THAMES V. PAEROA

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 52, Issue 32303, 23 August 1943, Page 5

THAMES V. PAEROA

RUGBY ON DOMAIN —■l lI— I PLAY ON SATURDAY LOCAL TEAM WINS 11 TO NIL In a ragged game at the Domain •on Saturday, Paeroa defeated Thames by 11 points to nil: 'Both teams seemed below form and the resulting game was not up to the standard of those seen prior to to-day. For the winners Chaney played his usual good game and was equally good on attack or defence. Baker and Shilton combined well at times and Miller showed flashes of his old form but was obviously out of condition. ‘He still retains his good “boot” however, and with a little luck his tally would have been three goals instead of one. Speechlay did not have a great deal to do at full-back but made few mistakes and combined well with the other backs. This player should do better closer up. He seems more at home in the three-quartei’ line than in his present position.

' Paeroa Has Advantage of Weight The forwards did not put much dash into their work till well on into the second spell. Niven was noticed working hard ably supported-by Murphy, Vinnicombe and Hansen. Neil and Strong kept on the ball and Strong was rewarded with a try by following up. Jamieson played a great game as rover. i The Thames team were on a whole lighter than Paeroa, but though beaten in the scrums, still stuck to it, and were a bit unlucky not to score on two occasions. The diminutive half-back, Crooks, played a good game and behind a heavier pack would be very dangerous. Taylor and Anderton both went well but were not given much of the ball and when they did get it were quickly smothered. The rest of the backs had mostly defensive work to do and acquitted themselves well. The forwards worked well against a heavier pack, Norton and Danby showing up most. Whitmore would be a great forward if he got over that tendency to hang on the edge of the scrum. Paeroa won the toss and played with the sun behind them. The teams lined out as follows: — Thames (blue and black). —Fullback, O’Neill; three-quarters, Jamieson, Pye, Law; five-eighths, Anderton, Taylor; half-back, Crooks; forwards, Howard, Norton, Whitmore, Timmins. McLean, Roberts, Blanchette, Danby. Emegencies: Stirling, Brien, R. Olsen, N. Olsen. Paeroa (green).—Fullback, Speechlay; three-quarters, Douglas, Miller. Fraser; five-eighths, Shilton, Baker; half-back, Chaney; forwards, Niven, Jamieson, Strong, Neil, Vinnicombe, Murphy, Pearson, Hansen.

An Early Score From the kick-off play hurfg in midfield until Paeroa were awarded a free kick for offside by Thames in the line-, out and Miller found touch at Thames’ twenty-five. From the throw-in Chaney received to hand on to Douglas who inpassed to Shilton who forced his way across. Miller just missed with a good kick.

Paeroa 3, Thames O'. From the drop-out Paeroa again took play to Thames’ line but were penalised for offside. • Taylor took the kick and found touch at half-way. Breaches, were frequent and Paeroa were again penalised and Thames took play right to Paeroa goal line. From a scrum Miller cleared and play went to midfield. Miller again broke away to be well stopped by . Anderton and play went to Paeroa 25. Play was held up while a new pair of pants was procured for Shilton, and again when G. Fraser was injured. On resuming Shilton broke away and a score seemed imminent but his pass went astray and Taylor found touch at the 25. Another free ’ kick gave Thames temporary relief,'but Shilton again secured in his own 25 and broke through to the Thames fullback. His kick was too hard and Thames forced down. From the dropout Thames rushed play to Paeroa’s twenty-five and looked dangerous when Miller failed to field the ball, bid Speechlay came round to save. Halftime came with the score: — Paeroa 3, Thames. 0; From the kick-off play was fairly even until Speechlay broke away only to he stopped by Crooks and the ball went out at the twenty-five. From the throw-in play swung across the field and Miller scored right in the corner. Speechlay missed a difficult kick. Paeroa 6, Thames 0.

Play Opened Up Paeroa were now throwing the ball about, both forwards and backs joining in, and Thames had to force down. From the drop-out Chaney secured, to .hand on to Speec,hlay who had come up fast and made a good opening, only to see Taylor snap the ball up and find

touch half-way. Not to be denied, Paeroa forwards rushed play to Thames’ line and from a scrum Strong secured to dive over and score. Miller converted with a good kick, making the total: — Paeroa 11, Thames 0. Play was again held up with injuries to Taylor and Fraser. From the scrum Whitmore broke away to ten yards from the Paeroa goal-line but Fraser saved well and Speedway took play back to Thames’ twenty-five. Here Paeroa were penalised for offside, Taylor putting the ball out at the halfway line. The final 'bell went shortly after with-the score: — Paeroa - —- - 11 ■ Thames —- --- --- - 0 Mr 11. W. McGregor ably controlled I the game. THIRD-GRADE GAME PAEROA DEFEAT HIGH SCHOOL In the third-grade game played as a curtain-raiser to the main game Paeroa defeated High School by five j points to nil. The points came from I a try by Adams which was converted \ by Handley. Mr S. Keutenius was the referee.