RANGITIKEI'S WIN

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 181, 5 August 1935, Page 5

RANGITIKEI'S WIN

DEFEAT OF TAIHAPE MATCH AT HUNTERVILLE . (Special Reporter.) A good pack of forwards and sound positional play by all units of the team were factors which contributed largely towards Rangitikei’s substantial defeat of Taihape in the reprepresentative game at Hunterville on Saturday. Rangitikei won by 35 to 3 after a fast, open game. There was surprisingly little rucking play, the ball being kept in the open practically all through the contest. Taihape’s forwards were not up to standard and gave their backs little opportunity of handling »he ball to advantage. Individual Taihape players distinguished themselves on several occasions, but their lack of combination, particularly in the scrums and passing movements, gave Rangitikei, with its almost precision-like advances, the upper hand early in the game. Taihape’s solitary converted try was made early in the first spell, Hekenui going over after a surprise rush from near half-way. Rangitikei soon evend matters, however, and at half-time were leading, 18-5. The first spell, when Rangitikei played on the upgrade, was more spectacular than the second. The Taihape pack played a better game In the earlier stages and on more than one occasion went dangerously close to scoring. Rangitikei’s strong threequarter line, consisting of Taiuru, P. Potaka and Waldin (captain) saved several tight situations. Waldin, particularly, was instrumental in itiating good openings for Rangitikei.

The greens were unfortunate in losing Waldin early in the game. He was compelled to retire owing to cramp and a re-arrangement was necessary in the five-ieghths and three-quarter line. Johnson, the Rangitikei half-back, was not available on Saturday and his place was taken by Nicol. This meant that Nicol, who is a five-eighth player, hau to play in a position which he was not accustomed to. When the changes were made Nicol was put back into the five-eighth line. The Teams For the remainder of the game, Rangitikei’s team was as follows: Stock; Taiuru. P. Potaka, W. Bush; Nicol (Ist), R. Potaka; A. Bush; Jolly; Walker, Dallas, James, Pye; Davies, Poppe, Shaw. Taihape (maroon). —Bradley: Barrell, Hekenui, <'oilier; W. Thompson (first), F. Thompson; Raukawa; Charles; Spooner, Murphy, Boon, Fleming; Clin to, Hencry, Grove.

The opening play was dull. Until Taihape made the first try there were no moves worthy of note. Following the Taihape try, however, Rangitikei began to make the pace. The two Potakas played a splendid game. 11

Taiuru was not up to form in the first spell, but after the change-over seome.j to recover his standuru with almost amazing rapidity. Taiuru’s try in the second half was a masterpiece of lightning play. Securing the ball near Taihape’s twenty-live, Taiuru, faced bj a strong opposition line, suddenly whipped back and instead of running the gauntlet cut round the back with a scissors-like movement, which completely baffled Taihape. Taiuru forte J between the posts to the delight of the crowd. Outstanding among the Taihape backs were Charles and Grove. In the maroon backs W. Thompson put up a sound defence, but was not given much opportunity. Taihape tackled well on several occasions and thou b n Rangitikei won the day they did not have things entirely their own way, particularly in the first spell. The final stages of the game were onesided, but at no time was the encounter uninteresting. Both backs and forwards handled the ball well, and Taihape, whenever they had an opportunity, aisc kept the game open. The play Following Taihape's try, Rangitikei pressed the game into maroon territory. Three passing rushes were averted by Taihape in quick succession, Bradley's kicking sending the ball wed out of touch over half-way. Waldin instituted a move which eventuated in Jody crossing the Taihape line after a quick passing rush. Potaka’s kick failed.—Taihape 5, Rangitikei 3.

Five minutes later Taiuru broke away and whipped the ball across to Bush, who scored in a handy position. Potaka’s kick was successful.—Rangitikei 8, Taihape 5 Midfield play’ followed with the the Rangitikei players again prominent. Waldin broke away and passed to Taiuru, who sent on to Poppe. A knock-on followed and a serum was ordered close to Taihape’s line. Rangitikei secured, but were forced out. Play again centred in mid-field until another forward rush was started. Nicol scored and Potaka converted. — Rangitikei 13, Taihape 5. Ten minutes later a surprise move was started by Rangitikei. Jolly secured near half-way and made a spectacular dash, which culminated in a beautiful try between the posts. Potaka again converted. —Rangitikei 18, Taihape 15. A little later Jody again secured the ball between half-way aid tie twentyfive line and made another successful dash. Potaka’s kick failed. —Rangitikei 21, Taihape 5. Rangitikei’s next try came from a good move during an attack, all the backs handling and 11. Taiuru scored. Jolly’s kick tai.cd.—Rangitikei 24, Taihape 5. Rangitikei’s remain scores were made up of two more unconverted tries, obtained by Taiuru and Jolly. The final score was Rangitikei 35, Taihape 5. Mr. R. Rivers was the referee.