EASTERN BAY AT PLAY

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 15, Issue 94, 11 September 1950, Page 5

EASTERN BAY AT PLAY

WHAKATANE STILL HOLDS THE SHIELD

In a match at Rugby Park on Saturday, Whakatane senior representatives convincingly withstood their second challenge for the Te Hurinui Apanui Shield. A spirited all-round attack in the second half appeared to nonplus the Te Puke team and the home side won 14-3.

The match was played at a lively pace and held the interest of a large crowd. Play was rather dull from the kick off by McGougan. After up and down play a scrum infringement by Te Puke saw McGougan open the score with a penalty from the 25.

The visitors livened up after this reverse, until Riini with good play, relieved the position. At this stage there were two balls on the field and Stewart, the Whakatane half, was penalised for not putting the ball quickly in the scrum. From the ensuing play, Welch, who was playing great football, made an opening but mishandling by Biddle spoilt a certain try. Te Puke started to throw the ball about and a likely movement failed when Grey, Ihe centre, knocked on. Whakatane retaliated with a determined forward rush and Te Puke had to force. Not very long after, Welch was very unlucky with a field goal —the ball just grazing the upright. Riini again came into the picture with a break through but McGougan had no chance of taking a difficult pass. Whakatane then swung into the attack but wild passing by their backs saw Grey intercept and run very strongfly to near the goal line. A Whakatane player infringed and Latimer goaled. There was no further score before half-time.

Immediately after il, e start of the second spell, the Te Puke forwards showed great dash and worked with more cohesion than the home pack. Led by Hughes and Cawte they were always a source of danger. The next thrill came when Bluett shrugged off a tackle and ran McGougan into position. The big winger showing determination fended the opposing full back and scored a great try. Welch converted from near the side line.

Te Puke were always looking for points but Welch was always safe—his line kicking must have been heartbreaking to the Te Puke forwards. The next points came when Stewart decided to have a go on his own. When challenged he threw a poor pass to Biddle who fielded it brilliantly and scored. Welch missed the kick.

Not very long after Te Puke were awarded a penalty in a good position but Jamieson made a poor effort. Whakatane further increased their margin when the Bluett-Mc-Gougan combination again worked to score another good try. Welch again missed. ■>

The Te Puke forwards were now tiring and the final whistle saw Whakatane attacking strongly. Referee, Mr Hyland.

COMMENTS ON SHIELD PLAYERS Comments on players in the Te Puke-Whakatane match for the Te Hurinui Shield: — For Te Puke. Forwards: A great pack with perhaps Hughes and Cawte outstanding. Backs: Undoubtedly Grey, the centre, stood out. A fine attacking player with an eye for the opening should go a long way in football.

Whakatane. Forwards: Well led by Ranapia but lacked sting. Solid work by Ruffles and Aukaha and Stewart always on the ball. A disappointing feature of the home forwards was in their line out play. Time and .time again the ball was knocked back wildly and Stewart the half was forced to run for the ball. This very bad fault will have to be eliminated.

Backs: All the backs performed creditably with McGougan and Welch outstanding. It was pleasing to see McGougan a big winger again in form. His strong running and determination near the line was a feature of the game.

ROTORUA MAY NOT CHALLENGE Rumour is persistent but no official advice has been received that Rotorua will not challenge Whakatane for the Te Hurinui Apanui Shield. Rotorua seeks a Wednesday fixture which Whakatane cannot easily grant.

OTHER RUGBY RESULTS Bracken Cup elimination: Poroporo beat United 6-3 after extra time had been played. Opotiki beat United Juniors 8-3 for the Mclntosh Shield.