Southland just beats Taranaki

Press, 1 October 1979, Page 25

Southland just beats Taranaki

PA Invercargill i i h A last-minute field goal by j I All Black reject, Brianii [McKechnie, sealed Southj land’s second win in the national championship first division rugby championship and allowed his team to beat Taranaki at Invercargill on Saturday, 22-21. The match was one where Southland set up several ■ scoring opportunities, but ; failed to make the most of them. Taranaki seemed to have the match safe when full- ' back, Stephen Davidson, kicked a fine penalty goal '

I into the wind from 40! metres. i Soon after from a line-out] ion the Taranaki 22-metre; line, the Southland forwards; won possession. The ball; was passed to McKechnie who sent the ball sailing between the uprights and all the frustrations from earlier in the game were forgotten. The game was even in the forwards, with Southland winning the last line-out to give McKechnie his chance; and also to give Southland a 19-18 line-out advantage. The All Black half-back, Dave Loveridge, was the kingpin for the Taranaki team, but the purpose and:

endeavour of the Southlanders carried the day. Scorers: Southland: Chris Hiini and Brian Dickison, tries; McKechnie, three penalty goals, a dropped goal and a conversion. For Taranaki. Graham Mourie, a try: Stephen Davidson. four penalty goals and a conversion; Brian Quinn, a dropped goal.