Reid casualty in Wgtn win

Press, 26 September 1988, Page 27

Reid casualty in Wgtn win

PA Wellington The hooker, Hika Reid, will miss the Wellington representative rugby team's last two games because of an aggravated hamstring injury. Reid left Athletic Park during Saturday’s 44-11 win over Taranaki immediately after scoring a thrilling try. There was concern that he could be in doubt for the Maori All Blacks tour next month. Wellington has the bonus of calling on Glen Fraser to take over from Reid, and it was evident on Saturday when Fraser went on that he was jumping out of his skin and put in a strong effort. Brian McGrattan was in superb form as a front of the lineout jumper and mauler. Wellington scored eight tries, with the All Black fullback, John Gallagher, getting one and kicking six conver-

sions. The home team led 123 at the interval after first facing a stiff breeze and Taranaki was as good as out of contention. Wellington made some elementary errors but managed to reduce the number from' the embarrassment of the North Auckland game and is well on track to win its last two outings and take second place in the National Mutual Championship first division. Taranaki’s first try came from a tap-kicked penalty and the second through a slick backline move. Wellington’s tries were crisply taken, with well-timed passes and dash the norm. Marc Verhoeven was rewarded with two tries as the result of good support play and Dirk Williams showed pace for a loose forward to be up with the wing, Chris Welch, to get another.