Manawatu has decisive win

Press, 20 September 1982, Page 19

Manawatu has decisive win

PA Palmerston North Manawatu cruised to a 3110 win over Hawke's Bay in a national championship first division rugby match at Palmerston North on Saturday.

However, it was placed under severe pressure by Hawke's Bay in the opening minutes and only two dreadful mistakes by' the visitors allowed Manawatu to take a 10-6 half-time lead. The first mistake came after 20 minutes when a breakdown in centre field by the Hawke's Bay backs allowed Manawatu to carry the ball 60 metres for a Lachie Cameron try.

The second came only four minutes later when the fullback. Peter Dailey, had his kick charged down over the line by his fast-following counterpart. Mark Finlay.

The second spell painted a different picture and the Manawatu forwards started to drive and maul more vigorously keeping the Bay pinned back inside its own half.

Tries to Mark Shaw. Warren Chapman, and Geoff Old put Manawatu into an unassailable position. The match was played at a furious pace throughout but it was spoilt as a spectacle by some indifferent passing and handling, especially from the Hawke's Bay back-line. Scorers.—

Manawatu (Mark Shaw. Geoff Old. Lachlan Cameron. Warren Chapman. Mark Finlay. tries. Finlay (3). Matene Love conversion. Finlay penalty); . Hawke's Bay (Mark Taylor. Laurie Holmes tries. Holmes conversion).