PRIMARY SCHOOL RUGBY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 88, Issue 202, 24 August 1944, Page 6

PRIMARY SCHOOL RUGBY

QUADRANGULAR TOURNEY WANGANUI, TARANAKI, OR MANAWATU CAN WIN The standard of Rugby in the primary schools’ quadrangular’ tournament, which is being played in Wanganui this week, was well maintained yesterday. In the first game Wanganui beat Rangitikei comfortably by 16 points to 6. With Manawatu repeatedly attacking in the last 10 minutes. Taranaki were fortunate to win by 6 points to 3. Fine weather prevailed and a good attendance was recorded at Spriggens Park. The final matches of the tournament will be played to-day. With one win and one draw, Taranaki lead with 3 points. Then follow Wanganui 2, Manawatu 2 and Rangitikei 1. Wanganui plays Taranaki to-day, but Manawatu, Taranaki and Wanganui all have a chance of winning the championship. WANGANUI v. RANGITIKEI After putting up stout opposition in the first half against Wanganui, Rangitikei wilted in the second session in the face of persistent and determined attacks. Howard, a new full-back in the Wanganui team, revealed good goal kicking, and the rearrangements in the home backs made a big difference in successful handling of the ball. Wanganui enjoyed a territorial advantage in the opening stages, and Hogg was almost over after a fine effort. Lack of speed in one attack prevented Wanganui from crossing the Rangitikei line. The visitors were penalised near their goal posts . and Caird goaled for Wanganui. Rangitikei hit back, with their forwards sweeping through in a rush. Kane scored wide out—3-all. Rangitikei were now going well and more than holding Wanganui, but the defence of the home side was sound. Just before half-time, Aitken made a fine opening and Stevens scored to give Wanganui the lead, 6-3. Wanganui forwards attacked solidity and forced Rangitikei into errors. The backs tnoved to the ball fast, and Stevens scored again for Wanganui. Caird converted and the score against Rangitikei was 11 to 3. Then Hogg made an opening, sending Aitken away. Aitken ran hard for the corner flag, and, when challenged, Stevens came infield and took a fine pass to score. Caird converted. Before time Reid scored for Rangitikei, and the game ended: Wanganui 16, Rangitikei 6. Mr, R. Walton was referee. MANAWATU v. TARANAKI

Staving off a strong challenge by Manawatu in the closing stages, Taranaki managed to beat their opponents by 6 points to 3. Taranaki opened on a strong note, with the backs and forwards bustling Manawatu, but the inside backs of the defending team, particularly White and Robinson, were making ho errors in tackling. Manawatu later had a kick at goal, but the ball hit a post and bounced infield, which was a letoff for Taranaki. Playing a great game in the Taranaki backs was Novak, a brother of the Taranaki representative, and he worked a line move which enabled Simpson to score.

In the second half Simpson scored again for Taranaki, making the score 6 to nil in favour of Taranaki.

In a sweeping forward rush Manawatu opened un a gap and White made an opening to send Robinson across the Taranaki line. In the closing stages it was all Manawatu, but Taranaki defended desperately and successfully to full time to win Mr. W. Molar, was referee.