Central Districts trialists please national coach

Press, 28 April 1980, Page 3

Central Districts trialists please national coach

PA Palmerston North Fitness and speed were the only questionable aspects of an impressive Central Districts Kiwi rugby league trial held in Palmerston North on Saturday, according to the national coach, Mr Ces Mountford.

The trial included players from Wellington, Gisborne, and Taranaki and followed an intensive three-day coaching school in Palmerston North. Mr Mountford was pleased with the trial. He said the style of football was what “everybody is looking for.” The forwards had not played as though they were backs and when on the burst had turned in the tackle to keep the movement flowing. A lack of early-season fitness was noticeable, with the action slowing visibly in the last quarter as handling and tackling errors appeared. Injuries also started to affect the flow of the match, which,

in the opening 30min, had been played at a cracking pace.

As is the norm with trials it was not a day for individuals, but two players did stand out with impressive performances that could see them gain high honours: the Manawatu centre Gary Butler and the Wellington prop Paul Teariki. Butler showed such flair in his running that he became one of the danger men on the paddock. Although his side was denied the majority of possession he took the limited opportunities I '' that came his way in a forthright fashion and in one movement almost broke clear for a sensational try.

Teariki certainly injected life into the forward clash and each time he received the ball blasted his way through two or three tackles before the desperate defence hauled him to the ground. In spite of his bulk Teariki was a well balanced

runner and had the ability to beat the man with nifty footwork. Four Kiwis from last season played, but none stamped his international class on the trial. The second-rower, Graeme West (Taranaki) had only brief moments of inspiration when he used his height and wide experience to advantage, and his Taranaki team-mate, the hooker Howard Tamati, had a testing time from Wellington’s Chappie Pine, who showed out better on attack.

The prop Kevin Tamati (Wellington) was not often seen although the work he did find was constructive.

The Manawatu wing, Dick Uluave kept rigidly to his position although the play did not run his way. It was not until 25min into the game that Uluave handled the ball for the first time. He made few mistakes and did what was required of him. The chequered career of the burlv Wellington centre

Twiss Wharakura continues. Although not originally nominated for the trial he was called in by the Central Districts coach, Mr Alan Marshall. Wharakura showed his obvious class by scoring a try (from the tap kick close to the posts) and creating two others.

Other players to catch the eye were the two Wellington half backs Monty Henry and Gary Campbell, the Taranaki second-row’er Ron Mitchell, and the promising loose forward, Paul Bridgem (Hawke’s Bay). The A team, captained by West, after trailing, 0-11, after 14min, eventually took control and won, 25-16. Scorers:

A team 25 (N. Tupaea 2, G. West 2, Twiss Wharakura tries; P. Trusts 3, E. Allbright conversions: Trusts a penaltv), B team 16 (M. Kemp, G. Butler, M. Kelly, F. Birch tries; N. Charles 2 conversions).