RANGITIKEI RETAINS THE POWNALL RUGBY TROPHY

Wanganui Chronicle, 19 September 1946, Page 3

RANGITIKEI RETAINS THE POWNALL RUGBY TROPHY

(0.C.) Hunterville, Sept. 18. Rangitikei successfully defended the Povvnall Trophy to-day in a challenge match against Taihape played on the Hunterville Domain, defeating the Main Trunk side by 11 points to five after a fast, thrilling encounter. When the teams lined out Rangitikei looked to be a stone lighter all round in the forwards, with the backs fairly evenly weighted. However, what the local vanguard lacked in weight, they made up for in pace, and they were a match for their opponents. The Rangitikei backs, however, we e superior on the day and had the weather remained tine, would have given even a better exhibition. The ground was in excellent order, but showers throughout the game made the ball difficult to handle. It was Henry England’s day. Besides playing his usual outstanding game in the forwards he kicked two penalties and converted Rangitikei’s only try, scoring eight of the 11 points. The Rangitikei try was scored just on call of time, while Taihape’s try was scored when waiting for the ball to go out for half time. In the Rangitikei backs, the Hunter. ville combination, McDonald, Renshaw, Hammond and Illslon went 'well, with the two wingers doing all that was expected of them. S. Hartley was sound at full-back. England Adams and Kareama were the best of the forwards.

McCarthy, Mort land and Haipana were the pick of the Taihape backs, and Whiskey was the outstanding forward, with Oulsnam, Sievers and veteran Harry Henry always prominent. Taihape elected to play with the advantage of the slope, and within the first few minutes Rangitikei were in danger. McCarthy was nearly over, but knocked on; a minute later Hood had a chance with a penalty kick, but the ball went wide and Adams forced to ease the pressure. Rangitikei backs started to toss the ball about and Holloway went close to scoring on two occasions. Hartley missed with a penalty but a little later England made amends by kicking a beautiful goal Lom the side line.—Rangitikei 3, Taihape 0. For 20 minutes play hovered in midfield, with both sets of backs trying unsuccessfully to open up the game. Whiskey and Henry were prominent in the Taihape forwards, while England, Adams and F?een w ere clapping on the pace in Rangitikei backs. The Rangitikei 1 ? was in danger when McCarthy kicked high and followed up fast to get the ball again, only to be tackled a yard from the line The forwards pressed hard, but Hammond cleared well and soon the Rangitikei backs were in action again, the defence of the visitors being sorely tried. A heavy shower at this stage made the bail difficult to handle and, capitalising this, the Taihape vanguard broke away, led by Horton and Oulsnam. They pressed hard, and then Karaema miss kicked right on the line. McCarthy was quick to gather in and score wide out. Mortland's kick hit the upright and bounc. ed over. It was half-time and the score was Taihape 5, Rangitikei 3, The Rangitikei backs opened the second spell with a series of passing bouts which delighted the crowd. They had the advantage of the slope now and play remained in Taihape terri lory. Kareama was playing a grand game in the Rangitikei forwards and he led play close to the line and Taite was almost over at the corner. About 40 yards out, in front of the posts, Rangitikei were awarded a free kick and again England made no mistake. Rangitikei 6, Taihape 5. The turn of the score against them stung the Taihape forwards into action and bustling the Rangitikei backs into mistakes they made a determined assault, with Whiskey always prominent. England eased the pressure, bur Taihape backs came this lime with their best passing rush so fai. Renshaw saved nicely and when McCarthy came again with a good run Hartley tackled him soundly. McDonald sent the green backs away and Hood was caught in possession at the goal mouth. There was a tense minute or two, but Rihia cleared from a fiveyard scrum, and in a flash the visitors were on the attack and after that winning try. The Taihape supporters yelled to give it to Whiskey, but it was McCarthy who was almost across, a determined tackle by Iliston saving the side. Rangitikei eased the strain and shortly after England had his third chance at goal but this time unsuccessfully. Continuing the attack for Rangitikei Renshaw broke-away down the side line and passed infield to Green, who dashed in to score under the posts just on call of time. England converted and the game ended—Rangitikei 11, Taihape 5. The teams were:— Rangitikei: S. Hartley, E. Holloway, J. Illstfen, W. Taite, D. Hammond, A. Renshaw, I. McDonald, P. Adams, H. McLean, Edwards. England, P. Taiuru, Meyrmick, C. Kareama and T. Green. Taihape: Hood, Collerton, Moitland, McCarthy, Punch, Rihia, Beeryman, Sievers, Whiskey, H. Henry, T. Leary, Oulsnam, Weston and Horton. Mr. G. Harry was the referee.