RUGBY

Taupo Times, Volume I, Issue 37, 24 September 1952, Page 1

RUGBY

CHAMPION OF CHAMPION8 This mateh between Waitahanui, winners of the Garrett Shieid and Maroa, who had already carried off the McKay Cup, aroused a great deal of interest, and it was most 1121fortunate that several lengthy dowiipours of rain completely spoiled the second half. Tjhe first of these which occurred at half time was heavy enough to delay the commencement of the second half ancf to drive quite a number of spectators from the field. * A fierce struggle was expected in this match as in previous meetings beHveen the teams this season Maroa had 'won twice and Waitahanui onee, However it was a disappointing game as Maroa did not reach f orui at all and allowed Waitahanui to dominate the game throughout. All the scoriiig took place in the first half, but uhey were all The result of individual efforts and no brilliant movements were seen. The first score came to Waitahanui when A. Grace short-punted in de~ fence, and following up gained possession again to hand on to C. Blake who scored in the corner. Their second try came shortly after when G. Blake intercepted a Maroa pass, sent the ball on to L. Wuldron who outpaced the Maroa backs to score between the posts. iM. Wai! converted and Waitahanui led by eight points. ■ Maroa's turn to score came shortly before half time when 3. Warake shot over from a scrummage near the line, and the score at the inter^val was Waitahanui 8, Maroa 3. In the second half the ground was very soft and fhe ball hard to handle. The referee, Mr R. Harding found it necessary to use the whistle more frequently for ihandling infringements. Both sides attacked strenuously and missed scoring narrowly. No further points wrere scored, and Waitahanui can be partic ]jilarly thankiul for Beale at f ull-bacl ij, who played a splendidly safe garie. Waitahanui 9 ..... jp g Maroa J 8.