HOROWHENUA COMPETITIONS.

Shannon News, 11 September 1928, Page 3

HOROWHENUA COMPETITIONS.

FINAL RESULTS,

The deciding games in three competitions—senior and junior knock-outs and third grade championship—were played on Saturday, with the following results:— SENIOR KNOCK-OUT (NASH CUP). Shannon 7, Weraroa 6. JUNIOR KNOCK-OUT (LICENSED VICTUALLERS’ CUP). Miranui 6, Hui. Mai 5: THIRD GRADE CHAMPIONSHIP. Otaki 20, Shannon 3. NASH CUP FINAL. SHANNON THE WINNERS. The final, for the Nash Cup was played at Levin on Saturday between Shanand Weraroa, and after a hard and even contest, the former came out victors by the.narrow margin-of one point, the final score being: Shannon 7. (a goal from the field, and an unconverted try), Weraroa 6 (a goal from a free kiek and an unconverted try). A strong westerly wind blew throughout the game and placed the team playing against it at a disadvantage, as little ground could be gained with kicks. In the first half Weraroa, play-

ing with the wind, were unable to cross their opponents’ line, this being largely due to the fact that the Red forwards beat the home pack in the scrums for the ball; also, several Openings for, a score were lost when, on the attack, iby kicking too hard, not allowing for the wind. Honours in the first half were even as regards play, and with the wind in their favour in the

second hali, it was generally expected that Shannon would win comfortably. ;Such was nob the case, as Weraroa, playing better than ever, extended them all the way, it being, anybody’s game right up to the call of time. The match was full of interest; from the point, of view of the spectators, who cheered their respective favourites on right up up to the call of .time. During the progress of the game Fitzgerald (Shannon) and Graham (Weraroa) were stood on the lin'e for striking at one another; while Mason (Shannon) had to go off owing to an old injury giving him trouble. The following was the personnel of the teams: — /Shannon:; Gray, Robbie, Mason, Williams, McKenzie, Roberts, Walls, Warman, Marsh, Fitzgerald, Robbie, K. Dalzell, N. Dalzell, Ngatuna and Williams. 'Weraroa: Graham, Gray, J. Broughton, R. Cole, Warren, MeNae, Bull, J. McLennan, Nahona, Palmer, C. Cole, Ellamore, Horn, Skilton and Reid.. Shannon, kicked off with the wind against them and quickly forced play jfiito Weraroa territory, compelling the latter to force.- the ball going into

play Weraroa soon had the Reds on the defensive, being awarded a free kick for off-side play by K. 'Dalzell, •'with the result that J. McLennan converted, thereby opening Weraroa's account. Wferaroa 3, Shannon 0. Good line-kicking by Bull again saw the Reds defending their line. However, from a line-out, Robbie g&t the and raced off, kicking when tackled. This was followed up byvWil liams and McKenzie carrying play into Weraroa’s 25, where McLennan, inter-, cepting th.e. pass, put in a good run and then kicked, the wind carrying the ball over the Red line. Weraroa continued to attack, being forced twice in quick succession through the ball being kicked too hard. Bull then marked, the ball going under the bar. Shortly after, from a scrum, K. Dalzell dribbled through for McKenzie to pick up and .make off, but when tackled lie hung on too long, a good effort being spoilt. A kiek by Graham, which was . fumbled by Gray and Roberts, once again put Reds on the defensive, but following a hard kick by Weraroa “dead ball” was declared. A penalty kick to Weraroa for obstruction followed. Roberts took the ball and quickly passed to Robbie, who raced down the Hue, to be collared by'R. Cole. A further attack by-Reds was saved by J. Broughton kicking to the line. Weraroa then worked their way back, and from a mark Bull had an unsuccessful shot at g0a1.,! A dribbling rush by Shannon forwards carried play down the line and a score looked likely, but Weraroa quickly turned defence into attack and brought play up the field with Broughton in the vaii. He shortpunted, and in a race with (the full back) the later got to the ball first. For a while Weraroa were ham; merine away at Shannon’s line. The latter cleared from a scrum, which was

followed up by a fine passing movement between McKenzie,'Roberts and Mas- ' on, which carried play into Weraroa’s 25, when the whistle sounded for half time.

'On resuming Weraroa by a dribbling rfish went to the attack. Walls cleared momentarily, but the home team came again. The defence stood the test. Finally the Reds cleared once more, McKenzie followed, up ami with a goad kick, aided by the wind, found the line well in their opponents’ 25, From the line-out K. Dalzell sent the

ball on to McKenzie, who transferred

it to Roberts and he to Mason, : who - •■potted a pretty goal. -Shannon 4,' Weraroa 3. A Hot by Weraroa was stemmed by McKenzie . kicking out to save. The attack was continued and a number of scrums took place near the Red line, from ohe of which Warren secured a mark. The ball falling short of the - uprights in his attempt to goal, Roberts ■ secured and found the. line at the half-

way flag. Soon after, Roberts intercepted a pass and pnt in a fine run, to be collared as he reached the line. From

a scrum Walls got possession and dived over., Mason took the kick, bat failed • -to get the "extra points. Shannon 7, .Weraroa 3. : This reverse plac”" Weraroa on their

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mettle, and Warren, getting possession, beat several men', then passed to Gray, who scored. McLennan failed to convert. Shannon 7, Weraroa 6. Weraroa continued with attacking movements in an effort to get the upper hand, during which Warren, marking in the 25, had an unsuccessful shot at goal. On the ball going into play' the game hovered around the half-way line for some time. Weraroa finally broke awa f y with a dribbling rush, but their opponents held them When they reached the danger zone,'' Following a scrum, Williams, with the ball at his toe, dribbled back. The game was now willing, both teams, urged ,on by their supporters, striving to score, each launching successive attacks, until, amidst excitement, Broughton broke away with the ball and raced for'the line, being pushed out at the corner flag. A forward Red rush, in which Walls, Robbie, Williams, and Ngatona took part, brought play back, time being sounded shortly after, with Shannon victors by 7 to 6.,

Mr E. Bevan ably controlled the game.