RUGBY FOOTBALL

Waipa Post, Volume XXIV, Issue 1640, 12 May 1925, Page 6

RUGBY FOOTBALL

LAST SATUBOTUY'S GAMES,

SENIOR.

The Waipa Rugby Union's championship matches were advanced a further stage on Saturday last. There was a good attendance of spectators at Albert Park, the fare provided including two Senior games—Pirongia v. Pukeatua, and Te Awamutu ✓. Rovers. The curtain raiser was a Third Grade match between Methodists and Puahue. Mr G. Melrose had charge of this game, and though he did not make too much use of the whistle he was kept busy most of the time—to keep up with the game, which was fast for the first half, after which it slowed down appreciably, as both teams were run to a standstill when the half-time whistle sounded. There was no score until the second spell, when Corboy raced over at the corner, scoring a try for Methodist. The score was gradually increased until at the final whistle Methodists' tally was 22, while Puahue had failed to score. "For the winners Martin scored three tries, and singles were registered by Brough, Codboy and Connolly, J. Coyne converting two. PIRONGIA (28) v. PUKEATUA (0). This game took place on No. 2 ground, and opened well, both teams making the pace a cracker. Pirongia did not settle down well and what Pukeatua lacked in knowledge of the finer points they amply made up for in dash. But they were not trained to the hour, and did not put up much resistance to the Pirongia onslaughts in the second half. In the first spell F. Beet, with a swervy run, beat three opponents, and when confronted with the certainty of being downed he transferred to McDonald., who ran right behind and scored an easy try. Ted Beet converted. Ten minutes later Mabbett scored near the corner, but Wilson failed to add the extra points. Up to this stage the game had been chiefly remarkable for the number of free kicks awarded against Pirongia for infringements. However, Pirongia were playing with better combination and as a direct result Mabbett scored his second try—a good one too. Butler failed with the kick. A minute or two later Erskine keatua) and Doug. Smith (Pirongia) were sent off the field for paying too much attention to each other instead of to the game. Mabbett's star must have been at its zenith on Saturday, for he continued his scoring sequence, getting four consecutive tries, the last one of which T. Beet converted. Fred Beet scored a try, followed soon afterwards by McDonald and Ted Beet. Thus the total was brought to 28. Mr Ces. Corboy refereed.

TE AWAMUTU (16) v. ROVERS (0). The meeting between the two local teams on No. 1 ground attracted much attention from the spectators, and although the game was keenly contested throughout there was nothing to enthuse over as regards the standard of play. Rovers opened the game by attacking and had easily the best of matters in the first quarter, Te Awamutu failing to work together. The second quarter was also mostly in favour of Rovers, but it was apparent that Te Awamutu were beginning to settle down to their game, and near half time had Rovers on the defensive. From loose play in Rovers' territory Kelly secured the J; ball and putting in a determined run scored near the posts. Winter failed with the kick. Shortly after the brightest piece of play in the match resulted in Winter scoring. From a scrum the ball passed through the hands of three Te Awamutu backs to Winter, who put in a tricky run which beat three opponents to score between the posts for Quin to convert. The third quarter was evenly contested, but no score was registered by either side. In the final quarter Te Awamutu held the upper hand and after several determined onslaughts on Rovers' line Kay dashed across and scored. Quin failed to convert. Near the call of time the Te Awamutu forwards made a determined attack on Rovers* line, but the .defence held them up for a time. From loose play Bayne secured and running straight scored an easy try behind the posts for Quin to add the extra points, making the score Te Awamutu 16, Rovers 0. Mr E. T. Grump refereed. » During the second half of the game Kelly (Te Awamutu) received a nasty bump on the chest and had to retire for the remainder of the game.

OTHER MATCHES. The High School team journeyed to Pirongia to play the Pirongia Thirds. The visitors proved just a little too good for the home boys and left the field winners by 8 points to 3.