Aussie win in deaf rugby

From: Wanganui Chronicle, New Zealand - Aug 15, 2005

RUGBY: Australia's forwards crunched their New Zealand opponents in Saturday's deaf rugby international at Cooks Gardens.

The New Zealanders looked to have the legs in the backs on the Aussies on the few times time they received reasonable ball – but the visitors were much bigger and more skilled in the tight, and especially the scrums, and the 22-10 win showed it.

As the All Blacks were to do to the Wallabies later on Saturday night, the Australians did terrible things to the New Zealand scrum, and with the heavens opening on a consistent basis and leading to handling errors, there were many chances to bully the hosts.

Thus No 8 Paul Erickson twice scored, the first from a scrum, and the second after a break close to the line by openside flanker Stuart clear. No 6 and captain Justin Steele scored from a rolling maul and fullback Paul Walker scored the other – and kicked a conversion.

Centre Theo Waterhouse scored all of New Zealand's points with a try, penalty and conversion.

The match as refereed by Wanganui deaf referee Peter Martin.

With this match being played at Cooks, the B team battle between Wanganui and Horowhenua Kapiti was pushed down to Spriggens Park – and won 34-20 by Horowhenua after the score was 24-20 with just five minutes to go.

Wanganui took an early lead through tries by hooker Brett Turner and halfback Daniel Rolls, but that was the end of its domination.

It was 10-all at halftime, and Horowhenua took control late in the second half.

Openside flanker Jackson Wood excelled in the slippery conditions for Horowhenu, while Brett Turner (at prop), locks Matt Gilbert and Cole Paki and replacement five-eighth Leon Mason were the best for Wanganui B – David Ogilvie.

© APN News & Media Ltd 2005.