SECOND FIFTEEN'S GAME

Chronicle (Levin), 19 June 1946, Page 8

SECOND FIFTEEN'S GAME

In the game between the second fiftecns, Horowhenua ran out the winners by 18 points to nil. Though the game was marred throughout by heavy rain and a high southwesterly wind, both teams tnrew Ihe ball about in bright and open style, and the handling was good despite the conditions. The players lined out on the field as follows: — Rongotai: Backhouse (capt.), Dennls (vice-capt.) , Brierley, Bryan, Van, Benjamin, .Martin, Kirkland, Mailman, Hardy, Roberts, Uzmoor, Lewis, Arbuckle and Phillips. Horowhenua : Graham, Young, Dome, Hannan, Peach, Fogden, Bartosli, A. and P. Thorpe, Whelan, Clapcott, P. and J. Goodwin, Gunning and^Lambert. Rongotai kicked off and from this initial advantage they quickly followed up and forced the pace. Heavy rain set in and the leather became very slippery, confining most of 'the game to forward play, The Horowhenua pack took the ball back. to Rongotai line and from a ruck Fogden sent his backs away, enabling Whelan to dlve over.'

Dorne's kick failed. Horowhenua 3, Rongotai 0. Horowhenua were playing into a strong wind and after some hard forward play, P. Thorpe gathered in the leather and scored. Dorne's attempt fell short. Horowhenua 6, Rongotai 0. Half-time came soon after with Horowhenua still forcing the pace. Maftin was injured at this stage, and was replaced by Duffy. Whelan was also hurt and was replaced by Cameron. Horowhenua kicked off for- the second half and, taking full advantage of the wind, followed up quickly and forced the game ihto Rongotai twenty-five, where Clapcott received from a ruck and went over in the corner. Dorne's kick with the heavy ball failed. Horo-whenua-9, Rongotai 0. Horowhenua were now having the game to their own' liking and two unconverted tries in quick succession by P. Thorpe and Haley brought the score to 15 points. The last try, which was the most spectacular of the game, was scored by Hannan who battled his way from near half-way in a great run. His attempt at goal fell short, and the finaL whistle sounded soon after with the score at Horowhenua 18, Rongotai 0. Mr. A. Lacey ably coiitrolled the game.