RUGBY FOOTBALL

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 4, Issue 132, 21 July 1941, Page 8

RUGBY FOOTBALL

DUNDERDALE CUP MATCH WIN FOR RANGITAIKI Before a fair attendance of spectators the Rangitaiki representative team defeated the Whakatane fifteen on the local ground on Saturday the final score being 13 points to 11. The game was a fast and hard fought one and although it did not produced a great many finished movements, was bright particularly in the second spell when Whakatane had a better share of the territory. The. visitors commanded most of the play, but lack of cohesion in the backs and the fast l.veaking forwards of the Whakatane team spoiled opportunities and kept the score to a close margin. From the outset the visitors looked dangerous and had the home side on, the defence to before long score when a penalty was awarded. Phillips from a handy position turned this to account to draw first blood. The men from the Plains continued on the offensive and holding a territorial advantage soon added to the total. A scrum was set at the 25 and McCracken went through for a try. Phillipsi goaled to -make the score 8-0. Whakatane brightened: their play at this stage and took a turn at attack. A penalty was ordered at an angle just outside the 25 and Sykes took the kick. His boot dJid not send the ball to the posts), instead dropping it before waiting forwards and kicking through W. Thomas followed fast to touch down. Sykes failed to convert. Rangitaiki 8, Whakatane 3. The score stood at this when the half-time whistle sounded and on the resumption the play brightened considerably and was an even straggle. The home side took the offensive and although their backs made only individual efforts with loose fast play the leather saw some country. Whakatane was the first to improve making a bustling attack for Merito to crown, the rush by crossing in the 1 corner. Boynton could not improve and the score read 6-8. With the lead in sight the< homeside went to work with a will, but the visitors also put more vim into their play and strained the home -defence. A kick from a penalty nearly enlarged the margin and il was not long before the lead was again made definite*. After a succession of attacks the ball travelled to the Whakatane custodian, who endeavouring to open plav did not kick but ran out to his winger. Unfortunately his move was marred with serious results when, he sent out a poor pass and McCracken came to light again to pick up and canter round behind the posts. Phillips boot again did the right thing and Rangitaiki he]d the lead 13-6. Although the play was fast and hard it was not thought that the home side could rally again, but once more one of its loose bustling rushes found the defence wanting and Windlc touched down near the posts. Thompson added the major points to again bring the home side within .two points of the leaders. Excitement ran high with not many minutes of play left and the spectators barracked their respectiev sides enthusiastically. Play travelled from end to end with attempts to improve coming from both fifteens. However, the scoie was unchanged when the final whistle sounded with play in no man's land. Mr F. Darvill refeieed.

In the curtairt raisier the Rangitaiki Junior team proved too strong for tlie Whakatane side, winning Ly 13 points to nil. The game Avas a bright one although the visitors were definitely superior and looked winners all the way. At half-time the crowd was entertained by a bright display by seven-a-side teams from tho local school. The boys put on a willing ten minutes' play and received an ovation from the sideline. (Continued in next column).

Cup Presented. At the conclusion of the senior match Mr W. S. Henderson, president of the Whakatane Rugby Union, handed the Dunderdale Cup to Mr F. J. Burt, president of the Rangitaiki Union., In doing so he congratulated the winners on their display and commented on the excellent spirit in which the game was played. Mr Burt in reply expressed the hope that the Unions would meet on many occasions. Mrs Dunderdale, who was present, fit the small ceremonj'- was thanked for her interest in the game and was accorded three hearty cheers.