AN EVEN GAME

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 306, 20 August 1932, Page 6

AN EVEN GAME

takapuna match ROTORUA HIGH SCHOOL BACKS' GOOD SHOWING FORWARDS GAME, BUT LIGHT Four draws in succession is surely a record between two teams in sepondary school Rugby. Neither Takapuna Grammar nor Rotorua High School has been able to score a win since 1928, when Rotorua won by 13 points to nine. The game p'layed at Takapuna on Thursday was a clean hard-fought contest, with both teams fighting desperately from the kickoff to the 'final whistle. A draw was perhaps the best result of an even game. Rotorua showed a pronounced superiority in the backs, while Takapuna made up the advantage with a strong pack of forwards. Probably the best secondary school pack in Auckland, Takapuna gradually wore down the resistance of the light Rotorua pack, who however put up a most creditable showing. In the first half, the Rotorua backs saw a good deal of the ball and showing combination and penetration, caused Takapuna many anxious moments. Unfortunately a greasy ground hampered them greatly, particularly on one occasion when Matthews slipped when attempting- a cut-in, with a score in sight. Back movements were not very numerous as Takapuna kept play in the forwards, especially in the second half, when nearly all Rotorua's passing movements were smothered by the fast-breaking Takapuna forwards. Takapuna won the toss and played with the sun. Play went to Rotorua's half, where a hard forward tussle ensued. Rotorua's rearguard were soon on the attack, and did most of the attacking for the greater part of the spell. A penalty was awarded to Rotorua well out, but Park found the angle too difficult. Play returned downfield, and Em'ery was unsuccessful )with a kick from a penalty in a handy position. Shortly afterwards Rotorua started a passing rush in their own 25, and Matthews made a strong run well down the field, but slipped on the greasy ground when attempting a cut-in and was tackled in possession. At half-time Takapuna were attacking, with no score registered. Rotorua Leads Soon after the resumption, Rotorua heeled from a scrum near half-way, and Dawson passed to Hinton, who broke through the defenee, cleverly dummied the full-back and went on to score a fine try in a good position. Parlc failed at goal. Rotorua 3, Takapuna 0. Takapuna attacked in turn, and their backs all handled in a good passing rush, Warren, on the wing making a strong run down the line to score in the corner. Emery's kick missed. Takapuna 3, Rotorua 3-. Even forward play followed with occasional passing rushes. By this time the weight was beginning to tell on Rotorua, and Takapuna kept them on the defensive, dogged defenee keeping the home team in check. Takapuna were unfortunate when Sale secured from a loose scrum and attempted a pot at goal. the ball just going under the bar. The game ended with Takapuna still attacking and the scores, Takapuna 3, Rotorua 3. Mr. C. M. Bailey was the refer 'e.