Lions crush Bush

Press, 15 June 1983, Page 48

Lions crush Bush

PA Masterton A devastating supply of possession from both set and loose play enabled the British Lions to crush Wairarapa-Bnsh, 57-10, at Memorial Park, Masterton yesterday. ’ The tourists’ backline — at test strength — ran riot, scoring seven of the nine tries, as for the first time in nine provincial matches the Lions adopted the running game from the outset. So adept did they prove themselves that warning sirens will be sounding in the All Blacks’ dressing room three days before the

crucial second'test clash at Athletic Park. This was a Liens team high on its own abilities — one determined to remove the stain of criticism which has tainted its back play all tour, and one intent on proving when given an inch, just how many miles it could take. The tourists took amazing liberties - with the Wairarapa-Bush defence. Crushed in the forwards, humbled in all possessional phases, the spirited Bushmen were forced to submit to a second-half barrage which saw the tourists hoist

their largest score of the tour, their greatest winning margin; and their most decisive victory ever over a Wairarapa combination.. Four players — Gwyn Evans, John Carleton, Roger Baird, and John Beattie — scored twice each as the visitors swept all before them. Scorers: British Isles: Gwyn Evans 2, John Carleton 2, Roger Baird 2, John Beattie 2, David Irwin tries; Ollie Campbell two penalties and six conversions; Michael Kiernan a dropped goal. Wairarapa-Bush: Kevin Carter, Chris Kapene tries, Carter a conversion.