Switch almost lost game for Taupo

Taupo Times, Volume 23, Issue 58, 23 July 1974, Page 14

Switch almost lost game for Taupo

Taupo seniors overcame an eight point deficit in the last quarter to draw 30-alI with Hastings on Sunday.

Hastings, down 19-12 at half-time, also deserved credit for the way in which it dominated most of the second half play. > Had the Taupo selector not changed his team in the second half there is no doubt that it would have won comfortably. It was in complete control of all phases of play in the first half and both backs and forwards looked toibe just warming to their task. In the second half a rearranged Taupo back line did not function with the same smoothness and understanding as it did in the first half. The result was that as indecision arose in the Taupo team, the Hastings team was allowed to settle down and was quick to capitalise. Both teams showed they could play good, 15-man Rugby and moved the ball as much as possible to the delight of the many spectators. As a result of this, some outstanding Rugby was seen - — so much so that both teams were able to run in five tries. All the Taupo forwards

played extremely well, especially the tight forward core of E. Harawira, G. Bremer, R. Skiffington, D. Evans, J. Tawera and C. Donaldson. P. Hickey and K. Marriner also showed -out well in the loose. The Taupo back line was always dangerous when on attack but its tackling when on defence will have to improve out of sight. B. Rota, at half, was very sound, as was N. Kydd at fullback. For Hastings, R. Taurimu, L. Dowling and J. Paraha looked the best forwards while J. Mitchell and B. Gilhooly looked the pick of the backs, Points scorers for Taupo were tries by R. Skiffington, P. Hickey, E. Harawira, B. Rota and G. Thomason. Skiffington kicked two conversions and a penalty and K. Murphy kicked a penalty. For Hastings, D. McPhee, D. Harding, C. Baynes, R. Dockery and R. Anderson scored tries. B. Gilhooly kicked two penalties and two conversions. The game was well controlled by L. Watkins, whose judicious decisions — not always popular with the home crowd - — were

most impartial on all occasions. In the curtain-raiser, the Hastings B representatives defeated a Taupo B team 15-4 in a fairly scrappy game. Points scorers for Hastings were tries by J. Hauraki (2) and B. Green. C. Clarke kicked a penalty. R. Foden scored for Taupo. Players who stood out for Taupo were C. Crowther, G. Wall and K. Delany in the forwards. The pick of the backs were R. Foden, W. Nixon and M. Carlton.