South seals match with late try

Press, 16 May 1985, Page 44

South seals match with late try

PA Dunedin A Brent Pope try three minutes before the final whistle sealed a meritorious 19-12 win for South Island Universities over its northern counterpart in Dunedin yesterday. The South made more of scoring opportunites in a match restricted by piercing cold. A resolute Southern forward effort highlighted the early stages of the match.

The Northern backs looked polished in their use of the ball and the side was rewarded with two tries, both converted, to lead 12-0 after 27 minutes.

South responded with a converted try, to be six points adrift at half-time, and claimed dominance immediately on resumption. A cleverly placed kick from the half-back and the captain, Gary Barkle, fell into the path of a concerted forward drive, and the blindside flanker, Rob Mof-

fat, crashed over after taking a flip pass from the hooker, John Buchan. The try was converted and the scores tied. South took the lead halfway through the second spell when Kevin Cronin nudged over a simple penalty, awarded for off-side. Barkle continued to use place kicks and the blindside to pressurise the north and keep his forwards active. It was from a blindside move that Pope got South’s third try, looming in support with North’s cover down.

Pope came on as Dale Atkins’ replacement at halftime and made quite an impression. Scores: South Island Universities 19 (Craig McDowell, Rob Moffat, Brent Pope tries; Kevin Cronin 2 conversions, penalty), North Island Universities 12 (Murray Kendrick, Mark Adams tries; Mark Gray 2 conversions). Half-time: 6-12. Referee: Mr Lindsay McLachlan.