Tongans Happier

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32077, 27 August 1969, Page 15

Tongans Happier

(N.Z. Press Association) RUATORIA. The Tongan Rugby team erased some memories of its recent defeats by Horowhenua and the New Zealand Juniors when it beat East Coast, 28-19, yesterday. The Tongans, playing In fine weather and on probably the best playing surface they have met in New Zealand, scored seven very good tries. The main difference between the teams was the superior speed in backing up of the Tongans, who never let the ball really die and who attacked from every situation. With 10 of their top play-ers-in the side, the Tongans played with confidence. Well served, at half-back by Feleti Muller, the Tongan ba'cks, particularly the second fiveeighths, Panuve, and the wings, Kei longi and Malakai, ran well. The pick of the Tongan

forwards were the flanker, Siaosi Selupe 11, who scored a brilliant try after a 40-yard run, and the No. 8 Fione Mail.

For Tonga, tries were scored by long! (2), Malakai, Panuve, Selupe 11, Kimitu and Tavo. Fika converted one and Tahulu kicked a conversion and a penalty. For East-Coast, A. Cross, R. Carmichael and A. Nepia scored tries and K. Gilvray kicked a penalty and a dropped goal.