Wgtn forwards pave way for big win

Press, 8 September 1982, Page 48

Wgtn forwards pave way for big win

PA Tauranga By establishing a commanding 23-0 half-time lead, the reigning champion, Wellington cruised to a wellearned 27-12 win in a first division rugby championship game against Bay of Plenty played at the Tauranga Domain yesterday. . The home team showed much greater application and cohesion through the second spell to salvage some of the pride generated in last week’s 40-16 defeat of the touring Australians at Rotorua. Wellington's win was built on forward superiority, particularly through the first 40

minutes. The heavier visiting forwards generally outscrummed and outmauled Bay of Plenty and almost completely “wiped out” the home jumpers at the many lineouts. In this department, the prop, Brian McGratten was effective near the front, the lock, Gerard Wilkinson was dominant in the middle and Murray Mexted thwarted Bay’s attempts to make pipy on own-throws over the top. Allan Hewson struck 12 times for goal from penalty awards, conversion kicks or dropped goal attempts from indirect penalties. But it was a towering dropped goal, his

second in similar circumstances, from a scrum free kick 60 metres from the Bay goalposts that became his major contribution to the game. The All Black reserve hooker, Hika Reid left the field 17 minutes from fulltime with a foot injury, but the Bay of Plenty dynamo is expected to assemble with the rest of the New Zealand team today. Scorers:—

Wellington: Bernie Fraser (2). Murray Mexted, Gerard Wilkinson tries, Alan Hewson 2 dropped goals, penalty, conversion; Bay of Plenty: Mark Basham try. Ron Preston conversion. 2 penalties.