METROPOLITAN RUGBY REPS. BEATEN BY TAIHAPE REPS.

Wanganui Chronicle, 4 September 1950, Page 6

METROPOLITAN RUGBY REPS. BEATEN BY TAIHAPE REPS.

TAIHAPE, Yesterday (OC).—After a game of fluctuating fortunes, Taihape defeated Wanganui Metropolitan Rugby representatives by 18 points to 16, in a match played at Taihape on Saturday under ideal conditions.

Each side scored four tries, the scorers being Oulsnam, Kingi, Tupaea and Hakopa for Taihape, and Cleland, Dallison, Davies and Dunbar for Wanganui. Two of the visitors tries were converted by Les. Head, the Wanganui first five-eighths, who played an outstanding game and frequently cut ribbons in the defence. Though he did not score a try himself he imparted the initial thrust that resulted in the other Wanganui players mentioned scoring.

Though he made a few mistakes, Bosher put in some good work as full-back for Wanganui. Rasmussen, Cleland and Dunbar were an impressive trio during the match. Dixon was quick at sending his backs away. Head was very elusive and frequently breke through He received good support from Davies. The Wanganui captain, Dallison, was one of the best of the visiting pack. He hooked extremely well and gave his backs a good share of the ball. It was not for lack of opportunities that Wanganui just failed to Win. They had the better of the opening exchanges, but a penalty goal by Sherlock, from an acute angle, and a try by Oulsnam, the Taihape captain, put Taihape six points in the lead after nearly twenty minutes’ play. A try for Wanganui, scored by Cleland and converted by Head, saw only one point between the two teams, but this state of affairs did not last for long, an unconvertetd try by Kingi giving Taihape a 9-5 lead at half time. The early part of the second spell was decidedly in favour of the visitors, a try by Dallison, converted by Head',' giving Wanganui a one point lead (10-9) for the first time during the game. The visitors' lead was “wiped’’ a minute or two later, when Sherlock kicked his second penalty goal, putting Taihape in front, 12-10. The Taihape full-ba.-k was a tower of strength to the local team, and it was a severe loss to the maroons when he was injured about half-way through the second spell and had to retire, being replaced by Ashton. Tries in quick succession by Tupaea and Hakopa gave Taihape a lead of e:ght points (18-10), but Wanganui made a great effort to pull the game out of the fire. Tries by Davies and Dunbar in quick succession brought their tally up to 16. They had a chance *o draw level after Dunbar’s try, but Head just missed the conversion. The visitors were attacking strongly when the final whistle sounded with Taihape still two points in the lead. The defence of both Mortland and Topliss left a lot to be desired, and Head seemed to do what he liked. The Taihape five-eighths, however, showed good form on attack, Tapliss paving the way for Kingi’s try. Logan was not at home on the wing. Kingi went very well at centre, his try being a fine effort. Hakopa ran with determination. George, at half-back, got the ball away smartly and is undoubtedly the best half in Taihape. The Taihape forwards all played well, D. McCarthy, McCulloch, Tupaea and Cashell being perhaps the best of a good bunch. Summed up it may be said that there was very little between the two teams, as the score indicates. The fact that each side scored four tries speaks for itself. Each team had its turn at “calling the tune.” The teams were:— Taihape: Full-back, Sherlock; threequarters, Lagon, Kingi, Hakopa; fiveeighths, Topliss (lst( Mortland; haltback, George; forwards, Oulsnam (captain), Greatorex, Tupaea, Cashell, D. McCarthy, Spiers, McCulloch. Infield. Wanganui: Full-back, P. Bosher; three-quarters, Rasmussen, Cleland, Dunbar; five-eighths, Head (Ist), Davies; half-back, Dixon; forwards, Rukuwai, Dallison (captain), Wanahi, D. Fitchett, McPhun, Banks, J. Fitchett, Edwards. Referee: Mr. F. M. Healey.