RUGBY FOOTBALL

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 11, Issue 82, 19 September 1947, Page 7

RUGBY FOOTBALL

WHAKATANE JUNIOR CHAMPIONS DEFEAT PUKEHINA On Saturday there was . a very small crowd to see the Pukehina juniors engaged in a friendly match with the champion Whakatane juniors, the United Club. Prior to the game, the president (Mr A. E. Spratt) extended a warm welcome to the visitors and hoped that more such matches would take place. The visiting team comprised:—J. Chadwick, D. Carling, B. Skelton, W. Quigg, R. Goodall, L. Henderson, A. Edmondson, G. Goodall, J. Taylor, T. Mickell, D. Howat. The emergencies were A. Mundy, G. Dines, T. Patterson and M. Brown. The referee was Mr Noel Valder.

Throughout the game the visitors were the more aggressive side, the score being kept down by solid tackling by Pukehina generally. Another feature that went against Whakatane was the fact that the half-back continued to run with the ball instead of passing it out. Pie was a very lively member of the team, but time after time ran round the scrum or became mixed up with the forwards, leaving a very capable back line with nothing to do. Every time he sent the ball out they were dangerous.

By arrangement the Pukehina- side included extra rep. players in the back line, the idea being to give them a run prior to the re-challenge match for the Shalfoon Shield next Saturday. They certainly had their run, but the forwards could do little to set them going or protect them when they were away. The Te Puke backs were a very likely looking lot, but Bell was inclined to steady up too much before deciding which way he was going to run. Once away he was very elusive, but he wasted time and energy by going across the field.

United went into attack and remained in Pukehina territory for a considerable time. They won all the scrums, but the ball did not always go out to the backs. Eventually the Pukehina forwards worked their way up the field, but could not penetrate when close to the line.

Play hovered at mid-field until Benner broke through and led a rush that resulted in United forcing in the‘nick of time.

Shortly after, Pukehina won a scrum at midfield and Edmonds sent out to Bell, to Searle, who made 25 yards before handing on to Cameron. Cameron cut in very neatly and beat several players to touch down for a nice try. The kick failed and Pukehina led by 3 points to nil. There followed a series of spectacular kicks, both sides taking a large share in very ragged work. Once again Pukehina secured cleanly from a scrum and the backs were away again. The whole line handled and the ball was centred by the wing for the inside men to gain possession. They lost possession over the line and a very tricky interlude ended in a force by United.

With United attacking, Anderson cleared with a high kick which was gathered in by Henderson, who raced smartly away to hand on neatly and United was over for a try. The kick failed and the scores were even 3-all.

United forwards continued to dominate play and went on attack when Pukehina infringed in front of its goal. The kick went over, giving United the lead, 6—3.

There followed much loose play and considerable blind passing left gaps on both sides, though no advantage was taken of these lapses. The game ended in favour of the visitors, 6—3.