1946 RUGBY FINAL

Chronicle (Levin), 16 September 1946, Page 4

1946 RUGBY FINAL

Hui, Mai Runners-Up One of the largest. crowds yet seen on the Levin Domain this year assembled on Saturday to see one of the big matches of the season — the final of the senior rugby championship between Athletic and Hui Mai, which Athletic won quite comfortably by 11 points to four. The game was disappointing in some respects as both sides did not show the form which they have displayed throughout the whole season, although some of the back moveihents were brilliantly executed. Each side had its share of the supporters and both teams were given a cheer from the crowd as they took the field. The fine weather and dry ground won the game for Athletic as their back line was able to go into action with confidence. The Hui Mai backs played a good game, but they did not have the speed or finish of their opponents. Hui Mai had the advantage in the scrums, with plenty of weight and excellent hookers. Blenkhorn and Galloway in the Athletic back line played excellent games, each being prominent with their penetrating runs. The two wingers, Stevens and Batten, also played good games, each making some very determined runs with a consequent territorial gain. The Athletic pack worked as a team and it would be hard to distinguish any one player. The most noticeable of the Hui Mai players was Page, the full-back, who saved his side time ahd time again with his deep runs and excellent line kicking. The Hui Mai forwards also worked hard and used their weight to advantage. McCashin's hookmg gave his backs the ball from -the majority of scrums, and this player was always a dangerous man in the loose. These two teams still have to meet for the Easton and McLennan Cups and by winning this game Athletic become the senior champions for 1946 and the first holders of the re-donated Ramsbotham Cup. The teams were as follows: — Athletic: Skilton, Stevens, Batten, Henson, Hudson, Galloway, Blenkhorn, Fletcher, O'Donnell, Palmer, Denton (captain), Oorbishley, Morris, Carkeek and Skuse. Hui Mai: Page, Bevan, H. Cook, Rangiwhetu, Ransfield, Corbett, Ray Robinson, Roy Robinson, Heperi, McCashin, Staples, Wallace, Lewis, Te Hiwi and Mather. Corbett was later replaced by W. Cook. Hui Mai kicked off and as the ball was taken it was knocked on. A scrum was set down and the ball came out to Blenkhorn, who sent it on. It travelled right along the Athletic back line to Stevens, who was forced to kick out when challenged. Hard play followed, with scrums and line-outs eventuating in monotonous regularity. Athletic were forcing the pace, with their rearguard continually trying to open up the game. Following a knock-on by Page, a scrum was set down and the ball was kicked through a gap between Henson and Galloway. Corbett kicked through and broke away with Bevan in support. Corbett threw the ball back to Bevan and he raced on with practically an open field in front of him, but Stevens, the speedy Athletic winger, came across and saved the situation. Several penalty kicks were given shortly after this; but all failed. From a ruck two yards inside the Athletic half the ball went to Galloway, who just managed to get his kick in as he was tackled. Hudson and Stevens followed the kick up and the ball bounced into Stevens' arms,. enabling him to run over well out. Galloway's kick failed, making it Athletic, 3, Hui Mai 0. Hard play' .followed .the kickToff and t-a * pepalty "awafded t-io . Athletic five yards inside the Hui Mai half. Galloway's kick fell short and the ball was forced. Five minutes later Athletic were awarded another penalty on the Hui Mai twenty-five and ten yards in. Galloway convqrted with an excellent kick. Half-time came soon after, with the score still six nil in Athletic's favour. Athletic forced to the Hui Mai line from the kick-off, but Page cleared with an excellent 75-yard line kick. More hard play took place right on the Athletic line and Rangiwhetu attempted a pot • at goal. The shot missed, but a little later Corbett was successful with a drop kick from just inside the Athletic twenty-five. Athletic '6, Hui Mai 4. Soon after Heperi was unlucky with a penalty, as it screwed off his boot. Hudson took the ball and put it out on the twenty-five. The ball came back to Galloway, who broke away and made a beautiful run down the line until he wa's caught ten yards from the Hui Mai line. The ball was rucked and immediately put out by Wallace, the Hui Mai half. From the line-out, Fletcher, who had jumped for the ball, broke away and raced around the whole Hui Mai team, who were standing flatfooted. Fletcher finally touched down under the posts for Galloway to convert, bringing the score to Athletic 11, Hui Mai 4. Soon after the kick-off Palmer, Morris and O'Donnell started a passing rush, but they did not have the speed and were soon stopped. Athletic were now showing some of their old form and throwing the ball around. Blenkhorn was unlucky on one occasion to go over the line, only to be recalled as their were too many hands on the ball. The game ended soon after with the score still Athletic 11, Hui Mai 4. Mr. J. D. McFarlane was the referee.