Opening Game Victory

In their first representative game of the season, Poverty Bay soundly defeated East Coast by 34 points to eight - the highest winning margin of points for the Bay since 1934 in their annual Queen's Birthday tussle at Rugby Park. A richly deserved win, the home side's lighter forward pack dominated the loose and tight play alike, winning their agile backs a ton of ball. The backline was functioning superbly, and time after time, carved through the Coast's defence to cross the line. A notable point of the game was that all the Bay's tries came from members of the backline.

For the new sole selector and trainer, Mr Ray Preston, the victory must have been a most satisfying one, and promises a good season ahead.

East Coast's fullback, Knox Karaka, jumps high in the air to catch a high ball, as opposing wingers, John McKenzie and Tamati Reedy arrive on the scene.

Star of the lineouts was Poverty Bay's new representative, David Kirkpatrick. Other players are from left: Claude Rickard, Pat Ashton, Buster Taylor, Don Kennedy, Hank Nyenhuis, Allan Rowlands (13),Drew stein(14), Ngatai, W. Waitoa, and T. Henare.

Leaving a trail of Bay players in his wake, Tamati Reedy juggles with the ball as he starts to streak down the touchline.

Beau Kururangi passes to Tamati Reedy as David Alley and John McKenzie close in on them

Brian Johnson kicks a high ball as Tamati Reedy and Beau Kururangi move across in defence. Others are: Claude Richard, Don Green, John McKenzie, and Pat Ashton

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The Gisborne Photo News

No 96 : June 14, 1962

Opening Game Victory