Comfortable rugby win to Counties

Press, 25 September 1980, Page 34

Comfortable rugby win to Counties

PA Invercargill The Counties rugby team was never extended in comfortably beating a depleted Southland team, .24-7, at Invercargill yesterday. Playing with a strong wind at its back in the second half, Counties came back to score three tries after trailing, 6-7, at halftime.

After holding Southland to the one-point advantage, Counties dominated secondhalf possession with an impressive display of controlled mauling. The No. 8, Alan Dawson, was outstanding in all phases of play, even appearing on the wing to score Counties’ first try. The Counties pack weath- ' ered some fierce Southland rucking in the first half and Andy Dalton, John Spiers, : and Paul Tuoro all featured in the close, driving play. With a wealth of possession in the latter stages, the i

Counties backs looked capable of running up a cricket score, but a series of tactical and handling errors prevented full use being made of controlled possession. Without Ken Stewart, Southland was led by the prop, Phil Butt, playing his one-hundredth game for the province. In a reshuffled backline, the first five-eighth, Bruce McDonald, showed pace in making several breaks, which brpke down through lack of support. Southland’s forwards battled hard in the firet half, with Ash McGregor winning a good share of line-out hall. However, he was later overshadowed by the giant Counties lock, Tuoro.

For Counties:' A. Dawson (two), P. Penney and P. Arnold tries, and B. Codlin four conversions. For Southland: B. McDonald a try and G. Valli, a penalty goal.