Papanui eliminated from Tusk Cup

Press, 3 October 1983, Page 3

Papanui eliminated from Tusk Cup

Special correspondent .Wellington South Island participation in the national Tusk Cup rugby league tournament ended when Papanui was beaten, 24-14, by Upper Hutt at Wellington yesterday. The result appeared inevitable throughout the game, even though Papanui, obviously somewhat short of match practice, recovered from a 10-point deficit to trail only 8-10 after the third quarter. It was in that period that Papanui impressed most, with the front-row forwards, Doug Thompson, Mike Godinet and John Cannell, combining particularly well and troubling the Upper Hutt pack.

But Papanui had no penetration in its back-line, the outside men seldom even reaching the advantage line. Papanui’s hopes were eventually dashed when the Upper Hutt wing, Tim Parry, touched down to extend the lead to 16-8 in the final quarter.

Had it not been for an outstanding performance by the Papanui full-back, Bryce Nicholson, Upper Hutt would have won by many more points. Nicholson bravely stopped several promising breaks by the Upper Hutt forwards and added five goals for good measure.

The only Papanui try was scored by the replacement forward, Murray Hurst, just before full-time.

Upper Hutt has now joined the other Wellington representative, Randwick, and Mangakino (Midlands) in the semi-finals. The other semi-finalist will be the winner of the Auckland local derby between Otahuhu and Mt Albert tomorrow night. Scores.—

Upper Hutt 24 (J. Paikea, V. Aramoana, T. Parry, R. Stevens tries; W. Henry four goals) beat Papanui 14 (M. Hurst try; B. Nicholson five goals). Half-time, 10-2. (Saturday matches, page 26)