RUGBY —McKAY CUP

Taupo Times, Volume I, Issue 32, 20 August 1952, Page 7

RUGBY —McKAY CUP

Champions Lose in First Round MAROA 3 y. WAITAHANUI 0 In the club championship games for the Garrett Shield, Waitahanui was supreme and won seven of its eight matches, and the only team to defeat them was Maroa who recorded a second round victory, after losing as the result of a last minute try in the first round game. On August 10 Maroa again defeated the club champions at Taupo, this time in the first round of the knock-out competition for the McKay Cup. Once again it was a close game and the only score came when Maroa obtained a penalty goal three minutes before the end. The game was fast and open, with the advantage first with one side and then with the other. Both sides showed lack of finish in their movements, which prevented them from ending in a score. The forward play was even. Waitahanui with much superior weight often pushed their way through, but Andrews at half for Maroa proved very capable v in defence. The Maroa forwards offset this with fast and nippy play, and fhey handled the ball like backs. The Waitahanui backs were the better line with Ham, Biddle and E. Grace showing up as the attacking force> while Beale gave one of his best performances at fullback. Andrews rnissed Tohara in his back line, but he sent the ball out unerringly time after time only to see the movements break down. Although he marshalled his line and tried many crafty dodges to find an opening, Grace waS opposite with his Varied experience and he saw to it that there was no breakthrough. The last ten minutes of the game was gruelling, and the excitement of the spectators, who were thoroughly enjoying the game, waxed high as time went on and the teams strove mightily. No game this for the weak and unfit. Then three minutes from the final whistle, Maroa were awarded a penalty goal and S'. Andrews placed the ball between the posts to give Maroa a win by 3 points to nil. United v. Oruanui Postponed The match between United and Oruanui on the same date in the first round for the McKay Cup was postponed owing to a bereavement afFertmsr the nlavers of both