RUGBY NEWS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 142, 18 June 1931, Page 4

RUGBY NEWS

WAINUI-A-RUA UNION SAVILLE SHIELD MATCHES LAST SATURDAY S RESULTS (From “Chronicle” Correspondent) Last Saturday saw the end of the second round in the up-river Saville Shield competition in drizzling rain, quite unfavourable weather for good, open football. The results of the matches, which were not unexpected, again proved that the final round will be very interesting to follow. At Jerusalem Morikau defeated Ohotu by 6 points to while the Pamoana-Pipiriki match ended in a draw, 3 points each. The positions of the teams are as follows:—Pamoana 8, Ohotu 6, Morikau 6, Pipiriki 4. With one more round to play, it. is very hard to predict which team will be on top at the finish, but the winning team will be deserving of the victory. The teams are more evenly matched than in past years, and the games are willing and more keenly contested. Pamoana and Pipiriki The Pamoana-Pipiriki match was played in steady drizzling rain and that spoilt the game, which would otherwise have ben spectacular. There was a record • crowd of spectators and they left the field quite satisfied with the result and the sporting manner in which the game was played. The teams lined out as follows: Pamoana (blue). —R. Pirita, J. Murray, M. Pokiha, H. Matena, G. Thompson, M. Potaka, W. To Ture, T. Park, J. Tuka, C. Tonihi, R. Oxley, W. Nga toa, P. Ranginui, G. Tohi, J. Peeti. Pipiriki (black). —Tina, P. Rongonui, M. Ratana, Kona, Scotty, P. Wallace, Wharerangi, H. Rivers, A. Anderson, Tukatahi, J. Biehl, Paerangi, A. McLeod, S. Dicker, J. Cribb.

Pamoana kicked off and after an exchange of kicks R. Pirita found touch well in the blacks’ twenty-five. From the loose the blacks secured and started a back movement, Wharerangi, to Wallace, to Rataria, but the pass was fumbled. It was dangerous tactics within their own twenty-five, but they were quick to support each other and Rongonui took play to mid-field with a well-directed kick to touch. With the ball at toe Rivers broke through supported by Paerangi in a promising movement, but Murray saved with a timely mark. From the loose Oxley and Thompson were conspicuous in a dribbling rush into the blacks’ terri tory, but Lind returned play to halfway. From a set scrum tho blacks secured and Wharerangi again sent his backs off in a fast movement to Wallace, who cut in beautifully to swerve past two opponents. He then passed to Scotty, who beat his vis-a-vis. but his pass to Katana, with the winger on the outside practically unmarked, was an impossible one. Matena fielded to touch outside tho blues’ danger zuue. Again the blacks attacked with a combined movement, but Ranginui frustrated it and, with Oxley and Peeti, took play over half-way. From the loose, Te Ture secured and passed to Potaka, to Thompson, to Pokiha, to Matena, and then in-passed to Thompson, to Pokiha, to Te Ture, but the last-named was caught in possession. Thus ended a beautiful movement which otherwise might have ended successfully. The blacks were not to be denied, however, for immediately they took play the full length of the field, the blues forcing to save. Again the blacks attacked with more vigour and again the blues forced. The blacks kept up the attack but the blues, by steady directed kicks to touch, took play to Pipiriki’s twentylive. From a set scrum the blues hooked cleanly to Te Ture and, shooting round the blind side he swerved in strongly to score a deserved try. The kick at goal by Murray failed. —Pamoana 3; Pipiriki 0. Half-time sounded immediately after with play in mid-field.

(Ju resumption the blue backs opened out, Te Ture passing to Potaka, to Thompson, to Pokiha, who kicked through, Murray following, but an infringement stayed the movement. Rivers at this stage was a dangerous opponent to the blues. Both teams were settling down and play became more willing. From a line-out in the blues’ twenty-five Dicker secured and made a dash for the blue line, but was held up and Paerangi in support secured, but was in turn held up. The blacks were attacking strongly near the blues’ line, but the defence was safe. For an infringement Pipiriki had a shot at goal, but failed. The blacks kept up a hot attack, while the blues were fumbling badly, and for a blue man playing the ball on the ground Pipiriki was awarded another penalty in a handy position. Wallace took the kick, the ball hitting the bar and going over. —Pamoana 3, Pipiriki 3.

