WANGANUI WINS IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS’ RUGBY TOURNAMENT

Wanganui Chronicle, 21 August 1950, Page 6

WANGANUI WINS IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS’ RUGBY TOURNAMENT

OHAKUNE, Last Night (Spec).— Wangaui won its first game in the primary schools’ quadrangular Rugby tournament at Ohakune on Saturday by defeating Rangitikei by 12 points to 3 in a match, in which the two teams were almost evenly matched. In the other fixture played in opening series, Taranaki A defeated Taranaki B 30-0.

The matches were playea in fine weather but there was a cold southerly wind blowing from end to end of the field.

Better combination all round war. the chief factor in Wanganui’s victory over Rangitikei. The Wanganui forwards were superior in the first spe’ l but the opposition, led by A, Sattler, rallied in the second spell and, with, improved play, kept Wanganui more in check.

The Rangitikei backs were prone t<mishandle and this fault persisted throughout the game. The Wanganui backs’ defence was stubborn and they forced the opposition to run across the field on attack, J. Taiaroa, the Rangitikei halfback, impressed as being probably the best half-back in the four teams competing in the tournament. His long, sw:” dive passing from the base of the scrum was a treat to watch. J. Wii Hams, on one wing for Rangitike:, showed promise and It was a pity that he did not see the ball more often, A. Betteridge, the Rangitikei full-back gained a great deal of ground with his line kicks and was the most impressive of the four full-backs seen playing.' Taranaki A was much heavier tha* Taranaki B, and was able to hold a ! territorial advantge for nearly threequarters of the game, until Taranaki t rallied In the latter part of the secor... spell. G. Walker was the outstanding forward on the field and In the fairly even Taranaki A backline, T. Robinson took the honours. Robsinson scored three tries, W. Snowden two and B. Roos, W. Hikaka and B. Nuku, one each, Hikaka kicked three conversions.