CENTRAL H.B. RUGBY

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 152, 15 July 1937, Page 13

CENTRAL H.B. RUGBY

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Thrilling Encounter at Waipukurau SUB-UNION TEAM

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Last Saturday 's senior results in Central Hawke's Bay were as follow: Waipukurau (6) beat Porangahau (6). Omakere (2) beat Tikokino (6). Otane (6) beat Old Boys (3). Spectators at Central Park last Saturday saw a thrilling encounter between two of tho three best teaais in the district. In this match, Waipukurau v. Porangahau, only one try was •scored, and considering the undoubted scoring abilities of some of the backs concerned this fact speaks volumes for the keenness of the defence. Waipukurau 's failure to win their match haa tightened Takapau 's grip on the cham* pionship, but it remains to be seen whether the leaders can defeat Porangahau. It is a great pity that the latter team was so slow in reaching top gearj their four early defeats put them out of the running for competilion honours. With a narrow victory ovefOld Boys, Otane broke their run of ill fortune. , In the last few weeks Otane have lost several players, including tho redoubtable Mellis. This son of a former All Black forWard has gone to Auckland, and his future Rugby career will be watched with interest. If he is able to join one of the Auckland city clubs he might easily reach the standard set by his father. . In viow of the losses mentioned, Otane fielded three teams last Saturday. Three years ago there was no Rugby in Otane, and the progress made by the new club is remarkable. To-Day's Representative Fame. If the Central Hawke's Bay tfcani to play Hastings to-day takes the field as originally selected, it will be the strongest combination which has this season represented tne sub-union. Tho re-appearance of the Aldrich brotbers will be very welcome, and they as fiveeighths will benefit by the inclusion of Lovatt, of Waipukurau, at half. Teu dayB. ago Lovatt played a splendid game against Otane. The exclusion of Ross, on present form, could only be explained by the assumption that he was not available. Although the Central forwards will be lighter than their Haslg^gs opponents, in- previous gaoies they have shown themselves to be a fast and hard-working pack. Inter-School Rugby. Next Wednesday the first and second fifteens from Wanganui College will play at Te Aute College. The visiting first fifteen will play an "under twenty" team from Te Aute; this will be the same team which last week easily defeated Hastings High School. f Early this season Wanganui had an easy victory over King's College, Auckland.