With the scores oven each side endeavoured to assume tho lead. Both sides were even. With Paerangi showing out in the line-outs the black forwards took play to Pamoana’s quarter, but Te Ture defended well, saving with one of his well-judged kicks into touch Ranginui and Oxley were conspicuous in the next blue movement, but Dicker, with the ball at toe, returned play to half-way. Pipiriki backs were showing well in a passing movement, but Scotty’s pass to Katana was an impossible one. From the loose Wharerangi secured and passed to Wallace, and with a kick through followed up fast and caught the blue custodian fumbling. Matena, who ran up in support, saved with a timely force. The blue forwards were showing up well now with Oxley and Ranginui always leading their rushes, but with a quick kick Lind found touch well up-field. Play was very even, both sides being: evenly matched. Kain was still falling at this period and the light was failing fast. With the heavy ground ami the slippery ball lack of condition was beginning to tell on both sides, and the game ended with the final scores.— Pamoana 3; Pipiriki 3. Mr T. Hodges was the referee. Morikau beats Ohotu Morikau met Ohotu al Jerusalem in a match for the Saville Shield and the former won by an unconverted try and a penalty to an unconverted try. The game was one of the fastest, and exciting that, has been played at Jerusalem this season. I p to the second half of the game neither side registered a score. There was some bright, play during the progress of the match. The rain during the morning made the ground heavy and the ball hard to

handle, and from the spectators’ point of view it was a fast, open, clean game. Tho teams took the field as follows: Ohotu (red). —B. Ngatoa, Smith, Poumua, Haaini, J. Ngatoa, Tamahena, Tai, P. Paneta, Scanlon, Stubbings, Spencer, Churton, Flower, G. Ngatoa, Dryden. Morikau (white and black). —R. Motu. Marino, Tumi, Rio, Nutall, Box, Wai lace, Tamakchu, Rangitauita, Turei, , Taiwhati, Nahona, Taputoro, Hill, Taitoko. Ohotu won the toss and elected to play with the wind behind them. Tama- . kehu kicked off for Stubbings to mark Wallace sent a well-judged line kick to midfield and after a hot piece of play Haaini secured to find play well , in Morikau territory. The reds were now attacking and had Morikau defending until Nntall saved with a line kick to half way. Dryden, Spencer and Scanlon were prominent in a forward rush, and Tumi secured, but his kick was very weak. Ohotu missed what looked like, a certain try, but Motu got there in time to force. Play was fast and exciting. Tamakehu secured and beat his man badly to transfer to J. Ngatoa, but the latter was well grassed by Box, the ball going out. From the line-out tho ball went, out to Box, to Nutall, the latter kicking to midfield, the ball travelling to Haaini on tho right wing. Haami’s kick for the line gained plenty of ground and play wa c in Morikau territory, the ball going out. Play was kept tight, but. the reds spoilt their chances by offside play. Tamakchu found the line at the half way flag. Tho game was fast, furious, and exciting, both sides trying to open up play, but the fast forwards on either sides were too quick to spoil a fast movement by the backs. From a lineout Dryden secured and transferred to Tai, to Tamahana, to Haaini, who lost possession of the leather on tho Morikau line. Motu was handy and forced. From a scrum Ohotu secured, and Tai set his backs in motion, good defensive play by Nutall saving the situation for Morikau. Nutall intercepted a pass and put in a nice long run before he kicked. Play was now in Ohotu territory, and from a hard forward tussle the ball wont out, with Ohotu defending. J. Hill broke away, but he was well grassed by Ngatoa. Haaini picked up in the nick of time to send play to half-way. Rangitauira, coming up fast, sent tho ball out. Rangitauira, Nahona and Turci wore prominent in a forward rush, but when a try appeared certain Ngatoa forced. Motu secured and kicked to Haami’s hands for the latter, wJio was playing a magnificent game for Ohotu, on the right wing, to And play in Morikau territory. Motu was handy and gathered up to find the line at half-way. Ohotu was penalised and Nahona kicked to find the whites attacking. Dryden was handy and found the line. From a scrum the ball went back to Wallace, to Box. to Nutall, to Rio, but. tho latter was well grassed by Smith. Morikau were penalised for an infringement. J. Ngatoa took the kick, but Box found the line. Morikau was again penalised, and Ngatoa took the kick to find play in midway. From a scrum Tapatoro broke away in a rush and carried play to the reds’ line. A try appeared certain for Morikau, but Tan Marino, who dived across, missed i the ball. He had seriously hurt his ankle and had to be helped off the field, Tingi going on to replace him. The whistle went almost immediately afterwards for half-time.

