Victory to Poverty Bay

In a hard and fast game, punctuated by spectacular back play, Poverty Bay defeated the East Coast 10-5 in the annual Queen's Birthday match at Rugby Park. The crowd of 7000 who turned out to see this popular game were treated to a fine display of rugby, with both sides spinning the ball out along their backlines. The forwards worked well, opening up the play whenever possible, and partaking in some good loose rushes, but it was the backs who made the day with determined attacking and solid defence.

With such an encouraging opening game as this for an indication, Poverty Bay representative rugby can look forward to a promising season.

Lineout play was keen. P.B. players are from left: Ross Nicholas, Hank Nyenhuis (11), Doug Fee, Willy Whaitiri (headgear), Babs Henare.

Knox Karaka and Claude Rickard fighting for the ball)

East Coast are put on the attack as Tamati Reedy clears under pressure from Johnny Collins

Pat Ransley's progress is abruptly halted by Knox Karaka as Rangi Josephs and Tuta Tarre race to the scene

P.B. fullback, John Hata, about to make two points

P.B. halfback, George Walford, gets his kick away with the Coast Flanker, Tommy Ngatai, attempting to intercept

Pat Ransley has head down as he attempts to dodge past Tommy Ngatai, with Knox Karaka and Waiter Akroyd racing up in the background.

Brian Johnson gets a sample of the solid East Coast defence from Tamiti Reedy as Bruce Watson leaves John Collins on the ground.

Previous article Issue contents Next article

The Gisborne Photo News

No 84 : June 15, 1961

Victory to Poverty Bay