TUG-O-WAR CONTEST

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIII, Issue 266, 7 October 1933, Page 12

TUG-O-WAR CONTEST

TEAMS AT WHAKARONGO. The popularity of tug-o-war was evidenced, last evening, when fourteen teams entered the contest held at the Whakarongo Hall in conjunction with a dance. The teams hailed from the following places : —Fitzherbert, Aokautere (2), Hiwinui, AVhakarongo (2), Ashhurst. Cheltenham, Eketahuna, Makerua, Nil-calm, Shannon, Mt. Richards and Koputaroa. So 1 large was the attendance that the hall was too small to comfortably accommodate those present, and those who danced had scarcely room to turn round. However, despite the discomfort suffered in this respect, the gathering was a complete success. During the past few months there have been a considerable number of tug-o-war contests held in the country districts, and all have been liberally patronised, and financially successful as a result. Owing to pressure of seasonal work it is unlikely that many more similar gatherings will be held this year, but with practice it is anticipated that some thrilling pulls will be witnessed next year. On behalf of the Whakarongo tug-o’-war committee, Mr E. Heneghan made the presentations to the successful ' teams and expressed pleasure at seeing such a large number of entries. Some of the teams, he said, had come long distances to participate in the contest, and he congratulated them upon their fine sportsmanship. Continuing, Mr Heneghan. said that he had been associated with similar gatherings for many years and he had never seen such a good spirit prevail among teams as had obtained at the tVTrakarongo contest. He congratulated the winning team (Koputaroa) upon their merited victory and stated chat they had met good teams, and had to fight for every inch of rope. Koputaroa had pulled scientifically and, although they had not enjoyed the guidance of their skipper, Mr Cecil Symes, they had won the day. Koputaroa had won 13 successive contests, pointed out the speaker, and such a record was worthy of high praise. It exemplified their keenness and the consistent training which they had undergone. To the team placed second, Eitzlierbert, Mr Heneghan said they had put up a particularly good fight and had, through much training, improved remarkably. The experience they had gained at the contest was valuable and there was no doubt that if training was carried on they would in the future merit the first honours. The third prize, or consolation, was won by the Ashley team (Shannon) and Mr Heneghan, in addressing them, praised their sporting spirit. Their performance was commendable.

The skippers of the three winning teams suitably replied. Mr Heneghan added that he could could not let the gathering pass without somo reference to the Cooper Bros. A few years ago they were the only solid team in the North Island. They had specialised in tug-o’-war and possessed science, technique, and strength unsurpassed for a very lengthy period. Although they were not a heavy team, they had defeated all comers with apparent ease, and it was through having come in contact with them that other teams had gained their knowledge and adopted the Coopers’ tactics and scientific ability. To attend the Whakarongo contest they had travelled 50 miles, thus showing that they were true sportsmen. Recently they had been defeated a number of times, but they were always leady to shake hands with their opponents and express congratulations. Mr Heneghan then moved a vote of thanks to the Coopers’ team and called for musical honours which were heartily given. On behalf of the committee Mr Heneghan thanked those present for attending and expressed his gratitude to Mrs J. Morris and Mrs A. Crawford for their efficient service in connection with the supper arrangements. A lucky number competition was won by Mr Haywood. The officials conducting the contest were: —Secretary and treasurer, Mr H. Crawford; scales stewards, Messrs I. Crawford and G. Romley; timekeeper, Mr J. Romley ; judge, Mr E. Heneghan; M.C., Mr H. Gore; other officials, Messrs C. Puklowski and A. K. Mitchell. THE TEAMS. The teams with a weight limit of 48 stone, were: —Fitzherbert (47.1): H. iioskings, skip, Millington, Pillinger, Lawry (2). Bing Boys, Whakarongo (45.9): H. Crawford, skip, H. Gore, J. Corbin, McClelland, \V. Vautier. Hiwinui (45.2): R. McKay, skip, B. and J. Hensen, T. Webb, W. Raisen. Broadlands, Ashhurst (46.6): T. Patton skip, Burgess, Hackett, Romley, McCrae. Cheltenham (47.7): R. McKay skip, L. Smith, H. Jensen, P. Shannon, F. Sherwill. Aokautere B (47.12): H. Grace skip, Hasloch, Smith, Hemmings, Rosvall. Cooper Bros. (43.11): C. Cooper skip, L., R., and H. Cooper, J. McKenna. Aokautere A (45.5): F. N. Andrews skip, Woods, Laurence, Wroblenski, Haywood. Makerua (48st.): J. Anderson skip, R. and C. Anderson, V. Judd, McKenzie. Nireaha (46.13): J. Spring skip, H. Spring, H. Hooker, J. Northcote, H. Hansen. Ashley, Shannon (48st.): G. Gregory skip, J. Anderson, F. Saxon, N. Pope, C. Jackson. Whakarongo (47.1): J. Morris skip, H. and I. Crawford, N. Speedy, W. Ross. Koputaroa (47.12): I. Palmer, E. Hudson, H. Hood, F. Graham (no skip). Mt. Richards (44.6): J. Duffy skip, F. Roberts, L. Duffy, J. Stevens, L. Pawson. First round. —Mt. Richards v. Pitzherbert: Fitzherbert held the advantage 'from the start and although Mt. Richards tried hard they were unable to reduce the distance when the gong went. Koputaroa v. Cooper’s: The former took up the slack immediately and held tightly to the slight advantage until the end. Ashley v. Makerua : Makerua secured the advantage in the first minute and maintained it to win easily. Cheltenham v. Aokautere : Aokautere were well ahead throughout and were not fully extended. Broadlands v. Bing Boys: Broadlands gained rope in the first minute and maintained it to the finish. Hiwinui v. Nireaha: The latter gained an advantage of two inches and that was their margin when the gong went. Whakarongo and Aokautere B drew byes in the first round. Second round. —Nireaha v. Broadlands : Broadlands proved superior and increased an advantage of two inches gained in the first, minute to four when the gong sounded. Koputaroa v. Aokautere B: The latter were unlucky, in having to pull against Koputaroa, and it was not surprising to see Koputaroa win. Fitzherbert v. Makerua: They were evenly matched, and the advantage was shared throughout, to end in a draw. The pull-off of one minute resulted in Fitzherbert secured the verdict by a narrow margin. Whakarongo v. Aokautere : Aokautere at the outset gained a margin, a"d despite good efforts "Whakarongo could not reduce it, and lost.

Semi-finals. —F'.tzherbert v. Broacllands: This match was a particularly thrilling one. At the start, Broadlands gained a fraction of rope, only to lose it again. When the gong

sounded neither had an advantage. In the re-pull, Fitzherbert gained a narrow margin and maintained it to the end. Koputaroa v. Fitzherbert: Koputaroa gained rope in the first minute and held on till the end. Aokautere v. Koputaroa: The latter team proved too strong for Aokautere who pulled well. Final. —Koputaroa v.- Fitzherbert: These teams were fairly evenly matched, but Koputaroa had a little reserve energy and won by a narrow margin. Consolation final.—Hiwinui v. Ashley : The latter gained the advantage from the start and attempts by Hiwiwinui to reduce it were unavailing.