RUGBY

Taupo Times, Volume I, Issue 31, 13 August 1952, Page 2

RUGBY

GARREXT SHIELD FINALS The final matches for the Garrett Shield were set down for decision on August 3rd. arid Waitahanui who already enjoyed a safe lead and had the championship in their pockets increased their points total with a win over United. Unfortunately Hydro the bottom team defaulted to Maroa, 1 who thereby gained full points and i obtained second place. The points ! table is as follows: —

Last Sunday the first round of a knock out competition for the McKay Cup was to be commenced with matches between Waitahanui and Maroa and between United and Oruanui, On Saturday mext * the Silverdale Football Club from North Auckland are to be the guests of the local association. They are due to arrive on Friday at the Terraces Hotel and will leave for home on Sunday. Results pf Final Series. Waitahanui 15, United 8. Maroa won by default from Hydro. Waitahanui v. United. The game played at the Domain provided a good day for the spectators, when United met, Waitahanui for their final game in this competition. Waitahanui won with 15 points to United's 8 and proved their superr iority in every department of the game. They commanded the majority of the line-outs and scrums, and made the most of every opportunity that came their way. It was apparent that they were carrying out a plan, for right from the outset, at least three men marked United's key man, J. Habib at centre three-quarter. Habib's opposite number, Ham, at centre for Waitahanui, played a strong defensive game, but A. Grace proved to be their best back,' and he scored the first Waitahanui try with a 50 yard race down the side line. The kick failed.

The Waitahanui backs were in great fettle ncw and Biddle on the wing was particularly dangerous. Several times he nearly scored with good runs, but eventually with a splendid kick for a penalty goal he put his side further ahead. A complete backline movement took the ball to Ham who scored a try which was not eonverted. A. Grace made another opening with a short punt,~and Ham gathered it in to score again. Biddle failed with the kick. Waitahanui^ last try came when A. Blake cut through cleverly to touch down. Scoring for United was started by G. Habib, who crossed the line for J. Shelford to convert. Later J. Habib at last broke away and scored near the corner. The kick failed and the game hnished with the score Waitahanui 15, United 8. This was undoubtedly Un-ited's (hardest game of the year, and the

team sadly missed the great drive of J. Habib's strong runs. They fought gamely to the end, and thougli the siruggle was hard, they proved their good sportsmanship to the onlookers by helping to keep the game* clean and open.

P. W. L. D. Pt, Waitahanui 8 7 — 14 Maroa 8 5 2 1 11 United 8 4 3 1 § Oruanui 8 2 6 — • 4 Hydro 8 1 7 — 2