GARRETT SHIELD COMPETITION TAKES A NEW TURN

Taupo Times, Volume XIV, Issue 55, 15 July 1965, Page 1

GARRETT SHIELD COMPETITION TAKES A NEW TURN

A new turn in the state of the Garrett Shield competition became evident on Saturday when Tihoi triumphed over Taupo 11 — 6 to move up from second position to leaders. COB caused a minor surprise by defeating defending champions United 9 — 3 in a fast-moving but scrappy game at the Domain. COB kept up constant pressure through their forwards and the pack's drive eventually paved the way for a win by two tries and a penalty to a single try. COB leapt into the lead in the first minute when flanker C. Crowther toed the loose ball into the United twenty-five and bustled the fullback. Before the cover defence could get into action H. Whetu had grabbed the unwanted ball and dived over to score. United's fortunes suffered a rebuff after 20 minutes when tricky second five-

eighth Chris Wiiliams was taken off injured. Both sides mounted fierce attaeks from loose play and United began to spin the ball along . the chain but could not penetrate a tight defence. The second spell was closely-fought with close tackling and a few lucky clearing kicks preventing any major backline movements from coming to fruition. The forward struggle was a stern one with COB knitting together closely with some splendid driving play by C. Crowther,. S. Morunga and G. Koopu. Winger N. Kickit, centre T. Ruru and five-eighths P, Harrison and H. Whetu were always reliable without performing deeds of any great distinction. Midfield back J. Tawhai and half-back T. Rameka gave yeoman service for United and made every effort to spin the ball. R. Rhyder, K. Hurae and K. Palmer strove to contain the opposing pack but. could not muster their usual fire,