STRENGTH OF RUGBY IN RANGITIKEI BEST SINCE 1925

Wanganui Chronicle, 23 September 1950, Page 3

STRENGTH OF RUGBY IN RANGITIKEI BEST SINCE 1925

With the Rugby representative programme in Kangitikei now concluded, followers of the code can reflect with complete satisfaction with the fare provided and with the success of the teams, particularly the seniors and thirds. A glance at the performances reveals the strength of Rugby in Rangitikei this season. An oldtimer told the writer recently that football had never been stronger in this district since the heyday of 1925.

If there was one player who did help to put Rangitikei on the map it Was T. Goldsmith (Old Boys), who won a Maori All Black jersey and played for the New Zealand Maoris against the British Isies. Goldsmith played against the tourists twice and eahc time acquitted himself well. He was a colourful player and a popular footballer. That slashing try he scored against Athletic will not be forgotten for years. The senior representatives had their best season since the war. losing only one* game, that being against Wanganui. The previous season Rangitikei lost four games. It was just unfortunate that a suitable date could not be found to play Dannevirke for the Bebbington Shield as Rangitikei would undoubtedly have given the holders a hard fight for the trophy. Considering that Rangitikei did not have the services of six of its best players for some of the games, due to inclusion in the Wanganui reps., the team s performances were exceedingly encouraging.

The seniors scored 90 points this season in seven games, the points being made up of 16 tries, 10 penalties and six conversions. The 50 points scored against •he representatives comprised 10 tries, four penalties and four conversions.

Rangitikei’s full-back, Gordon Pull scored most points with five penalties, two conversions and a try, a total of 22. This total might easily have been increased had Pull been available for all games, as he registered his tally in only four matches. The only other player to reach douole figures was the Rata captain, W. Kingi. His tally was 12, all scored in one game—in fact, in the first spell. Fourteen players shared in compiling Rangitikei’s 90 points as against 15 last year when 84 points were scored. Those responsible were: G. Pull (5 penalties. 2 conversions, 1 try) 22; W. Kingi (3 penalties, 1 try) 12; T. Goldsmith (3 tries) 9; K. Kilpatrick (2 conversions, 1 penalty) 7; K. Graham (2 tries) 6; J. McNab (2 tries) 6; G. Bartlett (penalty, conversion) 5; D. Westwood (try and conversion) 5, D. Morrison J. Cashell, B. Gibbs, W. Crocker, F. Wasson and R. Fittler (all one ’try) 3. HENWOOD CUP The winner of the coveted Henwood Cup is expected to be announced at next Monday night’s meeting of the Rangitikei Rugoy Union. This trophy was donated by the patron. Mr Arthur Henwood, in 1946 and is awarded annually to the member of the senior representative team who, after playing no less than three matches, has most worthily upheld the traditions of Rugby, in respect of sportsmanship, conduct, team-work and personal ability. The adjudicator is the president of the Rangitikei Referees’ Association. In the past Mr Guy Thomson has had the task of sorting out the winner, but this season it falls to the ic»t of Mr G. Harre. the new president. It would be safe to say that Mr Harre has a bigger task than ever. Due to six Rangitikei players being required to play for Wanganui on the same day that Rangitikei had matches, it was necessary to call on 31 players to wear the green jersey this season. With his extraordinary record behind him, T. Goldsmith must be very near the top of Mr Harre s list, if he is not already there. However, Goldsmith has played in only four of the seven games. Another player whose credentials rank very high is J. McNab (Hunterville). McNab, a newcomer to the district, quickly revealed his talent, and from this observer’s recollections has fulfilled all the requirements of the award. W. Tocker (Athletic) who won the trophy in 1948 and captained Rangitikei in its last three engagements, is another whose claims are high. Other likely candidates are the Kingi brothers (Rata), Bruce Gibbs (Rata), and W. Crocker (Bulls). However, Mr Harre may name a candidate not already mentioned, so numerous are the claimants. Previous winners have been: 1946, A. Renshaw (Hunterville); 1947, C. Kereama (Rangatani); 1948 W. Tocker (Rata); 1949, M. O’Connell (Bulls). The following is the record of representative matches for all grades: — Points P. W. L. D. For Ag. Seniors 7 5 1 1 90 50 Juniors 5 1 22 25 34 Thirds 4 3 1 43 20 Fourths 1 1 17 Maoris 1 1 3 16 Total . ... 18 9 5 4 167 137 TODAY’S RUGBY MATCHES. Twc Rugby matches will be played on Marton Park this afternoon. The ea r iy game is between Marton Athletic and Levin thirds and this will be followed by a match between the two senior teams. The Athletic senior team is: J. Hutton, K. Coles, M. Velvin, P. Butler, W. Taite, B. McChesney, P. Paurini, D. McLennan, M. Owens, L. McDougall, R. Dailey, R. Price, W. Atkinson, W. Tocker, D. Kinloch, F. Wasson, A. Bostock, P. Wigglesworth, J. McDavitt. P. Gibbs. Players to assemble at White Hart Hotel by 2.15 p.n. Mr. W. Kereama will referee the senior game and Mr. J. Barry the third grade match. ( KANE AT JUNCTION. At a meeting of the Marton Chamber of Commerce executive committee this week, it was decided to write* 1 > the district railways engineer asking that a crane be provided al Marton Junction. At a previous general meeting the need for a crane at Ine Junction was raised it being stated 1 hat the lack of equipment was a matter of inconvenience to both carriers arid people having heavy goods railed into, the town.