ONE-POINT WIN FOR UNITED AGAINST TAUPO

Taupo Times, Volume VI, Issue 289, 22 August 1957, Page 8

ONE-POINT WIN FOR UNITED AGAINST TAUPO

United entered the final of the senior knockout at the weekend when they defeated Taupo by one point. Playing one of their best games of the season, they managed througliout to keep a slender lead 011 the blaek-and-white. Taupo had only themselves to hlanle, for oue or two players hung on too long when a pass would have resulted in a certain try. L. Erickson and W. Tito were the worst offenders. Lady Luck smiled on United. They had the advantage of sun and wind for the first spell, and during the second a large cloud obliterated the sun, and the wind dropped. Despite that advantage United played well and deserved their victory. Two Showed Dash The forwards toiled manfully and kept on the ball, and tlie backs made greaf use of the ball that they reeeived. Tata and Tolie Rameka showed great dash, and their speed enabled tliem to take opportunities when they came. Waldron was sound in tlie fullback berth and his line-kicking showed greater length. His exhibition was as good as has been seen on Number One ground. A. Grey raised the flags after five minutes with a penalty, but Taupo immediately came back with a try when Panapa reeeived from a lineout and set the backs away. Balniforth cut through and McAllister did the rest. Grey again put United in front with a further penalty. Davidson came round the blind and kicked through for H. Erickson to score. Again Panapa, Balniforth and McAllister showed good combination for the latter to score. McAllister made anotlier fine run, but lost Ihe ball for Balniforth to follow- up and even the score. FIu Hits Juniors United scored from a knockon when Tata Rameka reached for a high bounce and Tohe was tliere to collect the forward nioving ball and go over. Taupo attacked strongly, only to find a kick-th rough taken by D. Rameka, who found tlie open paddock- and kicked deep for Tata Rameka to take the ball and race over. Panapa and Erickson worked together for the latter to score and Tito to convert as the final whistle went at United 15 Taupo 14. In the early game C.O.B. wero hardpressed to defeat Wairakei. Their score five minutes from tinie gave thein the game by 14 points to 8. There were 110 junior games. Maroa had been liit by infiuenza and they defaulted to Kaimanawa, and Tongariro did not arrive for their game with United.