Rugby rules roost

Press, 13 December 1982, Page 48

Rugby rules roost

PA Auckland Rugby's All Blacks beat soccer's All Whites in a mixed-sport contest at the Auckland Showgrounds yesterday. Rugby's Alan Whetton was the star. The All Blacks won the rugby — two 20-minute spells of touch rugby — 30-6, with tries to Bruce Robertson, Dave Loveridge (two) and a conversion, Richard Dunn, Gary Cunningham, Alan Whetton and Greg Burgess for the Al) Blacks, to a try and conversion to Peter Simonsen for the soccer side. The goal-kieking. rugby style, was shared. 4-4. with four of the eight kickers from each side successful with their conversion attempts. But it was in the taking of the soccer penalties which put Whetton into the spotlight and assured the All Blacks of their moral victory. After three kicks each, the All Blacks led. 2-0, thanks mainly to the goal-keeping skills of Whetton in blocking shots from Duncan Cole and Bobby Almond, while Bryan Williams and Dunn beat the World Cup goal-keeper, Frank van Hattum. Indeed it was not until their sixth spot kick, by the captain. Steve Sumner, that Whetton was beaten. The All Blacks won that section, 4-3. In the finale — two 25minute spells of soccer — the All Whites went ahead 20 after 15 minutes after Gary Whetton and Williams had conceded own goals and won, 6-1. Alan Hewson scored the All Blacks' only goal.