TOKOMARU BACKS SHOW TEAM PLAY ON TOLAGA FIELD

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22697, 23 July 1948, Page 7

TOKOMARU BACKS SHOW TEAM PLAY ON TOLAGA FIELD

(Herald Correspondent.) The Tokomaru Bay representatives made the game fast and open in defeating the home team by 30 points to three on the Tolaga Bay ground last Saturday. Tokomaru registered seven tries, three converted and a penalty goal, while Tolaga scored one try. The visiting backs opened the game with a swift attack which was held up by an infringement, but ensuing efforts brought quick results and within 10 minutes B. Whitton and J. Oates had touched down for tries, one being converted by Baker. Following a fine solo effort by Boyce, the home side's three points were obtained by W. Crawford, whose try in the corner was followed by a near miss by Wanoa, the ball shaving the wrong side of the upright. The Tolaga forwards were playing a bustling game and keeping the ball away from the northern back line, the exchanges being very even until half-time which was signalled with the scores still showing 8-3 in favour of Tokomaru. Loss of Captain The second spell was marked by a sensational opening involvmg the lpss to the home side of the captain. Lincoln. A fast break-away for Tokomaru was effected by Blane and the ball passed via Whitton to Carey, who punted over the line and was awarded a try after the referee had apparently signalled a force-down and ■Lincoln was ordered to leave the field as the result of comment to the referee on the ruling. Baker's attempt to convert was not successful., but he landed a penalty awarded in a good position shortly afterwards and the score was 14-3. . . . The speed and thrust of the visiting backs seemed to demoralise the Tolaga Bay defenders and Carey had no trouble in crossing under the posts after a clever change of direction, Baker converting. Almost immediately Baker scored and converted his own try after selling a neat "dummy,” bringing the tally to Tokomaru Bay 30, Tolaga Bay 3. • „ A , Play ended with a solo effort by Boyce resulting in a penalty which Wanoa just failed to goal with a good kick. Prominent Players For the winners, Whitton, Baker. Blane, J. Oates, and Carey played inspiring football. Their handling and speed stamped them as one of the best attacking back lines seen in action at Tolaga Bay for many seasons. Although not as virile as the local pack the Tokomaru Bay forwards, who were slightly shaded, played an excellent game. Those who particularly took the eye were Isaacs, McPherson, and Lambert.

The Tolaga Bay backs were outclassed on the day with the exception ot the full-back, M. Noanoa, who showed a safe pair of hands and demonstrated the correct manner in which to tackle. His kicks to the line were powerful and accurate. His vis-a-vis Tichborne, although shaky on occasions, got his side out of difficulties on the occasions when they were pressed, but his kicks to the line seemed to screw off his boot. The Tolaga combination of three half backs was not a happy one against such opposition, but B. Noanoa and Taare, the latter particularly, showed promise at times. J. Hooper did not get many chances, but he made the. most of .those that came his way. Until his dismissal Lincoln was a good leader for the home forwards, and he was ably supported by I. Hooper. D. McNeil, Wanoa, and T. Rangiuia. On the day the pack were better than the visitors and played well throughout. Mr. Bert Stewart was the referee.