Rugby

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 15, Issue 44, 15 May 1950, Page 5

Rugby

WAIRAKA AND PAROA REMAIN UNBEATEN AT WHAKATANE

'‘At the end of the third week of Rugby at Whakatane two teams, Wairaka and Paroa, remained unbeaten in the senior competition. In the junior grade School and United were unbeaten while in the third School A were still to the front. In all games football was played with most teams keeping play to the forwards and then attempting quick movements to the backs. Paroa and Wairaka had convincing wins but United were a little lucky to defeat Taneatua. All matches were played in overcast weather and on damp grounds before good crowds. PAROA AND POROPORO Although characterised by determined forward' play both steams were not afraid to whip their backs on attack from any part of the field and in the end the more consistent play of the heavier Paroa combination gave them a convincing win over Poroporo by 15 (5 unconverted tries) to 9 (3 unconverted tries). The teams:— v - Poroporo (blue):S. Moeke, Paul T. Brown, Watarawi, Hawera, Clay, Kopae, Kingi, Biddle, Rangikotua Hotene, Kororiko, King, B. Nuku, B. Huta.

Paroa (black): Poha, Ruru, Ingram, Mokaij, K. Wana, Aukaha, Harawira, T. Hona, Wahapango, Tutuea, Ranapia, Matuku, J. Ratahi: Rehe, Takotohiwi. Poroporo were the first to score after play had opened quickly. The teams went into a loose ruck when the ball rolled free. Kingi was

there to snap it up and dive over. Paroa were not long in replying when Harawira raced for the corner flag but was tackled hard, but Mokai folowing up snatched it and opened the black team’s points. Pavoa could not be held now and with solid forward rushes and fast back movements scored three tries quickly.

Play swung up and down the field freely before the nnal tries were scored one by Harawira to bring Paroa to 15 and the final for Poroporo by Rangikotua. Referee, Mr J. Keepa. UNITED v TANEATUA United and Taneatua played an interesting game with the formei winning by y (2 unconverted tries, one penalty goal) to 3 (penalty goal). Both teams threw the ball about freely but poor handling and over-eagerness spoilt many movements.

United opened strongly to take Jie ball up-field but a strong de fence held. Gardiner opened thescoring with a handy penalty buf Taneatua replied soon after when McGougan equalised. But United moved back and from an attack near the Taneatua line Gardiner received the ball to score. Play moved about in rather aimless fashion and continued into the second spell when United scored the last try of the game. The forwards attacked in a loose rush and then hooked quickly. The backs got going and Haddon went over unopposed. United were rather lucky to win Both teams had equal opportunities but the luck of the bounce seemed to elude Taneatua. Referee, Mr B. Norman. W AIR AKA v RUATOKI Playing their second match ai Taneatua Wairaka made no mistake in their defeat of Ruatoki. Although the game was perhaps more even than the score indicates Wairaka were the faster and Towards the end the big Ruatoki forwards began to tire. Wairaka showed amazing combination among their backs and appeared able to swing play to their forwards with equal ease. Referee, Mr W. Chambers.