Taranaki defeats Buller

Press, 24 June 1985, Page 23

Taranaki defeats Buller

PA Westport Taranaki registered its second national championship in four davs when it defeated Buller, 36-6, in a national second division championship game at Westport on Saturday. But despite the comfortable margin of victory, it was an unconvincing performance by Taranaki as a lead-up to its Ranfurly Shield challenge against Canterbury tomorrow. In conditions marred only by a strong wind Taranaki started extremely well, dominating possession and running hard in the backs to build up a 24-0 lead at half-time. During the first half, Taranaki ran in tries to second five-eighths Charlie McAllister, lock John Plumtree, winger Tony Arnold and centre Murray Watts. In the second half, however, Buller stormed back into the game, outrucking and outdriving Taranaki who looked very suspect when going back. The Taranaki points in the second half came in the first and last minutes. Early on, winger Bryce Robins scored a try while just before the final whistle McAllister crowned a fine game with a runaway try. In between David Baird kicked two fine penalties for Buller but this was poor reward for a spirited all-round effort. For Taranaki, Kieran Crowley was again outstanding, catching and kicking well and showing plenty of pace while McAllister proved a handful to the Buller defence every time he got the ball. In the forwards flanker Ray Wisnowski was the pick of the loose forwards and Donald Jennings went well at prop. For Buller, twins Glenn and Robert Elley were outstanding in driving play while, Murray Dickson was the pick of the tight forwards. Scorers were: Taranaki: Charlie McAllister (2), John Plumtree, Tony Arnold, Murray Watts, Bryce Robins, tries; Kieran Crowley, two penalties and three conversions. Buller: David Baird, two penalties.