Juniors win well

Press, 26 June 1978, Page 28

Juniors win well

NZPA Staff correspondent Mackay The Junior All Blacks defeated a North Queensland selection, 43-12 in sweltering conditions yesterday. The match was a poor rehearsal for the forthcoming “tests” against Queensland. Although the Junior forwards dominated possession, the close marking by the North Queensland backs forced their counterparts into many handling errors. On the few occasions when North Queensland was able to mount attacks the Juniors’ defence was found lacking. The Juniors scored six tries to one, and the half-

back, Richard Dunn, taking over the goal-kicking in the absence of Clive Currie, , landed eight out of nine at- ' tempts at goal. ; The Wanganui flanker, Bruce Middleton, had an : outstanding game for the ■ Juniors, and fee right wing, Paul Reilly, followed his ; three tries at Mt Isa with a ’ further two at Mackay. i There were, however, few other Junior backs who impressed, although the second 1 five-eighths, Michael Deane, i was a steadying influence . until he left the field lOmin ] from full-time with a ’ bruised jaw. He was replaced by Robert Kururangi. < North Queensland had an ] enterprising left wing in <

Wayne Banks, who also proved a very competent goal-kicker, and its centre, Peter Grigg, had a second game capped off by a try right on full-time. Grigg, a strong tackler, had previously impressed the New Zealanders at Townsville and for his efforts yesterday was given the “man of the match” award. Scorers. — Junior All Blacks: Paul Reilly (2), Michael Deane, Richard Dunn, Don Hayes, Jim Cotter, tries, Dunn three penalty goals, five conversions. North Queensland: Peter Grigg try, Wayne Banks two penalty goals, Gill Shiels conversion.