TAIHAPE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 77, Issue 107, 8 May 1934, Page 10

TAIHAPE

RUGBY FOOTBALL The first round of the senior competition was concluded on Saturday when. Huia defeated Pirates, while Utiku unexpectedly accounted for Hautapu by 3 points to nil, and incidentally scored their first victory of the season. Both matches were played under inclement climatic conditions. Huia 8 Defeat Pirates 3 This match was the chief attraction and was therefore played on No. 1 ground. Pirates scored a penalty goal in the first few minutes of the game and practically dominated the play during the early stages of the match and looked like easy winners, but Chase scored towards the end of the first spell and Bennett converted for Huia to lead by 5 points to 3 at the interval. The second spell was decidedly m favour of Huia who gained the ball from the majority of set scrums, just as Pirates had done in the first half. Collier and N. Powell, former members of the Old Boys’ Club, turned out for Pirates, but Collier, who filled the position of centre, failed to reveal his true form and was somewhat disappointing, his handling in particular being very weak. Summed up it can be said that Huia deserved their win. The fact that they scored two trios, to a penalty goal registered by Pirates, must not be lost sight of. I l r* ates, however, played so well in the early stages of the game that they will doubtless be heard of again, and have the makings of a strong combination. Soon after the game started Huia were penalised for offside play, Collier landed a penalty goal. Pirates 3, Huia 0. Encouraged by this success. Pirates < immediately set up a strong attack . which, however, was nullified through F. Woodhead knocking-on. Pirates came again, but E. Brogden was held up and threw into touch. The red and black forwards gradually forced Pirates back and subsequently rushed Bradley, the Pirates custodian, as he endeavoured to field a high ball. The Pirates full-back massed the ball but saved the situation by speculating into touch as the Huia forwards, led by Hunter and M. Murphy, were almost upon him. Soon afterwards Huia were awarded a free kick and Pine made a good but unsuccessful attempt to land a penalty goal from a long way off. Steedman threw Hekenui a long pass and the last-named transferred Io Hurst, who ran into George and Munro and was grassed. Play was now very fast and both teams were kept moving at high speed. Chase cross-kicked bur. Brogden secured only to be caught in possession and Hurst kicked into ■ touch in Huia’s twenty-five. Pirates made repeated attacks on the red and black line, but faulty handling spoilt some promising movements. Collier, who was playing centre, gave Warren (winger) a shocking pass on one occasion. A line-out took place right on the Huia line, but Whai Pine gained possession and cleared. Chase provided a thrill when he kicked through a gap, and followed up fast to kick over the line and win the race for the ball and score'. T. Bennett converted. Huia 5, Pirates 3. Half-time sounded with Huia still two points in the lead. Paul Bennett replaced Abbott after the interval and T. Bennett, who had been playing in the pack, dropped back to fill the position of full-back previously occupied by Abbott. Chase was in the limelight again when he found a gap in the defence and dashed through and then attempted to “pot” a goal, but the ball hit the cross-bar and bounced back into the field of play. Huia began to secure the ball from the scrum with great regularity and their backs were often seen in action, but they just lacked that little finishing touch that makes all the difference in Rugby football. F. Woodhead caused a stir when he intercepted a pass and punted high, but Toby Bennett was equal to tne occasion and fielded the ball neatly and found touch near half-way. Huia adopted aggressive tactics and Pine kicked across to Steedman who tried to take the ball in his stride and knocked-on. Pirates set uj> a counter attack, but

Collier dropped his pass. Huia cam® again, C. Ben\?tt, Hekenui, Chase and Steedman handling in turn for the last-named to score. T. Bennett failed to convert. Huia 8, Pirates 3. Hurst intercepted a pass and broke through and kicked, but failed to regain possession. The next thrill bar provided by Kilkolly, who was responsible for a fine solo dribbling effort. Pirates pressed hard and Collier had a shot at goal when Huia were penalised, but missed with the kick. George was responsible for some good individual play throughout the match which ended with the scores unchanged. Huia 8, Pirates U Mr J. Graham was referee. Utiku 3 beat Hautapu 0. Contrary to expectations, Utiku defeated Hautapu by 3 points to nil after a hard-fought and keenly-con-tested game, which was inclined to become rather too willing at times. Two Hautapu players were ordered off by the refere (Mr C. H. Transom). Utiku’s three points came from a try scored by L. Mercer in the first spell Junior Football. Junior matches resulted as follows: Hautapu 6, Utiku 5. Pirates 8, Hiwera 6