RECORD OF VICTORIES

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 10, Issue 46, 6 November 1946, Page 8

RECORD OF VICTORIES

* UNBEATEN PAROA TEAM

J. PILE MEMORIAL CUP

The Paroa Senior team was victorious in the Championship competition among unbeaten senior teams in the various sub-unions under the auspices of the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union. Paroa successfully contested nine games, thereby claiming the John Pile Memorial Cup for 1946. The games played were won in some cases by wide margins, whilst in others the points were very close. The first match took place between Paroa and Apanui, and resulted in a win for the home side by 19 points to 10. Te Puke went down 12—0 against the local side, whilst Matata accepted defeat at 27—13. Te Whaiti (Galatea) was beaten 22—0. The last three matches were perhaps the closest and toughest of the series. A one-point win went to Paroa against Waikite (Rotorua), the scoreboard reading 17—16 at the final whistle. Rangataua (Tauranga) provided slightly less opposition the game ending 16—8. The last match against Kutarere, played in a driving rain resulted in a two-point win for Paroa, B—6. The succession of wins established by the familiar black-clad team is noteworthy as something of a record for a Club team, an achievement beside which it seems unaccountable that the Whakatane Representative side should fail to lift the Hurunui-Apanui Shield from Opotiki. Looking backward, it may be found that another Rugby record was established by Paroa in 1924, when that side claimed all trophies contested in the Whakatane Union, including the Championship Banner, the R.M. Cup, and the Bracken Cup. 283 points were scored by Paroa with but 16 against them, their try-line remaining uncrossed. Three penalties and one field goal accounted for the 16 points. Identified with the present Paroa side are a number of players of the 1924 team. Among them are Manager J. Hohapata, and Coach F. Harawira. J. Lawson, J. Keepa, T. Grant and N. Reweti were also listed in the 1924 side.

Unfortunately, the success of the 1946 team and the retention of the coveted trophy was tinged with a note of tragedy, resulting from the death of L. Hohapata, a playing member, who was accidentally killed the day after the final match against Kutarere. Whether Paroa will have the same success next season in retaining the trophy remains to be seen. Certainly the teams beaten this year will be more aggressive next season, and with the natural fluctuation of ability in the various sides, the Cup may leave home. But like a homing pigeon; it will doubtless return.