Buller pack outplayed

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32958, 3 July 1972, Page 22

Buller pack outplayed

(New Zealand Press Association)

WHANGAREI.

North Auckland, the holder, scored seven tries in swamping Buller, 35-0, in the first Ranfurly Shield Rugby challenge of the season on a muddy field at Okara Park on Saturday.

The right wing, D. R. Panther, who scored three tries, all in the first half, and first fiveeighths, B. T. Going, who got two, were the stars of the home side.

The other points came from tries by R. Jones and L. Bradley, a dropped goal by B. T. Going, and two conversions by K. Going. Despite the unfavourable conditions, North Auckland ran and handled as if it was a dry day, and Buller, apart from the first 15 minutes, was never in the picture.

The Buller forwards did not win sufficient ball to give the challengers any chance, although they played with remarkable' spirit throughout and never showed signs of giving up.

By far the best of the Buller men was the lively young half-back, J. Gilbert. Buller started well and at times looked as if it might hold the home side to a reasonable score. But then B. Going dropped his goal and Panther bounced over for the first of his three tries after a superb run by the fullback, K. Going, then it was just a matter of what the score would be.