Ron Davis scores three tries in Eastern's draw with Town in 1975 Sports Trust......

Eastern drew with Town 16-16 in the Sports Trust final game for the 1975 season.  Eastern were in Town's half for most of the first half but could not capatalise.  Town took their opportunities and scored two tries before half time against the run of play.

Ron Davis scored twice for town with both being converted.  Eastern could have been very rattled when Davis scored again just after half time to make the score 16-3.  The teams played up and down the field and Eastern forced Town into mistakes which gave Graham McKinnell the opportunity to kick three penalty goals.  
The Eastern forwards worked extremely hard and managed to keep Town in their own half  and it was Des Hebert who worked tirelessly round the field and disrupting Town round the rucks and mauls.  Donald Hay and Bruce Smillie led the team in the tight.
In a bruising forward battle Town's Murray Leach and Anton McLean were the key players, but unfortunately McLean went off injured in the second half.  
Evan McLellan, the town winger had the Eastern defence beaten on many occassions and he had Lin Booth to thank for setting him and Davis up.  
Lloyd Proctor was excellent for the Eastern backs and showed flair and understanding of the game, but lacked support when he needed it.  For Town Ernie Johnstone was dependable at half-back, and Rex McDougall a safe full back.
Graham McKinnell probably should have fed his backs more instead of kicking away hard earned possession and many of his kicks were straight to Cardno who is no slug with ball in hand.
TOWN:  Davis (3) Cardno (2)
EASTERN: Johnston (1) McKinnell (4PG)
Reference: The Southland Times July 1975
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