RUGBY FOOTBALL

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 9, Issue 79, 27 May 1946, Page 5

RUGBY FOOTBALL

CLUB COMPETITIONS CONTINUE RUATOKI JUNIORS IMPROVE Club football under the Whakatane Union advanced a further stage last Saturday when the usual round of games took place. The most outstanding team was without a doubt Taneatua in the senior competition, and local fans are now keenly anticipating the clash between this side and United which up till now has held the palm for club honours. The same public support was apparent- on • all fields, an encouraging feature which the Union should be making the best of by way of collection. The hardest game occurred at Waimana when United tied with the home side, after a particularly solid forward encounter. At Ruatoki another intensive senior game took place which spectators describe as one of the finest and cleanest games seen in the settlement for many a long day. Poroporo’s win by a narrow margin of two points was an indication of the play and the approximate merits of the respective sides.

The Ruatoki juniors distinguished themselves by a sound- win against Taneatua, whilst the Third Graders from the same setlement had another runaway victory.

THE SCORE BOARD Seniors Taneatua beat Wairaka 34—5. Poroporo beat Ruatoki 5—3. United drew with Waimana 9—9 Juniors Paroa beat Poroporo 9—B. Ruatoki beat Taneatua 13—3. United beat Waimana 6—3.

JFhird Grade Ruatoki beat Taneatua 17—3. Waimana beat Huimai 6—3. THE SENIOR FIELD TANEATUA DEFEATS WAIRAKA The senior match between Taneatua and Wairaka, which took place at the Whakatane Domain on Saturday was a fair display, with Taneatua superior all round, and particularly in the back line. Early in the game, it was apparent that the gaps in the Wairaka defence were too wide to stem the opposition passing rushes which broke through without any trouble. Taneatua’s first try came from Shaw (J. Semmens’ converting), who touched down midway between the post and the corner flag.

The same side’s score was boosted to 8 when W. McCready managed a runaway try. Once again Semmens’ boot was good. A third try by Shaw again, was a fluke. W. McCready tried a field goal. He missed, the ball landed over the line and Shaw bea tthe Wairaka man attempting to force. Semmens converted. Half time found the score board reading 15—0 in favour of Taneatua. Immediately after the changeover, a forward rush by Taneatua climaxed with Dunstan touching down beside the posts, Semmens converting again. A dribbling rush to the quarter line, finishing with a try by Walker was responsible for raising Taneatua’s score to 25.

Shaw followed immediately with a try in the corner but Semmens kick failed to reach the post. After a period of loose play, Wairaka • suddenly started the sideline with a try between the posts, resulting from a dribbling rush. Merito was the man who touched down, and H. Bluett converted, putting Wairaka on the score board to the tune of five points. Semmens again showed his kicking ability to advantage by sending a penalty kick over the bar from a difficult angle and a few minutes before the final whistle, sent another of the same type fairly between the uprights. The conclusion of found the score board reading 34—5 in Taneatua’s favour. Mr A. Breward was referee. POROPORO’S NARROW WIN RUATOKI’S IMPROVED FORM The senior game at Ruatoki attracted a large crowd. From the start it was apparent that both sides were well balanced. Forward work

dominated the first half but in the second spell the backs swung into prominence and some fine, handling by the back departments of both Poroporo and the home side was witnessed. The most brilliant piece of individual work came from J. Kingi’s solo drive from half-way to the goal when he notched his try between the posts. Pat Merito had no difficulty in converting. Ruatoki’s only points came from a -free kick which was handled by M. Tihi in scientific manner from a difficult angle. Mr J. Keepa made an excellent referee. JUNIORS PAROA v POROPORO The Paroa and Poroporo Junior match at the Whakatane Domain on Saturday was a good display of contrasting play. Paroa fielded a slightly heavier pack, and played a forward game throughout. Poroporo on the other hand kept the ball as much as possible in the hands* of the backs who time and aga : n carried it almost to the try line. The' final score, 9—B in favour of Paroa was indicative of the closeness of play throughout. Mr C. Ross refereed.