BAY OF PLENTY CONTEST

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 08, Issue 92, 24 July 1945, Page 8

BAY OF PLENTY CONTEST

EAST v WEST This game, played for the first time at -Tauranga on Saturday, resulted in a win for the West team, which was composed mainly of Tauranga players, with two from Kati Kati. The East team, with boys from Opotiki, Whakatane and Te Pake, did not have the combination of the opposing fifteen, and was unlucky to lose its half back > M. Tiepa, within a few minutes of the commencement of the game. The selected fullback was also unable to play, and his place had to be taken by a forward. The forwards were fairly well matched in size, but the Tauranga boys with a skill developed by conr siderable experience, were able to give their backs possession of the ball much more frequently than the East forwards could. The West backs handled with a certainty born of constant practice together, and this, combined with their speed, was responsible for the team's four tries. A feature of their play was some excellent reverse passing. The East backs played fairly well, particularly the captain, W. Rutherford of Whakatane but although they came very close to scoring at times, West's defence was sure. A penalty goan was also kicked for the West team, giving them a win by 15 points to nil.