Maoris defend (and hold) shield for third time

Taupo Times, Volume 23, Issue 57, 18 July 1974, Page 12

Maoris defend (and hold) shield for third time

The Taupo Maori representative team was successful in its third defence of the Ted Murray Trophy when it defeated Galatea 27-13 in a hard, exciting game at Taupo on Sunday. The half-time score was 14-10. As usual, it was the Taupo pack which paved the way for the win — it was in devastating form. E. Harawira and J. Tawera were able to easily dominate line-out possession, K. Palmer, G. Wall and C. Crowther linked well in hard driving play while the loose forwards P. Hickey, K. Marriner and T. Carter were far superior to their opposites. However, Galatea had a most promising back line and whenever it did get possession the backs were always most dangerous. But the line was denied the clean possession it needed to win the game. Despite its monopoly of the ball. Taupo found it mighty hard to penetrate the Galatea defence and it was only in the final quarter that Taupo was able to draw far enough ahead to have the trophy in safe keeping. The Taupo backs, without being outstanding were steady and most reliable.

Those to show good form included N. Kydd, B. Albert and C. Broughton. For Galatea, N. Howden, I. Hauraki and P. Whatuira played well in the forwards. The pick of a very promising backline were J. Meroiti, M. Toetoe and D. Wilson. For Taupo, C. Broughton (2), J. Tawera. M. John and T. Carte$ scored tries. B. Albert kicked a field goal and N. Kydd converted two tries.

For Galatea, D. Nelson and R. Tuanau scored tries and P. Whatuira kicked a penalty and a conversion. In the curtain-raiser, Galatea B proved too strong for Taupo B and won 19-10. Taupo had one outstanding player in this game, B. Andrews — who belied his age and size by his outstanding play in both the tight and loose. In the under 21 game, Galatea just beat the home: side 17-15.