TAIHAPE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 105, 5 May 1937, Page 9

TAIHAPE

RUGBY FOOTBALL The match between Utiku and Huia which was played on No. 1 | ground on Saturday resulted in a win for the greens by 18 points to 8, but the game was much more even than the scores indicate. It. was only In the closing stages, with the score 18—8, that Utiku asserted their superiority with two converted tries that placed the issue beyond doubt. Play was for the most part fast and open and provided the spectators with plenty of thrills. The supporters of the Maori team became wildly excited at times and cheered the Hula stalwarts on in characteristic native fashion. The game was well, worth going a long way to see and clearly indicated that the standard of football in Taihane is on the up grade. The following were the teams: — Utiku (green).—Corcoran. Pot aka. Barrell, L. Johansen. J. Marshall, R. Gabolinscy, Chisnail, J. Henery. Algar, Gabolinscy, A. Clinton. McMahon, H. Henery, C. Dickson, N. Barrell. Huia (red and black).—Stevens, Wereta, R, Chase. Hekenui, Kotua, T. Chase, Payne, Thompson, Walker, Takerei. Wehe, Murchie, Spooner, King. McCarthy. Utiku kicked off and the forwards took charge for the first few minutes but Stevens, the Huia custcdian. was safe in that position and found the line with a fair degree of accuracy. The Huia backs were seen in action early in the game, R. Chase and Kotua (a Hawke’s Bav player) being associated in some bright passing bouts. The first score came when Utiku were penalised between the 25 and half-way. T. Chase raised the flags with a fine kick.—Huia 3, Utiku 0.

End-to-end play followed with bright passing bouts on both sides. McMahon was aggressive in a forward rush and h»d the greens to the 25, where Huia infringed. Johansen goaled, the ball swerving just inside the posts.—Huia 3, Utiku 3.

Early in the second spell the greens were hammerlrg at the Huia goal line and a score seemed inevitable. Following a series of set scrums right up against the goal posts D. Barrell tried to pot a goal but missed. Later Rangi Chase elso had two attempts but was unsuccessful. Stevens fielded nicely when the Utiku front rankers swept downfield with the ball at their toes, but he was caught in possession. Not to be outdone he got his kick in but the ball went the wrong way. Dickson ran up and collected it and scored a try. L. Johansen converted. —Utiku 8, Huia 3.

The red forwards opened up the game nicely for the backs, who took full advantage of the situation. Spooner passed to R. Chase, who swerved through the defence to score a great try in the corner. T. Chase converted.—Utiku 8, Huia 8.

A concerted rush by the green forward was too much for the reds, who were now feeling the strain, and Dickson scored again. 1,. Johansen converted.—Utiku 13 Huia 8. A last-minute try put Utiku a further five points in the lead when Marshall picked up from the loose and passed to Barrell, to Gabolinscy, who scored a great try. Johansen, who had his kicking boots on, converted without anv difficulty. making the final score.—Utiku 18, Huia 8. Mr. C. H. Transom was referee.