WANGANUI-RANGITIKEI MATCH.

Wanganui Chronicle, 5 August 1901, Page 2

WANGANUI-RANGITIKEI MATCH.

This, the first "rep." match of the season, was played on the Rec. in -rather adverse circumstances, as the strong wind blowing rather spoilt the kicking. How-, ever, the game was well contested, and played in good spirit. Wanganui won the toss, and elected to play with the wind. Rangitikei kicked off, and play was settled down in Rangitikei 25, but a free kick relieved them, from which they got on a forward rush, which' was very well stopped by Furrie. Dick', by a good run, again Ln-vghu play into Rangitikei 26 and they had to force. By ii, couple of free kicks and a good forward vu«h, Rangitikei cavxied (ihe ball into Wang.iuui 25, and they compelled them to force. Wanganui forwards, after kick off, got on a, good rush, but were penalised. However, Dick again took the ball into Rangitikei territory, where Witnganui were awarded a f^ee kick, bat ihe attempt at goal way, unsuccessful. After kick off, Raugitikei, by a good rush; nearly scored, but Wangahui forwards centred play. Thursion then made a good run for Rangitikei, and was only grassed near the Wanganui line by Stedman. Moss started a dribbling rush, which carried play into Rangitikei 25, where Wnngamii were penalised. However, the latter got on a good passing rush, -which should have resulted in a score but for a bad pass. From a scrum, Bullock, by a dodgy run, scored, and thus drew first blood for Wanganui. The kick was unsuccessful. Wanganui 3, Rangitikei nil. The ball was carried from kickoff into Wanganui 25, by a good run by Rangitikei backs, but was cleverly stopped by Tregear, and soon afterwards Rangitikei were again hard j>ressed, but were relieved by a free kick. From the line-out a splendid passing run was begun, which ended in Stedman scoring, but it was not converted. Wanganui 6, Rangitikei nil. After a. little open play, Bullock again got the ball and scored between the posts, but no goal resulted, and the spell thus ended Wanganui 9, Rangitikei nil. When play was resumed, the ball was kept in Rangitikei 25, until their forwards got on a good rush and carried the ball into Wanganui territory, but it was soon again returned, where a mark was obtained for Rangitikei by Downes, and they were tJius greatly relieved, and kept Wanganui down in their 25. From a good passing run Downes nearly scored, but I Wanganui, however, cleared their line by | a free kick. Play was then centred, and thei-o was a great deal of open play. Socn afterwards Rangitikei got a free kick near half way, and Woon made a splendid attempt at the goal, but the ball just fell short. Wanganui returned the ball, and soon afterwards Stedman made a splendid ran and just missed scoring. Rangitikei sent the ball up the field, and Stedman again made a magnificent run right through, and scored between the posts. Tregear. by- a good kick,, converted it. Wanganui 14, Rangitikei nil. After tne kick off, Bullock secured the ball from line-out, and passed to Tregear/ who scored near touch. The kick was unsuccessful. Wanganui 17, Rangitikei nil. Rangitikei then made desperate attempts to score, but the Wanganui defence was too good. At last, however, from a line out, Rangiltikei got over the line and scored near touch. F. Haselden converted it by a splendid kick. Wanganui 17, Rangitikei 5. After kick off, Wanganui,forwards got on a rush, which ended in a score by Bell. ITregear failed with the kick. Wanganui 20, Rangitikei 5. Di rectly afterwards the whistle sounded "no side," thus leaving Wanganui victorious by 20 to 5. Wanganui showed great improvement on last Saturday's performance. For the local "reps." Dick was conspicuous on the wing-, and Bullock at half was very safe on defence, and got the ball out well. Stedman made some" excellent runs, but did not get as many chances as he mi"'ht have. For Rangitikei, Fraser at full was very safe, and Haselden played a good game at centre three-quarter. The collaring on tlho whole was veiy good. The .forwards on both sides worked hard. Mr. Tilley refereed to the satisfaction of both teams.