Canty Maoris retain Cup

Press, 27 September 1982, Page 3

Canty Maoris retain Cup

By

JOHN COFFEY

The Canterbury Maoris rugby league team retained the Robert Pomare Cup with a 36-13 win over the Pakehas at the Show Grounds vesterdav.

The Maoris led for all but four minutes late in the first half — after two quick converted’ tries placed the Pakehas ahead bv 10-8 — and were in front. 13-10. at the interval. There was little between the two sides in the third quarter, until two runaway tries swung the balance in favour of the Maoris. Wayne Munday, on the right wing, scampered 70 metres from an interception, and then John Rangihuna scored the second of his three tries after picking up a loose ball and sprinting 80 metres.

In the last five minutes the Maoris added -another 13 points to ensure a-decisive margin. It was a reflection of the open style of football favoured by., the Maoris that seven of their eight tries were shared by the threequarters. Rangihuna, Munday, and Richard Hampton. ’ The exception was that

gained by the hard-working forward, John Tapiata, who also kicked six goals for a personal total of 15 points. Tapiata combined especially well with his Addington team-mates. Lawrence Hale and Mike Smith. The hooker. Willie Tauwhare, had a fine game in and out of the scrums.

It was the pace and deceptiveness of the Maori outside backs. Rangihuna. Munday. Hampton, and Michael Gray, which most troubled the opposing defence. Hemi Wihongi complemented their efforts with a consistent display at full-back.

However. the Pakeha backs had their moments, too. with Mark Forsey prominent at stand-off half, and Grant Stocker displaying his attacking skills from fullback. Rangihuna and Forsey shared the “man of the match”; awards. Scorers:—

Maoris 36 (John Rangihuna three’. Richard Hampton two. Wayne Munday two. John Tapiata tries; Tapiata six goals) beat Pakehasl3 (Mark Forsey. Grant Stocker. David Campbell tries; Rex Dalzell two goals). Halftime, 13-10. Referee. Mr K. Ireland. , -