UNITED HAD COMMANDING LEAD IN SHIELD COMP.

Taupo Times, Volume XIV, Issue 48, 22 June 1965, Page 2

UNITED HAD COMMANDING LEAD IN SHIELD COMP.

United strode away to a eommanding lead in the Garrett Shield Rugby competition when, after a tough rugged encounter in Saturday's top Domain fixture, they convincingly defeated COB 14 to 6. In the early curtain-rais-er, Tihoi boosted its Shield chances with an 11 — 9 win over a Taupo side which lacked any fire or cohesion. United took a while to settle down and two penalties kicked by fullback P. Harrison gave COB an early 6-nil lead. After half-time, however, United took command and scored two tries, a conversion and two penalties to completely dominate the game in the last 20 minutes. The COB pack, which had worked with pep in the first spell, gradually wilted away and lost its sting. The tussle between the two strong packs produced some vigorous, gruelling sideline play and it was here that United laid the foundations for its victory. Back play took a secondary role with close marking and sound defence overshadowing attacking thrusts. United's heroes were their tireless forward unit and winger S. Rutene. Rutene scored 11 vital points from two long-range penalties, a try, and a sideline conversion. The last try came as the result of a brilliant 60-yard burst started by Chris Williams. D. Rameka was up in support and a well-timed pass gave fast-moving winger M. Gordine a clear run in to score in the corner. K. Palmer, C. Williams, M. Hurae, H. Wawatal and D. Rameka proved a solid core in the United forwards,

| while C, Williams and the two wingers, Gordine and Rutene, looked dangerous in | a fast backline. D. Rakei showed competence at full- , back. COB looked a winnlng side in the first spell with I J. Wall, S. Morunga, C. Wall and J Mokomoko crashing through in sporadic bursts. P, Harrison, F. Loughlin and T. Ruru were always safe in the backs. Scorers: — United: S. Rutene and M. Gordine tries; S. Rutene, two penalties and a conversion. COB: P. Harrison two penalties. Referee: Mr K. Brown (Matamata). TIHOI v. TAUPO Tihoi came from behind to narrowly beat Taupo 11 — 9 in the early curtainraiser. Twenty points were scored during the game, 15 of these coming from penalties. B. Rata kicked two penalties and converted a try scored by Tihoi second fiveeighth T. Albert. Taupo fullback, G. Furlong, kicked three penalties for a side which lacked experience and vital pace in the backline. The game was not one to enthuse over, having many disjointed, scrappy periods of casual Rugby. B. Rata, T. Albert and P. Brown appeared active and polished in the Tihoi rearguard, with T. Nixon, J. Rivers and J. Scott toiling splendidly in the forwards. L. Balmforth and K. Darlington held the Taupo backs together and, if a simple 10yard penalty attempted by M. Gibbons had succeeded in the last minute of the game, the result would have swung the other way. Referee: Mr P. Walker (Matamata).