I'm a Hawkeye Guy

  The English rugby team's pioneering tour of the Antipodes took on a sad and melancholy look at McLean Park yesterday, when they were beaten by Hawkes Bay by 20 points to 5.

  It was the third loss in the four games played by the tourists and their is no doubting the apprehension with which the party is now regarding not only the second test with New Zealand, but also the match against Australia next Tuesday.

  Hawkes Bay deserved full credit for their achievement. They led by 6-nil at half-time (from a try to the young centre Ian MacRae and a penalty to Ian Bishop, the fullback).

  After 14 minutes of the second half a long breakaway by M P Weston, the English captain, was answered by a counter attack by Bill Davis, the Hawkes bay right wing, who gathered in his own kick-ahead, swerved infield and then passed to Kel Tremain, who bolted 20 years to score. Bishop placed the goal.

  The Englishmen replied with their only try scored by B J Wightman, converted by R W Hosen.

  This made the score 11-5, an interesting situation, but it did not remain like that for long.

  Hosen ran the ball out of his twenty-five, Weston dropped the pass and MacRae - gathering speed all the way - ran some 30 yards to cross near the corner.

  Presently, Hosen was penalised for lying on the ball about 40 yards in front of his posts. Bishop placed an excellent goal.

  Finally, the England backs (Weston was the culprit once more) mishandled and MacRae crashed down the sideline for a very fine try.

  Two or three points stood out above all others. One was the quality of the Hawkes Bay pack, a strong heavyweight group, in which Rod Abel played with distinction in the lineouts.

  Prop, Gordon Love, became a heroic figure with his fast following and dynamic tackling.

  Overall, the pack was animated by the strongest will in victory. In one memorable scrummage on their goal-line, they heeled the ball into the second row and then, by well timed application of strength, decisively pushed England back yards in an outstanding display of scrummaging.

  The contribution of C Craik, the hooker, who won many heels against the head, was also notable.

  Tremain played a noble, subordinate part of tidying up the loose ends. Neil Thimbleby was a powerhouse and Tom Johnson kept his men driving well.