Last-minute try by Sinclair gives Halswell league final

Press, 11 September 1989, Page 22

Last-minute try by Sinclair gives Halswell league final

By

JOHN COFFEY

A last-minute try by Neil Sinclair carried Halswell to an 18-14 win over Papanui in the Gore Cup (bottom four) rugby league final at Denton Oval yesterday.

It seemed certain the clubs would share the cup until Sinclair was given his chance by a replacement, Poi Tomuli. Once in the clear Sinclair had too much pace and elusiveness for the cover defence in a sprint of 30 metres.

So Halswell, which had won the Radio Avon Trophy in the autumn before losing any chance of defending its championship, finished as it had started and ensured its trophy cabinet was still reasonably well stocked.

But for much of yesterday’s game Papanui impressed as the better side. Papanui put more combined attacks together and led twice during the first 50 minutes. The match was well into the second quarter before Tony Blazey, a second-row forward ranging outside, claimed his first try for Papanui. Blazey was to give a repeat performance early in the second spell. Halswell had levelled up just before the interval, thanks to a timely entrance by the fullback, Walter Wilson. The totals were tied again when quick passing gave Colin Tennant the impetus to score 10 minutes after the resumption.

Midway through the spell

Canterbury's latest ’ Kiwi, Whetu Taewa, completed a stunning break by his scrumhalf, Aaron Whittaker, which, with Paul Dunn’s conversion, allowed Halswell a 14-8 advantage. However, in the last 11 fixtures Papanui has been able to count on its stand-off, Phil Smith, for at least one try. He did not let his club down yesterday. Smith burrowed his way beneath the cross-bar to keep his sequence intact and bring Papanui level at 14-14. For 15 minutes both clubs had a hand on the cup. But just as the timekeeper was about to sound the hooter the strongly-built Tomuli broke past the first line of tacklers and Sinclair finished off the

move in characteristic fashion. Sinclair had been one of Halswell’s most effective players throughout Taewa, who shifted from wing to centre when Halswell’s player-coach, Gordon Smith, was injured after 25 minutes, Tennant and Whittaker also impressed in the backs, and Mark Frame, Doug Parker and Glenn Grut played strongly up front. Scorers.— Halswell 18 (Walter Wilson, Colin Tennant, Whetu Taewa, Neil Sinclair tries; Paul Dunn goal) beat Papanui 14 (Tony Blazey two, Phil Smith tries; Jason Cameron goal). Halftime, 4-4. Referee, Mr Ken Blackler.