RUGBY DAY AT TOKAANU WHEN TEAMS FROM "OUTSIDE" PLAYED

Taupo Times, Volume XIV, Issue 56, 20 July 1965, Page 12

RUGBY DAY AT TOKAANU WHEN TEAMS

FROM "OUTSIDE" PLAYED

TURANGI.

(OC)

It was Rugby day at Tokaanu last Tuesday when a representative Rugby match between King Country and Horowhenua was preceded by two curtainraisers. The first was between the Tokaanu High School team and a team made up from the first and second fifteens of Mangakino School. The second match was between the Taumarunui and Taihape colleges. Of the three matches played, the match between the Taumarunui and Taihape boys could be described as a classic Rugby match. The ball was never still and the numerous spectators were treated to a sparkling display of Rugby, the ball passing freely between backs

and forwards, a very fast pack of forwards getting the ball to their backline and then joining in in sweeping rushes down the field. The Taumarunui team played outstanding football and the final score of 31 — 3 to Taumarunui was a good indication of the ability of these boys against their opponents from Taihape. This game was very much appreciated by the large crowd of spectators waiting for the main match. The same could not be said of the first curtainraiser between Tokaanu and Mangakino schools. The game was well-con-trolled by the referee, Mr McCracken, but was still much marred by high tackling, jersey-pulling, tripping of opponents and

much unnecessary talking on both sides. However, both teams played hard football. If any individual player stood out, he could be J. Wiki, of Mangakino, or J. Rangataua, of Tokaanu. Rangataua, in particular, played an outstanding game and covered the field in his endeavours to help his team. The final score was 18 — 0 for Mangakino. Scorers for Mangakino were J. Wiki," M. Box and P. Parsons. J. Wiki also converted two tries and kicked one penalty goal. The representative match between Horowhenua and the King Country opened with King Country playing very solid Rugby in an attempt to establish ascendancy over their opponents. R. Parr kicked a penalty goal for King Country shortly after the match began and two tries shortly afterward by J. Mcllroy, one of which was converted by Parr, brought King Country's total to 11. Horowhenua appeared to be slow off the mark and could not at any time keep up with the pace set by their opponents. The first half ended: King Country 19, Horowhenua 3. The second half opened with some scintillating Rugby by the King Country team, although Horowhenua scored their only points with a penalty goal kicked by J. Seymour. The game was full of movement and I. Ingham, King Country's vice captain, went over for a try which was converted by R. Parr. The score now stood at 40 — 3 and the Mcllroy-Parr combination of try and conversion soon sent the score to 45— -3. King Country now dominated the game, although Horowhenua fought back hard at all times: A try by R. Flintoff, followed by the newcomer B. Hall going over again just before full time brought the final score to 51 — 3 for King Country. The three games were enjoyed by a crowd of some hundreds at the Tokaanu Domain and the visitors were entertained to dinner during the evening at Waihi.