Wednesday April 4th 1973

Ngaruawahia v Taupiri

Pre-season

The newly formed Taupiri A.F.C. met an under-strength Ngaruawahia side at Centennial Park, Ngaruawahia, on Saturday. Very few of the players were unknown to each other between teams, and individual styles of play were recognised by opposing players.

Taupiri used this, their first match, to feel out their positions for future competitive matches. It was unfortunate that Murray Barakat was unable to carry out his defensive role for Taupiri, his new club, as he was still recovering from injured ribs. Chris Barakat did well in his berth at fullback as did David Bell at outside left. The diminutive Allan Cotter set up many attacking plays within the Ngaruawahia penalty area.

Newcomer Jeffrey McLaughlin had an excellent game for his new club, Ngaruawahia, and his curving left kick had Barry Old, Taupiri’s keeper, on his toes. Charlie Gorman had to leave the field injured after a clash with Old in the first half. Martin Bell and Kerry Thompson were held by the Ngaruawahia defence until 15 minutes from full time when Thompson wove his way through the defense to push the ball into the net for Taupiri for the only score of the game.

Gary Scott had a solid game at half-back for the home team as did visitor Jim McCaig.