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The Gisborne Photo News

 

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Star Studded Benefit Rugby

Some of New Zealand's top rugby talent took the field at Rugby Park on a recent Saturday afternoon for the opening game of the season..... the Marist Rugby Club's benefit match.

Played on a perfect ground, in rather light-hearted vein, the game provided a spectacle of fast open rugby for the large crowd who turned out for the occasion.

For the record, the final score was 41 points to 33 in favour of Meads' team, but neither side appeared to be particularly concerned with this aspect of the match.....a welcome change for the sport.

The only incident marring the otherwise enjoyable game was the retirement of captain John Graham from the field with slight concussion.

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The giant of the game, Colin Meads, in full flight. Others are Uttley, Ransley (4), Barry, and O'Sullivan.

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The two teams before the game. Back row: Colin Meads, Victor Yates, Bill Gray, Ralph Caulton, Mick Williment, Moray Beven, Alan Rowlands, Colin Currie, Pat Cooper, Dave Gillespie, Ian Uttley, Reece Johnson, David Kirkpatrick, Linsey Townsend, Neil Wolfe, and referee Lex Gibson.
Front row: John Graham, Des Webb, Barry Cull, Jules Le Lievre, Kevin Barry, Tony McAra, Terry O'Sullivan, Frank O'Kane, Ike Flavell, Pat Walsh, Pat Ransley, Stan Meads, Muru Walters, Hank Nyenhuis, and Brian Johnson.

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Perky Neil Wolfe had the crowd and players alike guessing when he took possession. He is pictured with Bill Gray in support as he approaches bewildered defenders Pat Ransley and Terry O'Sullivan. At extreme left is John Graham.

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Pat Walsh caught in possession by Victor Yates

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Des Webb striving for the elusive Neil Wolfe

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Captains Meads and Graham enjoy a joke while leading their teams onto the field. Following them are Yates and Webb

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The brilliant young Varsity player Ian Uttley in action, with Colin Meads in support.

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Wellington half back Barry Cull gets the ball away with a dive pass. Chasing it are Hank Nyenhuia, John Graham, Alan Rowlands, and Moray Beven.

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Lyndsay Townsend clearing from a lineout

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David Kirkpatrick and Kevin Barry jump for the ball in a llneout after Its having passed over the King Country's All Black brothers, Colin and Stan Meads.