On the resumption Paneta kicked off for Ohotu. Taitoro kept tho ball at his toes and carried play to Ohotu territory and Motu found the line. The Ohotu pack secured and kicked ahead, but R. Motu returned play to the Ohotu side. C. Ngatoa "was caught offside and Tamakehu kicked a beautiful goal.—Morikau 3, Ohotu nil. A knock-on spoilt, a promising movement by the Morikau rearguard. From the scrum Wallace secured and passed to Box, to Nutall. to Rio, to Tingi, who found the line. Nutall knocked on and what appeared to be a sure try went west. A. Flower, for Ohotu, who was playing a fine game, was hurt, and play was held up for a considerable time. Flower had to be assisted from the field, Tapa going on to replace him. B. Ngatoa returned play to Morikau

territory, and Tingi claimed a mark. His kick was also marked by Stubbings, hut. the kick fell short. C. Ngatoa broke away in a promising rush, was supported by Dryden and Tapa, but a knock-on spoilt a good opportunity. Natona picked up to find tho line. Ohotu pressed hard and had Morikau defending until Rio secured and transferred to Box. who kicked in the nick of time to find the line. At. this stage the game was fast, hard, and willing and exciting. Tumi, speculating, made a feeble attempt to kick, but missed. Smith broke away and was tackled by Box. However. Dryden was handy to pick up and he dashed across to score a fine try. G. Ngatoa failed to add *he major points.—Morikau 3. Ohotu 3. On the resumption, from a line-out. Ohotu started another heady rush and Motu had to mark. His kick, however, did not. travel far and Haami, with a beautiful long line kick, sent play to Morikau territory. An infringement in the tight, saw Ohotu penalised and Tumi found play at midway. The ball went to Wallace, to Box. to Nutall, who cut in beautifully to bent, his vis-a-vis badly and transferred to Tumi, who drew his man. Tumi transferred to Tirgi, for the diminutive winger ro complete the movement, by outpacing Taami to score a well-deserved try. Tamakchu made a fine attempt at the kick, but. failed.—Morikau 6. Ohotu 3. Tapa broke away, but he was grassed. Taputoro was playing a fine game, breaking away in a promising rush, but lacked tho necessary support to enable him. to complete the movement. However, Dryden, Spencer and Scanlon broke clear, with Smith in support, but tho latter knocked on and a scrum wa? ordered. Morikau secured and Smith, at full speed, took his man without th*' ball. Tingi found play in the red’s territory, where Ngatoa found the line. Morikau were having the best of the game. Some sparkling Rugby was now witnessed, until Tapa relieved with a midfield kick. Haami, following up fast, dribbled through, taking play to tlm Morikau line, the ball going out. 'ftirei passed to Box. to Nutall. who broke away with tho hall al his foes. Ngatoa was forced to find the line with play in Ohotu territory. "Morikau wa? now on tho attack and a free for an infringement in tho tight saw Ngatoa • d plav to midway. The game was as exciting as over, and the spectators were encroaching on tho field. Tho ■'.aine had to be stopped tn clear the ground. From a line-out in Morikau territory T Wallace found the lino at midway, (■'lorn this point onward Oho-

tu looked a beaten team, but Tai, with neat play, put; them on the attack and Motu took a mark. His kick, how ever, did not gain much ground, and Ngatoa .found tho line. The whistle went almost imincdiately afterwards with the final scores: Morikau 6; Ohotu 3. Mr M. Hikito was the referee. Points About the Players , For Ohotu in the back division W. . Ngatoa played his usual safe game, his kicking and tackling being very noticeable. The best performance of tho day was unquestionably that of J. Haami, , who played a fine game on the right wing and was easily tho best back on tho field. Smith comes next. This ) winger did not get any chances, but ho played up to his best. Tai, at halfpack, played well. His handling of the ; ball was very accurate considering the '(state of the ground. In the forwards I Dryden, Ngatoa and Tapa were pro- I * ininent in some forward rushes. Scanlon played his best game to date. 1 Flower also played a solid game right I throughout, until he had to retire inI jured. ; For Morikau in the back division : Motu, at full-back was slow in getting , into his stride, but as soon as he settled down to it, he made a job of it. I From the spectators’ point of view he . handled well, and played a line game, i Tingi, who replaced Marino, was the i hero of the day. He scored a beauti- > ful try and is a nippy three-quarter. , Nutall and Rio both played fine foot- ' ball, and with a little more combina- * tion these two would be hard to beat. : Box played well at live-eighth. In the ; forwards Taputoro played an outstand- : mg game at the side. This player broke • away on several occasions, and was supported, and on the day’s play he • was tho best forward on the field. Rangitauira and Taiwhati are the ■ likely hookers for the North side, and honestly they “know their unions.’’ Nahona, Turei and Tamakehu played > line forward games.

