Giant killers down the shield leaders

Taupo Times, Volume 23, Issue 46, 11 June 1974, Page 14

Giant killers down the shield leaders

In a day of upsets in Taupo Rugby, Athletic turned giant killer and defeated joint Garrett Shield leaders, Taupo, in a tensionpacked gaine on ' Saturday. Athletic also recaptured the Homefield Trophy, which it lost to Taupo in the first game of ' the season. Not to be outdone, C.O.B. performed a "Daniel" when it went into the "lion's den" and tumbled Tihoi, the other co-leaders, 22-6 on its home ground. This leaves the Garrett Shield wide open at this stage. Three teams, Athletic, Taupo and Tihoi, now share the lead with

four points each. United and C.O.B. have two points each. Rugby enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting next Saturday's fixtures which will, incidentally, mark the end of the first round. The pressure will really be on, too. Taupo will meet Tihoi and United will play Athletic for the first time this season. C.O.B. having played all its games in this round for a win and three losses and looking only a remote chance at this stage, has drawn the bye. The Tihoi-C.O.B. game cail best be summed up by referee Mr Watkins' after game speech when he said: "I have never seen Tihoi play so badly as it did today." Just the same full marks must go to C.O.B. Its forwards quickly assumed contr'ol and with their driving, bustling and harassing play which they maintained throughout they never let Tihoi settle down and get back into the game.

Tihoi was beaten in all departments and looked lethargic and uncertain. For once, the Tihoi back line lacked its usual thrust and flare and the more likely moves were nullified by mishandling and indecision. Outstanding forwards for C.O.B. were G. Wall, D. Evans and A. Northcroft. M. John and B. Wall, who scored two good tries, - showed out in the backs. Other points scored for C.O.B. were tries by G. Wall and M. McLean, and A. Northcroft kicked three conversions. For Tihoi, B. Rata kicked two penalties. The Taupo- Athletic game developed into a real thriller, especially in the latter stages when Taupo strove desperately to fight back and reduce Athletic's lead. But for once Taupo was unablf to do this, for although weakening and tiring appreciably a valiant Athletic defence held out to the finish. Athletic won because it dominated the game in all

departments. Its solid forward core won ' lineout possession and rucks and above all its loose forward trio of Marriner, Kuggeleijn and Van der Leden were first to the loose ball and were most effective in upsetting the Taupo midfield backs. The Athletic backs given much cleaner possession were too steady and solid for their opposites and with Hill back to his brilliant best looked the more dangerous when in possession. Hill capped-off a fine, all-round display with a splendid solo try. Taupo had the misfortune to lose Carter early in the game, just after he had scored the side's first try. Its forwards on the day were out-played and at times its. backs handled shockingly. Besides this they changed positions far too often and the only player to emerge with credit was K. Darlington when returned to first five. For all that there was not that much in the game and in the final quarter Taupo,' by constant pressure, almost pulled the game out of the fire. For Athletic, McGill, Dagger, Kupapua, Story and Clarke stood out in the tight play while loose forward Van der Leden was once again outstanding. Besides Hill, other Athletic backs to impress were Clarke, Gardner and Foden. For Taupo, perhaps the best forward was Dysart who substituted for Carter. His cover defence was first-class and when he entered the back line his handling and drawing of the man was well timed. Others to show out in the forwards were Harawira and Crowther. For Athletic, Hill and Dagger scored tries, Daly converted one try and Murphy kicked a penalty. Carter and 1 Fenton scored tries for Taupo.