Runanga to extend proud record?

Press, 19 August 1983, Page 17

Runanga to extend proud record?

JOHN COFFEY

The men from the West Coast mining township of Runanga will be seeking to improve an already illustrious rugby league record when they challenge Papanui for the Thacker Shield at the Show Grounds on Sunday. Runanga has contested more shield fixtures than any other South Island club since the Second World War — 15 in all — and has had its name inscribed on the venerable old trophy after 10 of those matches.

For its part, Papanui has the incentive of recapturing the heady days of the 19705,

when its representatives won five consecutive shield encounters, three of them

against Runanga.

But another West Coast side, Waro-Rakau, wrested the shield from Papanui in 1978. Runanga then returned to centre stage, enjoying three more victories before being upset by Hornby at Wingham Park last year. The shield rivals have had contrasting preparations. Papanui having regained the Canterbury premiership last Wednesday evening, will' be making its third

appearance in eight days, while Runanga had a period of inactivity before beating

Greymouth Marist for the West Coast title last weekend.

However, there are simi-

larities, too. Both clubs have young and particularly mobile forward packs which will appreciate the firm condition of the Show Grounds. The improvement in Papanui’s back-line display in its final premiership game will have heartened its supporters, for Runanga has a very effective attacking unit to complement its forward resources. Bernard Green, a former Kiwi centre, has recovered from the illness which

caused him to leave the field midway through the West Coast final. He had already made his mark, though, with two typically spectacular tries. Runanga also has the services of the extremely able South Island scrum-half Glen Gibb, a former South wing, Stephen Low, and Don Lee, a prolific goal-kicker who combines particularly well with Green in midfield.

The Runanga pack is an interesting combination. Peter Harris and Kevin Harrington are seasoned provincial players; Philip Campbell, only 17, has adjusted smoothly to his second-row duties after previous experience as an inside back; Ross Dey has surprising speed for a prop; Tony Mahuika’s strength is his enthusiastic tackling; and Donald Boot is aptly named for a hooker.

Papanui’s problem of compensating for the loss of the injured Mike Williams has been largley solved by the transferring of its captain, Gary Taie, from loose forward back to his old centre role.

The reliable Taie has provided a steadying influence for the attacking halves, John Blazey and Greg Roberts, while Kelvin Kelly should be an able replacement for the injured wing, Michael Kerrigan. Much of Papanui’s thrust around the play-the-balls has been provided by Doug Thompson — the team’s leading try-scorer — and John Cole this winter, but there are clear signs that John Cleaver, John Cannell and Malcolm Ambrose have found their feet at premier level.

A most entertaining match is in prospect, and the result should also give an indication as to how Papanui and Runanga will fare in the national Tusk Cup tournament which begins next month.