THE FINLAY CUP GAME

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 585, 17 July 1933, Page 6

THE FINLAY CUP GAME

At Morrinsville, an a match for the Finlay Cup, the Rotorua senior representatives were completely swamped by the holders by the big margin of 39 points to nil. Prior to the game rain had fallen heavily and the ground was very muddy and slippery, as a result. Though Rotorua hooked the ball from the set scrums, it was of no use to them as the backs could not keep on their feet and owing to the greasy state of the ball their handling and fielding was erratie. The conditions suited Morrinsville, however, for they handled with perfection all their scores resulting from back movements. They annexed 19 points in the first half (five tries, two converted) and in the second spell three tries, one converted. Owing to several players of the selected team being unable to malce the trip the following lined out for Rotorua: T. Sullivan, R. Cooper, T. Waerea, R. Greening, T. Thompson, H. Hamiora, B. Hulton, Solomon, Te Ngaio, Emery, B. Rogers, P. Taiapa, McDougall, Te Purei, H. Maekie. From the start, the holders pressed and though Rotorua gained relief from a penalty, Morrinsville quickly took the offensive and receiving the ball from a ruck Aitken sent to Campbell, who scored well out. The kick missed. Morrinsville 3, Rotorua 0. , Shortly after, from a line-out close to Rotorua's line, the home half received the ball and started a passing rush all the backs handling, for the winger to finish off the movenient by scoring behind the posts. Cameron converted. Morrinsville 8, Rotorua 0. Rotorua was hooking the ball cleanly from the scrums butj they made many mistakes and profiting by these Morrinsville started many passing rushes that " invaded Rotorua's territory and kept up the pressure on their line. Knock-ons by the Morrinsville backs ^pofiit gireat scoring chances and by well judged line kicking, Rotorua temporarily cleared the position. Another try came to Morrinsville from a spectacular passing rush, the ball again traversing the whole of the backs. Although the try was in a handy position, Morrinsville failed to better themselves and the scores read: Morrinsville 11, Rotorua 0. Morrinsville's next score was the result of good following up by Aitken. From play in mid-field a good kick by Morrinsville beat Sullivan the fullback, who slipped over in the m.ud and Aitken, by following up fast, secured the ball on the bounce and scored behind the posts. Cameron convertedMorrinsville 16, Rotorua 0. Bad handling by Rotorua's backs caused strong attacking movements •to break down and play swept to their 25 where Hulton misfielded. Aitken took the ball on the full and with a great burst of speed, scored well out making the half-time score: Morrinsville 19, Rotorua 0. Ten minutes after the resumption of play, Aitken had to rebire injured and for a short spell Rotorua forwards dominated the play. However Morrinsville, by judicious line kicking, worked their way to their opponents' line and compelled Rotorua to force twjce in quick succession. Morrinsville scored two more tries the result of well-planned movements bringing the score up to 25 points to their opopents' nil. The final score came from a fast follow through of a kick which caught the full-back out of position. , In attempting to force the ball, Sullivan slipped j a Morrinsville back dropping on the ball and scoring. , Cameron added the minor points. Mor- j rinsville 30, Rotorua- 0. Shortly after, the game ended with the scor.e un'altered. .