RANGITIKEI RUGBY REPS DID WELL IN SATURDAY’S GAMES

Wanganui Chronicle, 12 June 1950, Page 2

RANGITIKEI RUGBY REPS DID WELL IN SATURDAY’S GAMES

With two wins, a draw and a loss, the Rangitikei Rugby representative teams made a creditable showing on Saturday. Heavy rain in the morning and further showers in the afternoon, left playing fields waterlogged, with the result that dour forward struggles were the order of th e day. Rangitikei had no difficulty in defending the Pownall trophy against Taihape, at Hunterville. One very encouraging aspect of the day’s play was the ability of the Rangitikei seniors to handle the adverse conditions. Despite the fact that players were having their first experience this season of a greasy ball and a precarious foothold, the backs against Taihape handled the slippery ball with remarkable skill. Taihape were beaten fore and aft. Frequently the Rangitikei backs swung into action as though it was a fine afternoon. Taihape, for 80 per cent, of the game, were on the defensive and could make little headway against an inspired opposition. Rangitikei scored three tries, two converted, and two penalties, against Taihape's penalty. Had the day been fine Rangitikei would no doubt have turned on a real sparkling exhibition, and there’s no saying just how many tries would have been scored. The Rangitikei backs carried far too much pace and the forwards were equally aggressive. The following were the results:— Senjor: Rangitikei 19, v. Taihape 3. Junffir: Taihape 18, v. Rangitikei A 9; Rangitikei B 0, v. Inglewood 0. Thirds: Rangitikei 6, v. Taihape 3.

Because of the wet weather all fourth grade club competition matches were postponed.