paku, Ahuriri, B'assett, Wairau, AA 7 alker, Cossar, Marshall, Rasmussen, Leedham, Henderson, Edgar. Old Boys.—Wilson, Sullivan, Mason, Martin, Bennett, AVarren, Robinson, Mackie, Wilkinson, Jamieson, Cooper, Shellford, Dicker, Gair, Stewart. Referee.—Mr J. Cable. From the kick-off Old Boys carried play to the Waipawa line, and Bassett was called on to save. The home team retailiated by rushing down to Old Boys’ line and there were a few tense moments for the AA 7 hites until relief came from a fine kick whieh" found the line at midfield. Old Boys pressed but an infringement brought relief for the homesters, who carried play to AA 7 hites’ territory, where from a penalty Rasmussen had a shot at goal, hut it fell short. Waipawa forwards continued to harass their opponents, and Old Boys were compelled to force. From the kick-out Old Boys followed up smartly and were awarded a penalty. G. Wilson piloted the oval over the bar from a difficult angle. AVaipawa rallied from this reverse, and Rasmussen put in a great run, only to lose the ball when nearly over. Up and down play followed until half-tinU, with the score 3—o in Old Bbys’ favor. Waipawa had a distinct advantage of the play in the opening stages of the second spell, and on several occasions had their opponents busily defending. Eventually Old Boys became aggressive once more, and a nice passing bout was finalised by Stewart going over for a try, which he converted, making the score B—o. AA r aipawa made desperate efforts to retrieve the position, Davis and Rasmussen putting in some good work, but the steadiness of Old Boys’ backs prevented the Yellows from crossing the line, AYilson proving a tower of strength to the defenders. From a long kick Waipawa were in trouble,, and Old Eoys'were awarded a penalty kick near the line, hut the kick at goal failed to raise the flags. Shortly afterwards Old Boys’ backs found the Waipawa back line out of position, and AYilson put in a strong run to score at the corner. The kick failed to improve. 11—0. The final stages of the game were definitely in favor of Waipawa, but they were unable to penetrate the solid defence of their opponents, and the game ended!—* Old Boys 11 Waipawa 0

AYIN FOR OTANE. EXCITING GAME AT TAKAPAU. Otane defeated Takapau at Takapau by 19 points to 15. The home team were three men short in the opening l stages and before the ranks were filled Otane had put on eight points to Takapau’s three. The concluding stages of the game were spectacular, and Takapau made strenuous efforts to score the winning points. For Otane tries were registered by Burgess (2), Smith, Lansdowne, and Coj, Burgess converting two. Thomsen, Halford, and Halliday secured tries for Takapau, Halliday converting one, and also kicking a field goal. Referee.—Mr Smales.

AYIN FOR WAIPUKURAU. BY A MARGIN OF FIVE POINTS. Playing at Porongahau the unbeaten Waipukurau team registered a win over Porangahau by 17 points to 14. Referee. —Mr T. Spencer.

JUNIORS. AYaipawa juniors were badly beaten in their match against Waipukurau, the final score being—Waipukurau 38, AYaipawa five. Referee.—Mr E. Watson.

THIRD GRADE. AYaipawa's third grade team, playing Te Aute B on Coronation Park, put up a great fight, and the game was interesting right through. Te

Aute won by 15 points to 12. Referee.—Mr O. Page.