RUGBY FOOTBALL

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 11, Issue 84, 24 September 1947, Page 5

RUGBY FOOTBALL

J. PILE MEMORIAL TROPHY RETAINED BY WAIKITE Public interest centred around the J. Pile Memorial Cup match between Waikite and Te Teko at Arawa Park, Rotorua, on Saturday, and spectators were treated to a game which although well in favour of the Rotorua side, was . fast and keen. The Auckland Colts-Ro-torua match proved disappointing. This was the second Saturday in succession in which a Waikite match held the main attraction of patrons and the team again showed itself to be in form.

Waikite’s clear-cut victory demonstrated that team’s better use of combination against the visitors’ individual play. Although the final score read .21 —3 in favour of the home side, it was one for which Waikite had to play hard until about three-quarter way through the game. A clear exposition of what was to be the general mode of play in the first spell was soon given. Taking advantage of the Te Teko backs being out of position, Waikite drove well inside the 25-yard line. Working in the loose, the Te Teko forwards were able to hold Waikite off for some time.

J. Waetford was unlucky to miss a try, but Waikite kept the pressure on Te Teko, and S. Morrison succeeded after a good run, in scoring behind the posts. S. Sewell converted. Towards the end of the first half Te Teko made several concerted efforts to drive behind the Waikite goal line. Play was very tight, and confined largely to the forwards, but again Waikite proved the better team, and kept the visitors clear until the whistle. A free kick awarded to Te Teko was taken by R. White, but the ball failed to clear the bar. It was returned to Waikite, and held until Morrison from Te Teko’s 25, made a spectacular run, to score in the corner. The try was not converted. Te Teko took full opportunity of a chance afforded when J. Hapipene pased to G. Hunui, who scored, evading the Waikite backs in a fast 10 yards’ run. The kick missed. From an opening made by N. Hulton, R. Te Kiri added to the Waikite total, with an unconverted try. Hulton scored shortly afterwards, Sewell converting. ; The pace slackened, and play was restricted around the Te Teko end of the ground. Morrison, after several attempts, got through to the Te "Teko line, and grounded the ball near the posts. Sewell succeeded in the kick, and the final whistle went with the score: Waikite 21, Te Teko 3.

Mr C. Donovan, Te Puke, was the referee.