Emergers given run for money

Press, 4 July 1985, Page 40

Emergers given run for money

NZPA staff correspondent Masterton The New Zealand Emerging Players were rocked off their feet before taming the fire of the Wairarapa-Bush pack to win 20-11 in their second tour match yesterday. Such was the ferocity and commitment by the local side that the Emerging Players were camped much of the first 40 minutes toiling heavily in their own territory. The Emerging Players’ backs used skip passes, moved the ball wide and employed Brent McKenzie chiming into the line. It was hardly surprising that the Emerging Players suffered two casualties dur-

ing the torrid game. However, Glynn Meads, replaced by Andy Earl, was the only one to leave the field, with' a damaged rib. Bruce Deans had blood streaming down his head from cut over his right eye in the second spell, but saw out the game. The Emerging Players full-back Brent McKenzie, banged over three penalty goals, including a valuable shot from 45 metres out. But the long-striding Carl Baker, refreshed after a season off, finished off an enterprising counter-attack and arrived at the line just ahead of the desperate Emerging Players’ cover.

Skipper Paul Hawkins bagged Wairarapa’s second

try after a missed kick at goal by five-eighths Marty Berry. After the break, Deans put a perfect chip for the corner which Joe Leota managed to pounce own and score his first points of the tour. McKenzie, 16 points for the game, booted a simple penalty goal and finished off good work by Terry Wright to slice over for a try in the 27th minute. Scorers:—New Zealand Emerging Players 20 (J.Leota, B.McKenzie tries; B.McKenzie 4 penalty goals). Wairarapa-Bush 11 (C. Baker, P. Hawkins tries; M. Benton penalty goal). Referee: Mr Geoff Smith (Hawke’s Bay).