Taihape Notes

Wanganui Chronicle, 22 September 1947, Page 2

Taihape Notes

RUGBY SEASON ENDED PAKEHAS DEFEAT MAORIS (0.C.) Taihape, Sept. 20 Before a moderate attendance of the public at the Taihape Recreation Ground, on Saturday, the Taihape Rugby season concluded with a match between Maori and pakeha, sides. The result was a win lor the latter, whose forwards, well led by McNicol, called the tune in the latter stages. The work of Bowden and Turnbull, live-eighths, was also a factor. The match was played in a carefree spirit, with many amusing incidents. With 14 players, Pakeha conceded an advantage in the early scrums, and the Maori forwards then won the ball consistently, but their backs did not make much headway. Punch paved the way for a try when he kicked over a breaking scrum, R. Thurston misiielded the ball, A. McCarthy snapped it up and sent Marsh over.— 3-0. McNicol came on for Pakehas and the forwards were on more equal terms. Largely because of Bowden’s thrustful running, play approached the Maoris’ line, where Turnbull snapped up the ball after an infield clearing kick by Corcoran and sent the backs away, getting round for the final pass and a try in the corner. -3-3. As a result of good work by Turnbull and Niven, the latter scored at the corner and the white men were ahead.—6-3. Not for long, though, for the Maori forwards rallied strongly and S. Woods scored in a scramble on the line. Chase converted.— Maoris 8, Pakehas 6. Hulena kicked a goal for Pakehas after Turnoull had broken through at j halfway and sent Bowden away with j a clear field only to see him hauled | down from behind by Hakopa.— ! Pakehas 9, Maoris h Just before | half-time Chase kicked a penalty | goal and Maoris led 11-9. In the second spell the same friendly spirit was in evidence. It became evident that the Pakeha forwards were the fitter set, and played more cohesively. Soon after the resumption, Hulena goaled another penalty. Pakehas more than held their own I for the rest of the game, but good de- ! fence, particularly by Corcoran, | roobed them of further points until Reeves scored from a loose ruck near ■ the line and McNicol goaled with a good kick. The game ended soon after with Pakehas on the attack, and the score: Pakehas 17, Maoris 11. Mr. L. Fannin was referee. CURTAIN-RAISER In a keenly-contested curtain-raiser between Town and Country junior sides, Town was beaten 3-0. Just before the end of the game the Country forwards established ascendancy and Cashell scored after a close-range line-out. Town was unfortunate in losing key pmyers by injuries in the late stages of the game. Mr. E. Fleet was referee.