RANGITIKEI RUGBY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 109, 11 May 1931, Page 12

RANGITIKEI RUGBY

SENIOR SHIELD Bulls (14), Old Boys (14). Huutervillc (5), Haleombo (12). Rata 3), Athletic (5). Third Grade Hunterville forfeited to Old Buys. OLD BOYS (14) BULLS (14) j The second scries of matches in 'cho first round of tho Kangitikei Rugby Union’s competitions were continued on Saturday, the chief attraction being on Marton Bark, where Old Boys were opposed by Bulls. The game proved to be very interesting and the teams —as the scores showed —were evenly Snatched. Old Boys, after being 1.1 points down at one stage, made a splendid recovery and actually had a lead of three points a quarter of an hour before time. Good work by the home forwards was discounted by wretched handling and faulty passing by the Old Boys' inside backs. This fact, and six points which were given away through penalties, were contributing factors in tho home side not being able to force a win. BuJJs won the toss and Old Boys kicked off with, the wind against them. Tho home forwards quickly took play to Bulls territory, Dickson and Bush being prominent in a rush which was quelled by D. Cameron lining at tho twenty-five flag. Dickson and Duncan then figured prominently in another vanguard rush; a free kick being awarded Old Boys for off-side play. Waldin’s attempt however, flew wide. Bulls were quick to attack from the drop out and failure co go down to a forward rush spelt disaster for Old Buys. In ..n endeavour to clear several of the defenders were caught half-way off-side, and D. Cameron had no difficulty from goaling at close range. The blues set up a hot attack, which almost culminated in a score, Richmond being held up over the line. Dickson, Hamer and Diftiean were back again on tho offensive after Bulls had worked clear, and from a serum on the line McDonald se;|u his backs away, Richmond throwing away a certain try by hanging on with two supports. The handling of the Old Boys’ backs left a lot to be desired at this stage, and this fault allowed Bulls into blue territory. Dickson eventually cleared the home line and passed to Blakeaway, who was grassed by D. Duncan when he only hed the Bulls full-back to beat. Old Boys hammered away, Waldiu all but getting across. With dramacic suddenness Bulls changed defence into attack and bad handling allowed Gallagher to intercept and outpace Richmond for a try. Cameron could not goal from we 1 ! out. Bulls further increased their score when Ellery broke away from a line out in Old Boys twenty-five, and dribbled across for a try, which Cameron down Old Boys were by no means overconverted. Although eleven points whelmed and Waldiu was unlucky to lose possession when over the Bulls line. The blues were at last rewarded for their efforts when McDonald secured from a scrum on the left flank and passed to Richmond, who threw out a long pass to Blakeaway; the winger showing his pace to score in the corner. The distance was too great for the scorer to convert tho try. Holmes showed up in a fine run for tho visitors, Williams’ attempt to collar the nuggety Bulls player high not meeting with success. An attempt to “drop” a goal by Cameron fell short, Blakeaway lining at half-way. McDonald was again instrumental in Old Boys scoring their second try, making an opening for Dickson to cross for a good try. Waldiu missed at goal. The game continued to be interesting, halftime sounding with Bulls’ five point lead unaltered. Old Boys were compelled to force down early in the second spell, but they were the firts to score, Waldiu making a splendid run in his own territory to hand <u. to Blakeaway. The last-named showed surprising pace aud kicking over the Bulls lino was first to the ball. He failed in a dive for tho leather, but Richmond was close handy and scored. Blakeaway converted with a good kick. With the scores level both sides strove to gain the lead, Dd Cameron once marking opportunely as tho blue van bore down on him. Holmes was proving himself a deadly tackler on the wing for Bulls, and twice grassed Trotter well. A clearing kick by a Bulls back was fielded by Waldin, who ran into the ruck. McDonald snapped up, and catching the Bulls rearguard out of action raced over close to the posts. Dickson’s kick was disallowed. Waldin shone out in a fine solo dribble for Old Boys, but Williams nullified a chance of scoring by kicking too hard, Bulls forcing. Old Boys were having slightly tho better of the exchanges now, and concerted forward work saw the blues again in the visitors twentyfive, Blalccaway failing ot goal from a free-kick. Bulls took a hand in attack and Cameron turned to good account a free-kick awarded, ihe Bulls full-back sending the leather truly over tho crossbar from well out. Not to be outdone Old Boys set up a hot attacking movement, Walfiin, Dickson and Blakeaway combining well together, Cameron repulsing the attack with a long touch-finder. Play in the concluding stages was somewhat ragged, but neither team were able to increase their score. Mr H. Dashwood refereed.