Murray Hewitson plays a solid game for Town to beat Eastern in Southland in 1983.......

Town beat Eastern 18-6 to win the Sports Trust Cup in 1983.  It played good open rugby and basically made less mistakes, with Eastern kicking away too much ball and losing any opportunities.

Jeff Mead for Town grasps the ball from the line out while Bain McCall and Jeff Lamb go in for the tackle.

Eastern won a lot of line out ball through Alan Byrne, and it was a shame that this was not put to better use.
Tony Proctor, flanker for town was in great form, he played with determination and was strong in the tackle and quick to the breakdowns.
He was supported well by the other flanker, Jeff Mead.
Locks Kauvai Mitaiau and Murray Hewitson worked hard in securing ball while in the tight, Doug Murcott scrummaged well and looked as though he was getting back to his best.
With the town forward pack going forward it made it easy for Chris Hiini to distribute the ball.  His opposite, Murray Heath gave him plenty to think about as he was at his best with his kicking spot on.
McKechnie was the general that led the team round the field with his accurate kicking and great decision making.
Second five eight, Paul Macfie was sound and it was his tidying up of a bad lineout take that gave the only try of the game.
Ross Polson was always there for Macfie and secured the ball to lob over to Bruce Pascoe scorching down the side line for the touchdown.
Eastern full back, Selwyn Winter tried a few up and unders to test Grant Soper, his opposite, but to no avail.
Bain McCall, hooker for Eastern gave nothing away in the scrums, although his opposite, Mark Crowther grabbed the only tighthead of the game.
Alister King was strong in the tight, while Grant McDonald, flanker and No 8, Bruce Robertson worked hard all day.
John Chittock was very quiet at second five eight but when he linked up with Brian Dickison at centre they managed to get the ball out to their wingers, Craig Pullar and Jimmy Cormack.
Town:  Bruce Pascoe (1) Brian McKechnie (1Con) (4PG).
Eastern: Brian Dickison (2PG)
Referee: Mr Murray Jarvis.

Reference:   McConnell, L.  Town Downs Eastern To Secure Cup.  The                                          Southland Times June 1983.

---