Tua Raroa key player in his Eastern team win over Northern in 1986.....

Eastern was just too good for Northern in the Sports Trust trophy in 1986.  The half time score was 4-4 but Eastern came out firing in the second half and ended  up winning 39-11.

It was John Douglas, the Northern hooker, that started the ball rolling, after winning a tighthead, the ball was spun out through the backs and it ended up in the hands of Tony Waller, the winger who out paced his opposites and scored in the corner.
The Eastern forwards worked hard to secure good ball but it was wasted once it got to the half back, Peter Baird who was slow in getting it to Tua Raroa, who more often than not skewed his kick.
The Eastern team must have got a talking to as they came out a different team in the second half and the locks, Alan Byrne and Gary Cowan won good set phases, especially in the lineout.  Selwyn Winter and John Chittock played individualism rugby and instead of having the confidence of their wingers they more often than not tried to go it alone.  
Jamie McKay and Peter Richards at full back and second five eight respectively both played well for Northern.  Alan Pennicot (lock) and David Orr (prop) did what was asked of them.
Eastern: Jim Cormack (2) Dave Mitchell, Alan Byrne, Peter McQueen (1) Tua Raroa (3Con) (3PG)
Northern: Tony Waller, Allan Pennicott (1) Dave Montieth (1PG)

Reference:  The Southland Times June 1986 "Eastern ran away in second half"

Article courtesy of The Southland Times - June 1986