THE SHIELD MATCH

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 184, 10 July 1940, Page 8

THE SHIELD MATCH

ANOTHER FEATHER TO RAN GITAIKI A GLIMPSE OF THE GAME ' (Space limitations prohibited; a report of play as well as comment in Monday's issue). Rangitaild scored within four minutes of the kick-off, the try, scored by. McCracken, being the result of a splendid cxhibitioin of dummying by Howell. McCracken converted The reverse appeared to throw the visiting team of its balancc and shock tactics by the Rangitaiki van would have been rewarded with an increase in the points. As it was, . Rangitaiki came the old habit of playing, offside and thvo kicks were awarded Tauranga within as many minutes, Short breaking through. The ball A\ r as taken up-field, .for Francis to hold it. He held it too

ong, however, and the resultant pen lty saw Murray raise the flags with beautiful lefti-foot kick from a [ifficult angle. Offside play again spoiled Rangiaiki efforts, Woods being the ofender this time, and the infringenent was fortunate for Tauranga, he free kick relieving the menace o their line. Almost immediately ollowing the fortunate relief Muray demonstrated that Tauranga Avas j tot relying solely upon Providence ly bursting up-field in an amazing 010 effort. This former three-quar-er revealed a startling pace and tad he had support would have srowned the efiort. As it was, Rangiaiki forced. Again and Again Offside. The first free to -Rangitaiki came or offside in a line out, the kick issisting the Blue and Blacks to alee the ball down field and it renamed on Tauranga's 25 yard mark 'or some time. Excitement ran high is Rangitaiki pressed continuously mt Tauranga held on. After a fivoninute battle offside play again Drought relief to the sorely pressed Tauranga men, and mid-field was :he locality for play, give-and-take aeing the order. Nullifying another 3 hie and Black surge, Howell was iaught on the wrong side •of the jail, and Tauranga breathed again. The score, Rangitaiki 5, Tauranga 3, was noit altered at half-time. Play continued at a spanking pac? upon resumption, although it remained mostly in mid-field for five minutes or so. M. Lees was responsible for a dazzling movement when lie left the Tauranga men standing, and the crowd cheered his run. With liils passage barred, he handed on to his' brother and the latter touched down near the posts. McCracken had no difficulty in converting. Tauranga in the Limelight. Features of the following play were a good side-line dash by Renata and some magnificent line kicking by Francis. The. latter was also responsible for an-excellent attempt at a penalty from just inside the half-way mark, the ball failing to reach the bar by inches. •'Tauranga looked likely when Kakau.got possession and broke through but he hung on to the ball when tackled and Tauranga's hopes dropped. Play remained open anil bright and the crowd was appreciative. A forward movement spelling danger for the homesters' line was initiated by Bell, and with the support Of Murray, Ngatai and Onus by. he carried the ball along but relief came when Howell secured fron the base of a scrum and with a nic< fifty-yard run transferred play t( the visitors' territory, the move menbeing continued by T. Lees, playing a tireless game. When tested, Francis proved to h very safe, and once more the leathe travelled in the direction of Tau ranga's line, but once more Rangi taiki's main fault, propensity fo offside work probably engendered Ir over-keenness, relieved the pressur .on the Yellow and Blacks. The Points Added. For the most part Tauranga wer penned in their own quarter and i was only in. spasmodic efforts tha they were able to break away at al One such occasion gave Murray a.r other shot at goal for a penalty, bu he was unable to notch the point: While enjoying their brief excui sion into Rangitaiki territory, Tar ranga forwards added to the team points and raised the hopes of thos from the sunny town, Barnes scoi ing from a melee on the Rangitail line. At this stage Ngatai went o: and was repHaced by Sharplin. Rangitaiki, apparently not feelin the effects of the game, were doin every tiling but score. Following scramble near the line, Whitely she through after the ball and touche down for an unconverted try wit two Tauranga backs looking on. The few minutes remaining ga\ Tauranga no hope of ovcrcomin the deficit and play was in the territory when time was called wit the final score. Rangitaiki 13, Tai '-anga (5. (Continued foot next columri).