RUGBY SEASON IN TAUPO

Taupo Times, Volume I, Issue 21, 4 June 1952, Page 1

RUGBY SEASON IN TAUPO

« Garrett Shield Competition. — Results : Waitahanui 3, Oruanui 0. State Hydro 8, Maroa 0. The first round of the competition for the Garrett Shield was commenced at Taupo on Sunday, May 25. This is the major competition of the season, and decides the Club Champion ship for 1952. Rain and a Heavy ball prevented the players from making an open game of either of the matches. W aitahanui-Oruanui. The Waitahanui-Oruanui fixture was a series of infringements in all phases of play. Both teams had opportunities throughout to accumulate points by way of penalties, but neither side possessed a goal-kicker. Waitahanui backs made several passing* rushes, but lost scoring opportunities by holding the ball too long, and also by their failure to handle with certainty. Svensen, the Waitahanui centre three-quarter, was the best back on the field. The game was scoreless until late in the second half, when from indecisive play on the Waitahanui goal line, Johnny Wa!l gathered the ball and crashed over for a well deserved try which was not converted. In the closing stages, Loughlin nearly broke through for Waitahanui and Oraunui then staged several counter attacks, which nearly resulted in a score. The most promising of these was a forward rush ju^t on the whistle which was neatly cleared by Loughlin. The final score was Waitahanui 3, Oruanui nil. Outstanding players in this match were Rangi Henry and' Bill Withers for Oruanui, ahd Svensen, Loughlin, J. Wai!, and R. Beale for Waitahanui. State Hydro-Maroa. A heavy drizzle prevailed throughout the second game between Maroa and State Hydro, which like the first match was marred by continuous infringements. The Maroa backs were the superior when in aetion, but owing to one of their own forwards cohtinually hampering his half back, the State Hydro backs were able to get up on their opposites before the ball reached them. Maroa backs tried to keep the ball moving even in the rain, but these movements invariably broke down as they were standing too far apart. They d'id have • their brilliant moments however, notably when Crabbe on the right wing flew down over half the length of the field and touched down, only to be recalled for touch on the half way line. fShortly before half time Crabbe was unfortunate enough to suffer a couple of nasty kicks on the leg, and had to leave the ground for attention. The State Hydro forwards, particularly McNicholas, Orr and Falconer, excelled in loose play and gave their side the territorial advantage for most of the game. Falconer landed a penalty goal in the first half to make the score at half time State Hydro 3, Maroa nil. In the second half the drizzle made the game more and more unpleasant and the match developed into a forward tussle. Galvin, who had replaced Crabbe on the wing made a good run before he was pushed into touch, but there were few highlights to the game. Shortly before the whistle, a penalty try was awarded against Maroa and Falconer again converted with a splendid kick. The game ended with the scores States J

Hydro 8, Maroa nil. Ron Seymour, who made some strong dashes, and G. Kapua, who needs to remember to keep to his proper area, were the pick of the Maroa team. The refereeing of Mr Harding, who controlled both games, drew favourable comment in most quarters.. He was strict and fair with the whistle and the fact that he had to use it so much to pull players up for infringements, shows that there is rather an unhealthy disregard for rugbyfundamentals in Taupo at the moment\although no doubt this will sooi\ be corrected when players realise that it pays to know the rules and to obey them. One of the matches was late in starting beeause one of the teams was still looking for players, and when the referee held a boot inspection before each match further delay took place .beeause several play ers had to retire to rasp offending nails protrudirfg through their studs. Players owe it to their colieagues to see for themselves that they go on the field with their equipment in proper condition, and they owe it to the spectators to see that the start of matches are not delayed. Tongariro Sub-Union. The local Tongariro Rugby tSubUnion's competitions are now on. Two gam'es were played at the Hirangi grounds on Sunday afternoon, the first round for the "Nancarfow Cup." Tussock and Hauhungaroa teams met first and the game resulted in a win for Tussock 9-0. The Tongariro club team and Ngauruhoe then played, a win for Tongariro 8-6 resulting. Mr Wikaera and Mr, Schrodder re■spectively ably controlled the games. The Ngauruhoe and Tussock teams are from the sawmilling areas at the foot of the mountains, and Hauhungaroa is from the Western part of Lake Taupo in a sawmilling area, combined with State Hydro workers in that area. The Tongariro team comprise players from the Turangi and Tokaanu area.