KAIERAU BEAT PIRATES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 169, 21 July 1941, Page 7

KAIERAU BEAT PIRATES

VICTORY BY A SINGLE POINT BLACKS GREAT RALLY IN SECOND SPELL GOAL-KICKER WOULD HAVE WON THEM THE GAME Beaten in the scrummages, but holding their own in the line-outs, Pirates looked a well beaten team up to quarter way through the second spell, when, after a try by Pedley, the blacks seemed to be infused with a new lease of life. Without distracting from Kaierau's good play, it would not be exaggerating to say that if Pirates had possessed a goal-kicker of average ability they would have come out on lop. For Pirates Martin, Best. Clark, Rouxel and Pedley were outstanding, while Kaierau were well served by Ngatoa, Potaka, Whale, Firmin and Beiliss. The final score saw Kaierau snatch victory by a single point—lo points to 9. The teams were: —

Pirates (black).—Ahern; Maitland. Martin, Granville; Abbott, Best; Phillips; Clark; McDonald, Rouxel. Fhizacklea, Pedley, Northover, W. Green. J. Green. Kaierau (maroon).—Patterson; W. James, Ngatoa, Potaka; Allen, Dickie; Murray; Whale, Firmin, Beiliss, Brooks, Crombie, Lucy, Morgan. The game opened up sensationally, when D. Potaka, following up a long kick, beat Ahern for the ball, gathered in, and scored under the posts. Ngatoa converted. —Kaierau 5, Pirates 0.

Kaierau were out to make an open game of it, and worked their backs on every opportunity, but territorially Pirates were having the better of the game. During a melee on the Kaierau line the maroons were penalised for handling on the ground- If was an easy kick and Phizacklea made no mistake.—Pirates 3, Kaierau

The maroons took a hand at attacking, but this was short-lived, Phizacklea making a short run to find touch in Kaierau’s twenty-five. Kaierau forwards surged down field, Allen securing and sending Potaka away. The maroon winger made a good effort being collared at the corner flag by Ahern. Pirates forwards worked their way back 1o midfield, but Kaierau were dominating the scrums and the blacks were losing any advantage gained. The game fluctuated from twenty-five to twenty-five. Kaierau throwing the ball about, but the blacks were spoiling. A long kick towards the hlack goal saw three Pirate backs fail to gather in, and Firmin was set for a certain try, hut knocked on. A minute or so later the maroons were almost over again. Maitland forcing to save. Abbott was injured at this stage, be-

ing carried off on a stretcher. His place was taken by the veteran Pirate full-back, Len Head. A minute later Pirates suffered another loss when Phizacklea retired with an injury to an eye, and was replaced by K. Fowler. The black'., then took a turn at attacking, surging round the maroon goal in a desperate attempt to improve the score. Beiliss relieved with a long kick down midfield. Pirates were losing opportunities by waiting for the bounce, which continually put the maroons on attack. From mulling play James secured, sent on to Bellis, to Potaka, who finished off a good move by a run from the twenty-five to score. Ngatoa converted. —Kaierau 10, Pirates 3. Half-time came with play in midfield.

Kaierau opened up in a sharp burst to the black line, but Best cleared splendidly. A dangerous rush by the maroons was intercepted by Clark, who made a fine solo effort, but lacked support. Kaierau were back on the Pirate line again, but line-kicking brought relief. Martin was a tower of strength to the blacks, being instrumental in blocking numerous attacks and some certain tries. At this stage Kaierau were definitely the superior team.

Kaierau were taken by surprise when Clark intercepted, sent on to Martin, who evaded two attackers, sending on to Pedley, who scored under the posts. A ridiculously easy kick was missed. —Pirates 6, Kaierau 10.

The blacks appeared to be a tired team at this stage, but seemed to spark up after this reversal, and had the maroons hemmed on their line for a spell. Pedley again made a dash for the line, only to be forced out at the corner. Play then swung right down to the Pirate line, the maroons only being kept out by a gallant defence. Eventually Clark cleared with a nice line kick, and the blacks were once more on attack. In a flash Kaierau were back on the black line i again. The next minute Kaierau were, defending, and in a melee on the line . the maroons were penalised. Rouxel failed. Morgan retired with an injury to a knee, his place being filled I by T. Brooks. Kaierau now took a turn at attack, but good tackling by the blacks kept play at midfield.. Pirates started a dribbling rush from their own half, the forwards being headed by Rouxel. Pedley kicked over the line, and following up smartly, scored. The kick, was disallowed.] —Pirates 9, Kaierau 10.

Pirate forwards seemed to have secured a r.ew lease of life, and were on the attack with a vengeance. During a melee in the Pirate half. Whale was injured and taken off the field on a stretcher. The maroon forwards, led by Firmin, took play to the black twenty-five. Pirates were penalised, but Ngatoa could not goal. With two minutes to go the blacks could not get within striking distance of the maroon line, and the game ended with the score: Kaierau 10 Pirates 9 Mr. E. Wahlstrom was referee.