HUI MAI WINS STIRRING DUEL WITH RAHUI

Chronicle (Levin), 30 May 1949, Page 4

HUI MAI WINS STIRRING DUEL WITH RAHUI

An exciting game was seen at Manakau when Hui Mai won by the narrow margin of 16 points to 15 from Rahui. Rain and a high wind blowing across the field made conditions particuiarly unpleasant in the early stages. Winning the toss and playing with the wind, Rahui led 12 — 3 at the end of the first spell. The position $as reversed in the second' half, Hui Mai scoring 13 points to the visitors' three. • • Both packs gave sterling displays and Hui Mai's weight advantage was countered by the tenacity of their generally lightei' opponents. Possession- of« the ball was not the dominating factor; rather was it down hill speed with the wind. five of the six tries scored being in the Jeft hand western corner. Almost all the' play was on this side of the field. During the second spell mayiy well-intended kicks went in the opposite direction to which they were essayed and under the conditions mistakes were numerous. Rahui maintained their recent improved showing and without detracting in any way from Hui Mai'k performance, the visitors Were unlucky to lose. Hui Mai kicked off into the wind and the rain, and from a scrum which followed the first rush Rahui were awarded a penalty kick, which A. . Hakaraia was successful in putting over. The kick being a good one into the cross wind. Another three ooints came soon after when M. * Winterburn sent a hice pass from fcehind the scrum to A; Hakaraia, who short kick to centre saw B. Wallis win the race1 to the line. Hui Mai made little .headway against the wind, and an infringe-

nient when they neared their opponenDs' 25 brought W. Johnspn and M. Win«.erburn within inches' of scoring again for Rahui. Another punt to; centre following the hext scrum saw A. Hakaraia send his forwards racing again, and Ted Fox was first to arrive and score again for Rahui, who led 9—0. A succession of penalties followed, with the wind causing much trouble, in the lineouts. Hui Mai - forwards Were pushing hard and geUihg plenty of the ball, but it was .ate in the spell before they penetr'ated the Rahui 25. Another three points to Rahui were missed when a penalty kick which A Hakaraia meant to centre went just under the ba'r. Faulty handling immediate'y after resulted in Hakaraia securing another three points with. a penalty kick. Soon after the opposing wingers, W. Johnsoh and H. Cook, became entangled and a penalty to Hui Mai 10 yards outside Rahui's 25 gave M. Staples a chance. With a beautiful kick into the wind he opened Hui Mai's scoring. The spell ended with the scores, Rahui 12, Hui Mai 3.

rne ram .eu up oue xne wina mjreased for the second spell, and ftie expected thrills eventuated :ight from the kick off. Hui Mai's speedy winger,' H, Gook, rushed for ihe line, but was solidly tackled by W. Johnson ten yards out. The baU appeared to be thrown forward; H. Wallace dived for it and forced. M. Staples had ho trouble kicking into the cross wind. Rahui attacked hard and T. Fox and J. McLeod, with the ball at their toes, led a rush into Hui Mai's 25. A oenalty relieved and the ball went to the dead ball line at the other end of the field. Rahui were on the sttack again immediately and M. Winterburn and Fox led the rush for the Hui Mai line; Hard ruckLng followed and A. Hakaraia oicked up and barged his way over to score the o^y try of the day at the northern end. The kick .was disallowed and Rahui led 15 — 8. Play was soon back in Rahui 25 and wilh the bounce beating B. Wallis, H. Cook scored a try at the corner flag for Hui Mai. M. Staples . again converted for the points to read 15 — 13 in Rahuife favour. The struggle becaine intense at this stage and scrums were being pushed everywhere. with Rahui hooking their share. Another rush for the corner saw H. Wallace again dive to put Hui Mai into the lead 16—15. Mr. J. Elvidge was referee.