FINLAY CUP

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21184, 6 August 1940, Page 9

FINLAY CUP

RUGBY CHALLENGE MORiRLNSVILLE’S CLOSE CALL (Special to Tlme3.) MORRINSVILLE, Monday Berore one of tiie larg-est g-atherlng-5 seen this year at the Morrinsviile Recreation grounds the home team successfully defended Matamata’s Rugby challenge for the Finlay Cup. After a game more exciting than brilliant Morrinsviile was lucky to finish with a margin ol two points, the score being 13—11. > Morrinsviile, playing with the advantage or the sun in the first half, finished with a lead of 6—3. In the second half Matamata used the advantage to good purpose but could not quite flnish ofT its play. Its forwards were superior to the Morrinsviile pack in securing the hall rrom the scrum, and the backs handled well, especially in the last quarter. However, Morrinsviile managed to stave off defeat, though it was a close call. Both packs played well in tlie line-out and open, with Morrinsviile forwards keeping on the ball better than their opponents. Mor-insville backs were hampered through their forwards failing to hook the ball from the scrum. Consequently they had low opportunities. barker (Morrinsviile) ,»layed well, scoring two tries: MorHnsville’s other score came from a field goal by Aitken and a penalty goal by D. Ensor. Ensor handled the ball better than in the game against Cambridge: Matarnata’s score was the result of a penalty goal by 1\ Hawke and two tries, the result of good following up, one of which was converted. For Mutuniata, brown at hairback and Carroll at live-eighths played good football, being quick and handling the ball well. 'Mr c. Wallace, of Cambridge, was the referee.