Waikato whipped

Press, 29 September 1988, Page 60

Waikato whipped

PA Wellington The All Black fullback, John Gallagher’s 27 points and the No. 8, Emosi Koloto’s hat-trick of tries almost made it a double benefit for them when Wellington beat Waikato 55-18 in a national first division rugby championship match at Athletic Park yesterday. It was the biggest loss suffered by Waikato since losing 50-4 to Auckland in 1984. Wellington’s seven tries to two win yesterday was again based on the power and mobility of its forwards, with frequent added zip from the backs. Yet there were stages when Waikato appeared well in the game, though it was unable to control the ball for prolonged periods. Wellington got an early advantage with an opening minute gift try by John Schuster when. he intercepted a pass from opposite Eugene Sharrock and sprinted 70 metres to score under the crossbar. Wellington 55 (Emosi Koloto (3), Denis Tocker, John Schuster, Dunn Kaiwai, Nigel Geany tries; John Gallagher 5 penalty goals, 6 conversions); Waikato 18 (Paul Simonsson, Eugene Sharrock tries; Andrew Strawbridge 2 conversions/2 penalty goals). Half-time 34-9. Referee: Geoff Smith (Hawke’s Bay).