Forwards win day for Taupo Maoris

Taupo Times, Volume 23, Issue 52, 2 July 1974, Page 14

Forwards win day for Taupo Maoris

In a thrilling, open game the Taupo Maori representative side retaiited the Ted Murray Trophy when it convincingly defeated South Waikato 30-9 at Taupo on Sunday. The half-time score was 8-6 in Taupo's favour. South Waikato had a very lively, young and most promising backline, but the players were denied clean possession by a strong and devastating Taupo forward pack which dominated lineouts, rucks and loose mauls for most of the first half and all of the second. For Taupo, the tight forwards E. Harawira, K. Palmer, G. Wall, J. Tawera and C. Crowther were in terrific form. By their all-round superiority in all phases of play they were able to pave the way for Taupo's success. The loose forwards, K. Reweti, P. Hickey and T. Carter, were in rampaging form also and they constantly forced the South Waikato midfield backs into many errors. South Waikato's outstanding players were T. Lloyd, J. Moon' and B. Samuels in the forwards, while C. Bluett, R. Taylor and R. Ngapo stood out in the backs.

The Taupo backs were steady and reliable and those to show good form included M. John on the wing and T. Clarke at first-five. For South Waikato, C. Bluett kicked two

penalties and T. Lloyd kicked one. For Taupo, M. John (3), T. Carter, J. Tawera, C. Crowther and T. Clarke scored tries. Clarke also kicked one conversion.