WANGANUI v. RANGITIKEI.

Wanganui Chronicle, 12 August 1901, Page 2

WANGANUI v. RANGITIKEI.

The Wanganui representatives journeyed to Marton on Saturday afternoon and played the Rangitikei team on its own ground. Mr H. Tilley had charge of the whistle, and there was a large attendance to witness the match, despite the wintry weather. - The game' was well contested, the Rangitikei men' giving the Wanganuites a close go, as may be gathered from the score, which ended in favour of Wanganui by six points (2 tries) to nil. Rangitikei, won the toss, and Bell kicked off for Wanganui from the Southern end, ,the ball being- returned to touch. From the throw-out McLean got the ball and started a fine dribble from the centre of the field, and with the ball still at his toe carried it into Rangitikei's 25's, when Baker relieved for Rangitikei by a fine kick out of touch." Wanganui was awarded a free kick, which Furrie kicked into touch near the Rangitikei goal line, and from the line-out the Wanganui forwards got the ball and Baker averted a score by a smart kick into touch. Wanganui were awarded a free kick for offside play, which Thurstpn returned to touch. From the throw-out the Rangi-. tikei forwards got on a fine dribbling rush, but Stedman relieved, and the Rangitikei full-back mulling the ball enabled McLean to draw first blood for Wanganui. The. kick at goal was taken •by Furrie, and proved futile. Wanganui 3, Rangitikei 0. After the kick-out the Rangitikei forwards carried the ball into Wangaaui's 25, where a series of scrums took place. At this stage the Rangitikei forwards continued to press, but a well-timed mark put Wanganui out of difficulty. Wanganui got possession of the ball near the Rangitikei goal line, and it looked as if a score would be made, but a free kick to Rangitikei put their side out of danger. Soon after Wanganui also got a free kick. Shortly after Guscott marked, and punted the ball well within, the Rangitikei 25, but it was returned by a good kick into touch by Foster. A mark by Roache was returned by Bullock, and Roache again getting possession of the ball, made a dodgy run into Wanganui's 25, where,' after a good passing rash by several of the Ran : -gitikei backs, Haselden almost got over. A free kick to Wanganui relieved the position, which went out of touch. After the throw-out Thurston got the ball and returned it to touch. A series of scrums then took place at this stage, after which Harper marked in front of the goal line, and, kicknig well, followed up and secured the ball again. Wanganui was awarded a free kick, from which an unsuccessful attempt at goal was made by Robinson. By good following up Rangitikei sent the ball into the centre of the field, but Furrie put it out of touch. A good- rush by the Wanganui forwards carried the ball over the Rangitikei line, which ended in Collins scoring. Bell took the kick, but did not further increase the score. After this reverse Rangitikei woke up, and.the forwards carried the ball into Wanganui 25, where Thurston secured and made a good run but was grassed by Stedman-. Rangitikei continued to press, and soon after a free kick fell to their lot, which Haselden took but failed with the kick at. goal. Half time was called soon ■ after, with the ball in Wanganui. 25. Wanganui 6, Rangitikei nil. " . On resuming Rangitikei kicked the ball into touch. On the throw-out Roache got possession of the ball, and by a Short dodgy run got into the visitors' 25, where a scrum took place near the goal line, and Wanganui secured and kicked intol touch.' Harper and Morgan by dodgy .runs carried the ball to the Wanganui goal line, where Guscott relieved his side by kicking well up the field, and put Rangitikei on the defensive, but as the result of a free kick for off-side play on the part- of Wanganui. play was taken to the centre of ; the field. Baker got >away in fine. style to Wanganui 25, but in passing he threw it forward. From the scrum a good passing rush by Rangitikei was spoilt by Haselden mulling. 'Play-was centred-again; and Thurston made a good run into Wanganui 25, where a scrum took place. From the , serum Baker got the ball, but ran out. Rangitikei still continued to press. Baker | by a good dribble brought the ball into the Wanganui teiritpiy, and the-visitors, who were now acting strictly on the defensive, and grafting all they knew to keep Rangitikei from .scoring, were finally forced. After the kick-out play was centred. Rangitikei still continued to play hard, and getting some fine dribbling rushes, had hard luck in not scoring several times. There was a tendency, when near the opponents goal line, to kick too hard. However, they, compelled Wanganui to' act on the defensive during a greater part of the second spell. No side was called, and the game ended Wanganui 6, Rangitikei 0. For the winners Tregear, Robinson and Bullock, and R. McLean, Collins, Guscott, Malone and Murray played best. For Rangitikei the whole team played well, with the exception of the full-back. Mr Tilley's decisions did not find favour, with a section of the spectators, who vented their spite in hoots alid groans. The disaffected ones consisted, apparently, of the lioodluin class. The referee's decisions gave entire satisfaction to both sides. The ground was in a very bad state indeed, and fast play was impossible owing to the players being unable to keep on their feet.