Field Goal Right On time Sees Kata Draw With Hunterville

Wanganui Chronicle, 2 May 1949, Page 2

Field Goal Right On time Sees Kata Draw With Hunterville

MARTON, April 30 (OC) Some close finishes were seen in the Rangitikci Sub-Union’s competition matches today, and one of lhe most exciting games was witnessed at Hunterville, whore the home team, winners of the senior competition last season, were held to a draw by Rata. A field goal kicked right on the call of time by W. Kingi, equalised the score in a game which was brimful of interest but spoilt from a spectacular point of view in the second spell by rain. The biggest winning margin of the day went to Bulls seniors at the expense of Ohingaiti. At Marton spectators saw another good game in which an improved Athletic team scored a deserved victory over Rangatahi. The weather was ideal for Rugby at Marton and the grounds were in splendid order. The following are the results:— Senior. Bulls 29, v. Ohingaiti 0; Rata 6, v. Hunterville 6; Athletic 9, v Rangatahi 3; Marton Old Boys a bye. Junior Ratana 14, v. Bulls 9; Hunterville 3, v. Rata 3; Athletic 19, v. Turakina 3; Marton Old Boys a bye. Thirds (Open). Ohingaiti 6, v. Marton Old Boys 3; Ratana 14, v. Athletic 5; Flock House a bye. Thirds (Intermediate). Marton D.H. School 11, v. Hunterville 0; Marton Old Boys 22, v. Bulls 0. Practice Match. Marton 0.8. seniors 19, v. Marton 0.8. juniors 3. Another draw was added to a fairly long list of similar results between the same teams, whin Hunterville and Rata seniors met .\t Hunterville in the feature match of the day. It was a good, hard game and a field goal figured in each of the side’s score of six points. Only one try was scored during the match, F. Nicholson getting across for Rata. Rain which set in at half-time and continued for the remaining period of the match precluded rousing back play after the interval, and the game developed into a sustained struggle between two competent packs of forwards. The ball became too slippery to handle with any degree of accuracy.

The score at half-time was 3-all, and with Hunterville having the advantage of the downhill slope in the second spell, it was thought that the home team would have a good chance of leaving the field victorious, especially when I. MacDonald put his side ahead with a field goal. That nearly was accomplished, but right on the call of time, W. Kingi “potted’’ a field goal for Rata, to equalise the score. ATHLETICS BETTER FORM.

Slightly superior in the scrums and lineouts, combined with a better understanding amongst the rearguard, gave Athletic the decision over Rangatahi in the senior game at Marton. Athletic scored two tries and a penalty goal to the visitors’ penalty, and the score of nine to three just about sums up the relative strengths of the two teams.

A feature of the game was tile splendid exhibition given by the respective full-backs, M. Hihira (Rangatahi) and G. Sherlock (Athletic). The former, in particular, was most impressive by reason of the fact that his line-kicking was more accurate. Both were frequently applauded for their fine play. • While the game did not reach the ■same heights of last week, there was plenty of action, although mostly of an individual nature, especially on Rangatahi’s part. Both teams lacked cohesion and seldom did the ball travel from half to wing in an attacking movement. The game was really decided by the forwards, and in this respect, Athletic played a far more intelligent game. Vigorous play in the loose was a feature of botn teams, but solid rucking was absent. The teams line out:

Athletic: G. Shermlock: W. Towiv-r. F. Tolley, V. Stantiall; B. Dornbusch, D. McLennan; K. Smith; D. Hart (captain); C. Wilson, P. Wigglesworth, L. McDougall, H. Hamilton; J. Elliott, R. Price, R. Wasson. Rangatahi: M. Hihira; J. Maraku, R. Bishop, K. Bishop; D. Bryant, W. Taite; R. Kane; B. Blunden; C. Kcreama, I. Hemi, T Miles, S. Taniora; R Edwards (captain), R. Searancxe, G. Te Huia.

Athletic, securing a liberal possession of the ball from scrums and lineouts, were on the offensive for most of the first spell. Sherlock missed with a penalty and two “pots’’ and then McDougall and Stantiall both just missed scoring, Stantiall actually hitting the corner post and being bumped into touch. After 25 minutes’ play. Sherlock raised the line umpires’ flags with a penalty taken from an easy position. Athletic 3, Rangatahi 0. A pass from Kane to Maraku failed to make a connection and Wilson stepped into the breach and using his weight to advantage, galloped oway before unloading a pass to Towler, who threw himself across at the corner. It was really Wilson’s try, and a good one. The kick dropped short. Right on the call ot half time, an Atliletic forward was penalised in the lineout and Hemi, from an acute angle, sent the ball beautifully between the posts. Half-time then sounded. -Athletic 6, Rangatahi 3. Rangatahi resumed vigorously and bad Athletic penned in their half, but despite repeated efforts tn cross, the visitors found the Athletic defensive too strong. Half-way through lhe spell, Wilson, who played a great game all the afternoon, engineered his second try. From loose forward ■ lay he picked up the ball, passed to ’assort, to Wiggleswovth, who took lay to the Rangatahi line, where, from a ruck, McDougall was awarded Athletic’s second try near the posts. Sherlock missed an easy conversion.—Athletic 9, Rangatahi 3. Rangatahi strove desperately to bridge the gap, but Athletic retaliated with equal vigour with tlie result spectators were treated to some fast play which ranged up and down the field, the bright interludes being appreciated. However, neither side could

find a weak link in the opposition’s armour and the game ended—Athletic 9, Rangatahi 3. Mr. J. Dickson was the referee.