RUGBY

Taupo Times, Volume I, Issue 34, 3 September 1952, Page 5

RUGBY

MAROA WINS McKAY CUP The final of the McKay Cup series was played at Taupo on Saturday, August 23rd. between Maroa and United and resulted in a comfortable victory by the Maroa team by 12 points to 3. A penalty kick by Andrews gained the first three points for Maroa and these were followed shortly after Sby a fine score by George Rangi, who crossed the line after a passing bout between the Maroa forwards. United put up a grim battle to ihold Maroa and to turn their defensive game into attacking movernents. Several chances came their way when the Maroa full back fumbled or held on too long. Connors always seemed to have the fcnack of falling back, and he saved his side on each occasion. Shortly before half time P. Kahia imarked up 3 points for United when he scored from a kick and a fast follow-up, and half time came with the score Maroa 6, United 3. The second half opened np strenuously, and the battle remained fierce antil the end. It was anybody's game until Andrews crossed the line to build Maroa's lead up to 6 points. United counter-attacked but it was not their lucky day and all their efforts to improve their position proved fruitless. They failed badiy on their strategyby not marking Andrews, who proved his versatility by playing at first five-eighth instead of in his usual position at half back. If the United team had watched him more closely the game might have ended differently. As it was, a final try for Maroa was scored by Seymour, and this proved to be decisive. The game •ended with Maroa 13, United 3.

Ross Shield. The Taupo Schoolbpys team whieh fravelled to Waipukurau last week to play against five Hawkes Bay district teams of Napier, Hastings, Southern Hawkes Bay, 'Central Hawkes Bay and Wairoa experienced a most enjoyable tournament and played some great matches. They were unfortunate however in losing four out of their five games by very narrow margins, and they drew the fifth match against 'Central Hawkes Bay, 6 points all. The final table Jbf Shield results was as follows: —

It will be seen from the points table that there was little to choose between the points records of the last three teams and Taupo's figores suggest a strong defence. In the first match Taupo met the 'ultimate winners, Wairoa, and the latter were on the attack throughout the first half. A penalty goal and a converted try gave them a lead of 8 points to nil at half time. In the second half Wineer scored two tries for Taupo to reduce the lead ; to two points. This proved to be the narrowest margin in any of the j winning teams matches. The second game against Central Hawkes Bay was drawn at 6 points all. At half time in the match against Hastings Taupo lead by five points to nil as a result of an individualist 80 yard dash by Wineera resulting in a try which he converted himself. in the second half Hastings replied with two tries and scraped home the winners by one point — Hastings 6, Taupo 5. The matches played on the final day were ruined by rain and a greasy ball. Taupo had their opportunities against Napier when they were awarded several penalties, but all the kioks failed. Shortly after halftime Napier scored from a forward rush, and as there was no score in the second half, the game ended, Napier 3,. Taupo 0. The last match against Southern

Hawkes Bay followed much the same pattern as the Napier game. The Southerh team hammered at the Taupo line throughout the first half, but could not score. Nor could they take advantage of several penalties owing to the heavy ball. After half-time they scored a try from a scrum near the line, but this was not converted — Southern Hawkes Bay 3, Taupo 0.

P. W. D. L. Pt. Wairoa 5 5 — — 10 Hastings 5 3 117 Southern H. B. 5 2 12 5 .Napier 5 2 — ^ 3 4 Central H. B. 5 113 3 Taupo 5 — 14 1