MATCH FOR HATRICK CUP. On Saturday next tho "Wainui-a-rua Union will stage their annual representative match between teams from the North and South sections of the Union’s area. The Hatrick Cup will be the trophy at stake, being defended by the North team. The sole selector for the Wainui-a rua Union will bo watching the form of the players with a view to selecting a team to defend the Whenuaroa Shield against tho Rangitikei team. Word has been received that Mr. J. Crowley, in company with Dr. G. J. Adams, and Mr. J. B. Ross, will make a special trip upriver to attend the match. This announcement has aroused exceptional interest upriver, and the visitors are assured of a very warm welcome. Great jubilation will prevail if Mr. Crowley succeeds in finding some players of sufficient merit to attain representative honours. The game will bo played at Ranana and will commence immediately after the arrival of the upriver mail steamer. Players are requested to be in readiness to take the field at two o’clock. The following are the teams: — Northern Team. —Fullback, T. Wallace; threequarters, Tumi, Rio, Katana; live-eighths, P. Wallace, Nuttall; half, Box; forwards, Taputoro, Kooti, Rivers, Paerangi, Dicker, Taiwati, Rerekura; wing, Tamekchu. Reserves: Backs, Wharerangi, Marino; forwards, McLeod, Taitoko. Southern Team.—Fullback, B. Ngatoa; threequarters, Haami, Murray, J. Ngatoa; five-eighths, Thompson, Tameliana; half, W. Tcture; wing forward, Parkes; forwards, Scanlon, Tonihi, C. Ngatoa, Dryden, R. Oxley,- Ranginui, Flower. Reserves: Backs, Smith, Tai, M. Pokiha; forwards, Peeti, Churton. All reserves will be played during the game. TAIHAPE DEFEATED INTER-UNION MATCH AT MABTON [Special io “Chronicle.”] Taihape and Rangitikei representative.-. met at Marton Park under wintry conditions, a fair attendance witnessing tho encounter, which did not prove as interesting as when these teams last met. The first spell was productive of some bright football but light rain during the interval and for the greater part of tho second spell made the leather difficult to handle. Rangitikei won by 11 points (three tries, one of which was converted) to nil and thoroughly deserved their win. The Rangitikei side held an advant ago in the rearguard and held the powerful Taihape forwards well. Taihape were without Blake and C. Dorbidge, while Waldin was an absentee from the Rangitikei side. The teams lined out as under: —

Taihape (maroon). —D. Thompson; Hall, Smith, Hekenui; Graham, McLennan; Kingi; W. Thompson, Pine, Leahy, W. Sinclair, Henry, Keating, Kilkolly, D. Derbidge. Rangitikei (green).—D. Cameron; Blakeway, Gallagher, (Downs; Peina, Clapham; McDonald; G. Hartley, J. Potaka, Preston, Mclntyre, Walker, J. Taiuru, Gronn, Waters. The Play. Rangitikei lost the toss, and G. Hartley kicked off for the home representatives who, after an exchange of kicks, made a raid on Taihape territory, splendid play by the green forwards gaining a lot of ground. A scrum in fringement allowed Taihape to clear, Peina unsuccessfully claiming a mark. D. Thompson gained a big stretch of ground with a long touch-finder, and from the resultant line-out McDonald nearly got his side into trouble by sending out a bad pass, Gallagher stepping into the breach to clear nicely. Blakeway found a gap with a judicious left-foot hick and Downs carried on well into Taihape’s twenty-five, Hekenui finding touch hurriedly. After J. Potaka had made a poor attempt to goal from a penalty, Cameron put. in a tricky run before being soundly grass ed. Another free kick to Rangitikei saw Cameron go close with his shot, the leather passing just outside an upright. Taihape forced and worked to midfield where Kingi passed from a scrum ’o McLennan, the live-eighths fumbling, 'rhe play swung across to the opposite flank. 1). Thompson retrieving a pass from Clapham to Peina and, running strongly, the Taihape full-back drew tho defence and sent on a good transfer to Hall, Cameron, the green custodian, proving equal to the occasion. Again the Taihape rearguard swung into action, Hekenui side-stepping Downs prio- to falling to a tackle from behind. D. Derbidge was playing well in Moke Bellis’ old position, and following through fast, caught McDonald in possession when he mishandled. When [Taihape were next penalised Blakeway

