RANGITIKEI AVENGE DEFEAT BY TAIHAPE

Wanganui Chronicle, 17 July 1947, Page 6

RANGITIKEI AVENGE DEFEAT BY TAIHAPE

Avenging its defeat at the hands of Taihape earlier in the season, the Rangitikei senior representative team defeated the Main Trunk side at Hunterville to-day by 9 points to 5. From a spectator's point of view the game was disappointing and neither side produced the form which they displayed last Saturday against th e representative team from Wanganui. The teams were not at full strength and both sides had to call on more than their reserves before they took the field. This factor probably accounted for the lack of sting in the play. In the first spell Rangitikei played up-hill against the sun and had a definite advantage. They led 9-5 at half-time and looked the best of good things, but in the second session the Taihape forwards always had the edge on their opponents, and although th e Rangitikei backs piayed fairly well there was no further score. In the scrums Rangitikei had the advantage, but Taihape had the better of the line-outs. Jackson played a fine defensive game, but he was not so aggressive as against Wanganui and his passes frem the base of the scrum were not so sure. McDonald played well on the whole, but was certainly not at home as a first liveeighth. Cross at second, although normally a forward, acquitted himself well. Potaka, who produced his best game of th, season last Saturday was again impressive, while at full-back Nicholson played a fair game. .In the forwards, Green, Shannon. Fittler and Edwards impressed most. Berrett and Wheeler were the best of the Taihape backs, with Derbage in good form as full-back. The side definitely missed “Dixie'' McCarthy. Oulsnam, Gregory and Goldsbury were th P pick of the forwards, who were without the services of the Wanganui representative Whisky. Rangitikei were th e earlier attackers, and within five minutes Nicholson goaled from a free kick to give Rangitikei a three-point lead. Gregory failed to equalise from a kick in midfield, but later Taihape got thenreward. Rehia secured from a scrum near the line and passed on the blind side to Pearce who scored. Gregory converted with a great kick. Rangitikei were aggressive tor a time and first Cross and then Barton narrowly missed with attempts at field goals.

Taihap e were attacking and Gregory missed another goal. Then came the best try of the match. Jackson sent out to the Rangitikei winger Potaka, who put in a dazzling run and then centred for T. Green to follow up fast and score. Nicholson missed the kick.

Taihape were nearly over, but Rangitikei broke away again and from a line-out in a handy position Green dashed over to score his second try. Blunden missed and the score was in the favour of Rangitikei at half-time. The standard of play in the second spell deteriorated. Taihap e had the territorial advantage but no finish to their movements and while the Rangitikei backs, notably McDonald, broke away on occasions, only once did they ; look like scoring. There was no score ; in the second spell and the game ended: Rangitikei 9, Taihape 5. Mr. R. W. Lewis was the referee.