Poor turnout for league

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 291, 20 June 1989, Page 5

Poor turnout for league

The Waiouru Premier rugby league team travelled to Otaki last weekend suffering from a bad case of 'Bus-itis'.

This is a disease that affects players when the team has to travel. They seem to disappear when "there are away games and magically reappear whenever there are home games. These prima donas have let the team down once too often and may find it difficult to get back into this team. With this in mind it was not a full strength team that ran onto the field. However, the Bobcats did have some classy players in the

team with the return of Jock MacCauley at fullback, Pete Masoe, Jake Elwood and Sonny Tawake in the backs and Mark Heemi, Max Tekakau and newcomer Peter Arcus in the forwards. Waiouru started badly conceding an early try. The game was a close struggle and Waiouru's defence held well. A Strong run by burly prop Mark Heemi saw him beat four defenders to score by the post giving a easy conver-

sion to Sonny Tawake. In the second quarter Waiouru's defence faltered, by not moving up they allowed the Otaki defence to build up steam and bust holes. Otaki scored two tries in the half to give them a lead of 14-6 at half time. The second half started off badly for the Bobcats with two early tries to Otaki to give them a lead of 24-6. Waiouru replied with a try to hard working loose forward Nepia Mitta then in the 21st minute pacey centre Jake Elwood blitzed the Turnpage 6

Poor turnout

From page 5 opposition defence to score a 60 metre try. Both tries were converted by Sonny Tawake. This was to be the last time Waiouru would put points on the board as their usually stout defence crumblec allowing Otaki twc converted tries. Fina score 36-18 to Otaki. Best backs on the field were Jock MacCauley and Jake Elwood who ran hard and straight all day. Sonny Tawake was safe at ' standoff and Frank Smith had his usual livewire game at halfback.

Best forwards were Max Tekakau, Nepia Mitta and Peter Arcus as well as strong games from Kendall Gupwell and Mark Heemi who spoilt a good effort by spending time in the sin bin. Next game is against Dannevirke at Dannevirke. AGI player of the day was Jock MacCauley and tackle count went to Peter Arcus (19).