was the third goal-kicker tried, but hi; kick lacked power.

Taiuru, J. Potaka, Waters and G. Hartley led a fine forward rush to the maroons’ twenty-five, D. Thompson eventually relieving with a punt to midfield. (Downs took the kick in his stride but fell to a grand tackle by D. Thompson who followed up fast. The Taihape hookers were penalised for lifting in the scrum, Blakeway’s attempt from well out hitting tho crossbar. Sinclair fielded the re-bound and kicked to Peina, who, in turn, crosskicked to Downs, the native winger causing amusement by shaking off sev-’ eral would-bo tacklers before handing on to McDonald. Tho green half-back handed on to Peina, whose pass through his legs to Gallagher went astray. Taihape swarmed down field en masse, Cameron going down to the rush to temporarily hold up the maroons. Keating, Sinclair, and D. Derbidge carried on but a knock-on stopped a certai try. Tho green vanguard, led by G. Hartley and Mclntyre, retaliated and set up a hot attack on the visitors’ line. Mclntyre all but crossed, tho referee ruling a five-yard scrum, from which G. Hartley and McDonald crossed the line together. Blakeway easily converted.—Rangitikei 5, Taihape 0. D. Derbidge made a splendid opening for a try just before half-time, but it was not taken advantage of. Second Half. There was little incident early in the second spell. Symons replaced Blakeway, who had to leave the field with an injured leg. The newcomer made his presence felt by bringing off two tackles in quick succession. Mclntyre was an absentee in the forwards, his position being filled by Waitcre. Hekenui showed up in a dribble which would have done credit to a forward and Blake side-stepped his way through half the green side. These being the outstanding incidents in ten minutes of drab football. D. (Derbidge led a good rush in midfield but was re-called for a knock-on. The maroons conceded a free shortly afterwards, but ID. Cameron could not find the uprights from well out. A speculator from Clapham landed awkwardly for tho Taihape defence but D. Thompson effected a splended clearance to Cameron, who showed his pace in running Downs into position. The Maori winger passed infield and Rangitikei were finally checked under Taihape’s goal mouth. Leahy transferred play to midfield with a strong kick, Peina taking the leather well but sending on a faultry transfer to Clapham. Taihape were penalised agr.in, Cameron making a fine attempt to goal. Rangitikei kept up the pressure and McLennan war- called on tu save in the face of a hot rush. He short-punted, but Waiters was at hand and dribbled until the bounce favoured him, a short dash and a good crisp pass to J. Potaka saw the Taihape de fence in ribbons, Potaka crossing near the corner flag. G. Hartley could not adde the points.—Rangitikei 8, Taihape

Stung to activity, the maroons fore ed Rangitikei back but the greens were soon in enemy territory again. Waters forced D. Thompson to kick into touch-in-goal, and Taihape had many anxious moments before temporarily clearing. Rangitikei were to add further to their score, failure by a Taihape back to take r high kick allowing Downs to dash over well out. Cameron had a fruitless shot at goaling.—Rangitikei 11, Taihape 0. The home representatives were going great guns now and J. Potaka all but crossed for his second try. Taihape rallied in the dying stages, compelling Rangitikei to force down, but they were unable to score. Rev. P. H. Leonard refereed. MOASCAR CUP MATCH DRAWN GAME AT PALMERSTON { Ter Press Association. I PALMERSTON N., June 17. In the Moascar Cup match Te Ante and Palmerston North High School drew, 8 points all. The match was played under extremely cold conditions with a heavy cross wind. The score is a true indication of the merits of the teams, who were prevent ed from giving a spectacular display by the high wind.