WAINUI-A-RUA UNION

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 72, Issue 199, 22 August 1929, Page 4

WAINUI-A-RUA UNION

MAKIRIKIRI SHIELD FINAL PAMOANA WIN TROPHY TO COMPLETE BIG “DOUBLE’’ In mud and rain last Saturday the final for the Makirikiri Shield was played at Koriniti, Pamoana eventually defeating Wairua by three points (an unconverted try) to nil and thus winning the trophy in a thrilling final. Owing to the match being a final of the competition and also the last of the club fixtures to be played by the Wainui-a-rua Union, a large crowd attended, this being swelled by the members of the Ohotu and Morikau Clubs, whose fixture did not eventuate. Spectators expected a fast, interesting game and they were not disappointed. It was really a good exhibition of the code, as was remarked by many after the match, and was enjoyed by all in spite of the continuous rain. It was a sternly-contested struggle, writes the special up-river correspondent of the “Chronicle,” and the blues were fbrtunate to win, for both teams were very even and a draw would have more correctly indicated the respective merits of the teams. However, on the day’s play Pamoana doubtless deserved to win. Owing to the heavy ground and the slippery nature of the ball they adopted close formation, keeping the ball at toe, but when opportunity arose the rearguard started some movements which looked dangerous and had great penetrating power, the outcome of one of these being the try which mean the winning margin.

Pamoana Club’s Form Of the Pamoana backs, W. Te Ture at half-back was most outstanding. His handling was sure and his passes were quick and with good judgment. He is a player who has been showing most consistent form throughout the season and may be clased as the best halfback up-river football has seen. The threequarter line was sound, with B. Amorangi the most conspicuous. His handling and fielding were sure and his play showed a return of his last year’s form. The two wingers, J. Ngatoa and T. Paamu, were good. Their play gave great confidence to their team mates. B. Ngatoa was a bit doubtful on his play last Saturday. T. Park played an improved game at second five-eighths though he dropped a few passes during back-line movements. His tackling was certain. At first five-eighth R. Pokeha greatly improved on his play of the previous Saturday. His handling was sure. AU the forwards worked hard and no “loafers” were seen on Saturday, the most outstanding being R. Oxley and H. Firmin. They were great “leaders” and their play enthused force and life into the forwards. W. Ngatoa was a great grafter. Spencer, until he had to retire injured, played his best game of the season. Trickitt. who went on after Spencer came off, played a hard game. ,He scored the only try of the day. E. Tiako was good in the loose and his fast following up of the ball greatly muddled the opponents. R. Motu and P. Potaka were always in the thick of it. In reviewing the season’s play it may be said that this was the best and hardest game the forwards played. They packed very well indeed.

The Wairua Team Of the Wairua team, George Haitana was the best. His handling was always sure and his strong line kicks were a feature of his play. He is a great leader and he kept his team well in hand. He made many changes in the second half which improved the play of his team. Scotty, as first fiveeighth, played a good, solid game. K. Bell was not up to his usual class of play. He indulged in too much sidestepping which could not work on a heavy and slippery ground. W. Rerekura at wing threequarter was not too sure in handling but he was better on the day’s play than the other winger, Steve, who always kicked and would not run when opportunity offered. At fullback K, Tuiri was well below the class of play of that position. J. Huriwaka played a hard game behind the pack. The forwards were a hard lot with Tonihi the most dashing of them all. He is quite a young player and his style of play will make a dashing forward of him in the near future. Paurangi, the lock, used his weight to advantage and was a hard man to stop. The rest worked hard and all played well. Points Table , Following is the points record in the Makirikiri Shield competition:— Points

The Pamoana Club after last Saturday’s success has now won the double, taking the Saville Shield and the Makirikiri Shield.

MATCH AT NEW PLYMOUTH

SPECIAL TRAIN PROVIDED. Wanganui Rugby enthusiasts will be interested in two big matches on Saturday, these being against Taranaki, one to be played at New Plymouth and the other at Spriggens Park, Wanganui’s Rugby headquarters. In order to permit of those desirous of attending the New Plymouth match being able to make the return trip from Wanganui, the Railway Department has arranged to run a special train back to Wanganui in the evening, enabling those making the trip to attend the match and have dinner before catching the train on the return. The up train leaves Wanganui at 8.20 a.m. and will arrive at New Plymouth at 1 p.m., while the return train leaves New Plymouth at 6.40 p.m., and is scheduled to reach Wanganui at 11.4 p.m. In spite of the fact that the match at Spriggens Park is sure to attract the greater number, there will in all probability be a fair proportion who will make the trip to New Plymouth. heard in New Zealand of the progress of the game in Australia, but letters received from time to time are all to the same effect—that Association is gaining steadily, in standard of play and in public popularity.

P. W. L F. A. Pts Panioana . 3 3 0 20 3 6 Wairau .. . 3 2 1 21. 4 Ohotu .. . 2 0 2 3 23 0 Morikau 2 0 2 3 15 0