BIRCH CUP MATCH.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVI, Issue 4844, 24 June 1925, Page 4

BIRCH CUP MATCH.

CHALLENGE FROM PLAINS. CLOSE AND EXCITING GAME. The Hauraki Plains Rugby representative team played at Thames for the Birch Challenge Cup on Saturday last, and in the last ten minutes of .the game suffered defeat. Perhaps it was the ancient traditions of Rugby in Thames that rallied a beaten team. Whatever it was, there is no doubt that Thames is fortunate in now being tire possessor of 'the trophy. The Plains team was weak. Several of its best players were unable to play, and men were placed in unfamiliar positions, but a splendid fight was put up, and every man did his best. Defeat would very probably have been averted had the full-back been replaced by a. stronger player while Plains had the lead. The,teams were as follows: — Thames. —Winder, Buchanan, Harrison, A. Winder, Mcßae, Donnelly, Pratt, Kelly, Pollock, Benny, Strange, Brunton, Hayward, Green, Ensor. Plains.—G. Birkenhead, McPherson, C. Stretton, C. Molloy,'F. Nicol, L. Cotter, B. Nolan, K. Fqx.’d. Cawdrey, R. Steedman, H. Shaw, C. Clarke, E. Cowdrey, O. Cleave, L. Berney. Thames kicked off facing the sun, and play . was in neutral territory until Plains initiated an attack with a penalty kick. In close play Mcßay broke through and started a. passing rush, which reached the visitors twenty-five. Thames gained ground with a penalty kick, but lost a chance to score by hanging on too long. Cotter marked in front of his goal, and receiving the ball on its return sent out at halfway. A series of long kicks terminated with Cotter securing and, supported by Molloy, reaching the home team’s twenty-live, but Winder returned midfield. An interchange of kicks saw Plains force. Hayward secured in a line-out at halfway and sent out to his backs, their rush being stopped by Stretton. The Thames forwards then advanced and compelled a force. Plains remained on the defensive until changeover. Plains had the upper hand in the second round, and the backs got in some good work, especially Nicol, and they were' only stopped by Winder under the goal. Play ranged in, the home team’s territory until a long kick well followed up reversed posi'tinos, but Birkenhead saved. Loose forward play fallowed, the Plains pack .showing superiority and beating the opposition. A few free kicks to Thames followed, and the Plains backs did good work, Nicol and McPherson being conspicuous. A free kick was awarded the visitors 10 yards over tno halfway line and Cotter placed the ball amid ironical laughter from the line. The kick was a 'splendid one, but the ball passed just outside the posts and was forced. The home team had a strenuous time defending, and several forces resulted. Marks, and free kicks temporarily eased, but Plains continued to attack.

On resuming after half-time Plains attacked and entered the home teamls territory. Cotter took a free kicK, but Hayward charged it down. For some time play was restricted to neutral ground,- there being many passing rushes by both sides, but with no permanent advantage until the visitors asserted themselves and C. Clarke scored. Cotter kicked a fine goal. Plains 5, Thames 0. Thames had several penalty kicks, but no score resulted. Play ranged from halfway to the Thames line, and the prospects of the cup changing hands were bright. The rays of the setting ■sun proved very troublesome to the home team.

The visitors continued their good work at the opening of the final spell, and play’ centred near the Thames line until relief was afforded by a free kick. High kicking to blind the visitors and good dribbling rushes saw Thames gaiii ground, and in front of the Plains goal a free kick was awarded. The ball struck the Plains

man standing on the-ma.rk and another attempt was granted. This time Pratt sent it over, making the scores Plains 5, Thames 3. After going to Thames territory play was returned to midfield by a free kick. A kicking bout ensued until McPherson broke through, and with Molloy carried on to the line. From then on Thames had the better of the game, Hayward getting in some good work. Cleave secured a mark from a forward pass in a very dangerous position and temporarily eased, but the defenders of the cup were making a desperate light.. Mcßae returned a penalty kick and followed up, a hard struggleensuing near the Plains line until a series of passes found a weak spot and Winder •sce-red. ' The try was not converted. Thames G, Plains 5. The challenges]- were kept hard on the defensive for the remaining few minutes of the game. Mr J. Buchan was referee.