Tihoi Beat United To Share Shield

Taupo Times, Volume XIV, Issue 66, 24 August 1965, Page 8

Tihoi Beat United To

Share Shield

In one of the best matches seen in Taupo this season, Tihoi beat United, 19 — 9 on Saturday. In doing so, they beeonie the joint winners, with United, of the Garrett Shield for 1965. It is the first time over the course of several seasons that United have not "been the outright winners. Two points behind, Tihoi needed the win to share the championship and the whole team played an inspired game. TihoPs successes this season have been due to a strong team spirit and a rigorous training programme under the able coaching of Mr B. A. McKenzie. Considerably lighter in the forwards, Tihoi were fitter than their opponents and harassed the XTnited pack both in the tight and loose. Their ball eontrol and support of each other in breaking through was a feature of the mateh and contributed effectively to the splendid performance of the Tihoi backs. T. Nixon was outstanding as leader of the pack and he was well supported by the brothers, B. and L. Lincoln, and L. Hodge. When in United territory, Tihoi frequently played an extra back and seven forwards

still more than held their own. Playing at centre, T. Albert gave one of the most polished displays of back play seen at Taupo. He carved the United defence to ribbons and scored two very good tries. United backs had plenty of opportunities, but the Tihoi taekling was sound and there was always someone there to snap up the loose ball. P. Brown gave good service from the scrum and put Tihoi in scoring positions by well-judged kicking. N. Tozer made several brilliant runs on the wing and was rewarded with a try. The United forwards played well in the tight, bnt did not have the speed to cope in the loose. R. Ryder, H. Wawatai and T. Pitiroi did most of the hard work. S, Rutene was the outstanding United back and the fullback, J. Tawhai, acquitted himself very well under continuous pressure. Scorers: — Tihoi: T. Albert (two), N. Tozer, T, Nixon, P. Brown, tries; B. Rata, two conversions. United: S. Rutene, T. Piti-

roi, tries; S. Rutene, a penalty goal. Mr D. Harris was referee. C.O.B. 11, TAUPO 5 In a Seymour Rose Bowl competition match, College Old Boys beat Taupo, 11 — 5. Old Boys were trailing r — 3 at half-time, but a ( reater share of the ball rave them the run of the play in the seeond spell. They added another eight points and kept the Taupo team on defence throughout. G. Koopu, Old Boys* star forward, showed speed and anticipation, scoring eight of his side's 11 points. Scorers: — Old Boys: G. Koopu, two tries; P. Harrison, penalty, G. Koopu, a conversion. Taupo: P. Hobdell, try; L. Balmforth, conversion. Mr R. Dixon was referee.