Woodlands too good for Bluff in 1982 Southland Rugby Championship.

Woodlands forwards paved the way for their team to beat Bluff 33-6 in the curtain raiser at Rugby Park in 1982.
The forward pack were superior to a lack-lustre Bluff pack who could not withstand the pressure from Woodlands.
In the second half in particular they gave their backs some good ball which they used to the fullest.

There was trouble in the game early on with Geoff Mead being put in the sin bin for a late tackle, and unfortunately Bluff did not learn from this so the referee Mr P. Tetai, dished out more penalties.  No. 8 Gil Peake was the pick of the Woodland forwards and his control at the back of the lineout gave his team great ball.  He completely out jumped his opposite and also his all round the field play was impressive.  John Keenan in partnership with Paul Cosgrove made some great bursts through the defence and half back Stu Cook was also in good form.  
Brent McKenzie looked a lot more comfortable than his previous game on the park and showed he is a promising player with strong running, accurate kicking and great ball skills.  His brother, Grant McKenzie, grew into the game at full-back, he had the better of his opposite, Rangi Puki by the end of the game.
Second five eight, Mick Flynn, made one great break to set u a break for Paul Howden, while he and Alan Sloan on the other wing scored three tries between them complimenting the forward play.
Chris Hini was at his best with his slick passing while first five eight Tony Neilson, showed glimses of good skills.  Terry Dixon tried constantly to inject some life into  his pack, but to no fault of his nothing could help.  Flanker, Mark Proctor was the other forward that did rally to his request.  Bluff started well, but could not settle and obviously frustration started entering their game and they could not get their heads in the right place.  
Puki kicked a penalty goal after 16 minutes and at the 30 minute Grant McKenzie replied after taking over from his brother, Brent who was not finding the goal posts.  At the 35 minute, Grant McKenzie burst into the backline on half way and feed winger Alan Sloan the perfect pass on halfway.  Sloan burst past two tacklers and ran 40 M without being touched and Grant McKenzie kicked the conversion and just before halftime added another penalty goal.
In the second half Woodlands used the blind side to great effect and gave everyone a lesson of the advantages of using this avenue. Grant McKenzie was again in the action and followed up Sloan kick ahead to score.
Tries followed to Howden, Sloan and Carter and all Bluff could do was reply with a penalty goal to Rangi Puki.