TAUPO RUGBY TEAM GAINS FIRST PEACE CUP VICTORY BY BEATING WAIHI 9-6

Taupo Times, Volume XIV, Issue 50, 29 June 1965, Page 6

TAUPO RUGBY TEAM GAINS FIRST PEACE CUP VICTORY BY BEATING WAIHI 9-6

In a Peace Cup elimination match played 011 a wet and greasy Domain field on Snnday, Taupo emerged as a narrow but decisive winner 9 — 6 over a battling Waihi side. After the two 40-minute spells had been played the score stood at 6 — all, with Taupo scoring two unconverted tries to Waihi's try and a penalty goal. Two 10-minute spells of extra time followed to determine the victor, and Taupo poured on the- pressure to gain another three . points from a P. Harrison penalty, to gain its first Peace' Cup elimination victory. Weather and underfoot conditions were not conducive to stimulating fast, open Rugby, but this in no way dampened play. In fact, this was one of Taupo's greatest fight-backs to take the lead and initiative from a solid well-drilled visiting side and for'ge ahead. to one of its most important representative victories in recent seasons. Taupo, usually noted for playing their best football on hard and fast grounds, mastered the Waihi pack up front in the all-important department of tight play, and $o laid the foundation for a top geared backline to pierce and thrust with some excellent set passing movements tp shake the Waihi defence. In the final 20 minutes of play there were no laggards, with winger T. Albert being the hero of the local spectators with his dynamic sidestepping 30-yard burst to tear through half the Waihi team and score under the posts. Lock T. Nixon gave outstanding service in the lineout at No. 3, well supported in the tight play by tigerish forwards, J. H. Wall, M. Hurae, T. Ngamutu and A. Thompson. Loose forwards, A. Walker and G. Blake, were quickly on the scene to upset and spoil opposition

passing movements and L. Draper came out favourably in the hooking duel. Half-back K. Darlington gave near perfect service to his chain and his all-round game showed maturity beyond his years. Five-eighths, L. Tamepo and T. Ruru, distributed the ball quickly and efficiently the former covering brilliantly and kicking with purpose and success. Ruru carved through on two or three occasions with his usual dexterity, proving extremely hard to bring down in the tackle. Centre L. Balmforth had difficulty in handling the ball in the first half, but fortunately this weakness improved later in the game and his kick for the corner which led to Taupo's first try was cunningly placed. Wingers, P. Hobdell and T. ■ Albert, were given numerous opportunities to show their capabilities. Albert set the crowd into spontaneous acclaim with his sizzling try late in the second half to cap a series of bullocking sideline runs. Fullback P. Harrison had the bad luck to have a simple conversion charged down which would have ended the match at 8 — 6, but landed an all-important 20yard penalty in the first spell of extra time to win the game. His positional play and general defensive work was sound and his right-footed touch-finders were safe and accurate. EARLY BURST Taupo crackled into action in the first 10 minutes, gaining possession and switehing play rapidly. The first half was territorially Taupo's, although Waihi threw out warning signs just before the interval that their pack was beginning to zip back. Waihi came back with a bang to go into the lead with a penalty after 20 minutes

of domination and it seemed that the Taupo sting was missing. Then, after 32 minutes, came T. Albert's startling try. The conversion missed and Waihi breathed again. Taupo, with fire and determination apparent, attacked for nearly all oi the 20 minutes of extra time and Harrison suceeeded with one of two kickable penalties to give the local team a meritorious win. Waihi deserved great credit for a sterling exhibition and for a long period in the second spell looked to be a winning side. Their try in the first spell was a gem at the end of an 80-yard movement, in which B. Langford and winger R. Dillamore starred. Fullback P. Singh gave a competent display with fiveeighth B. Mahood an able tactician close to the scrum. Scorers: Taupo — L. Balmforth and T. Albert tries, P. Harrison penalty; Waihi — R. Dillamore try, B. Mahood a penalty. Referee: Mr Scott (Rotorua).