LINWOOD v CHRISTCHURCH.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 9126, 10 June 1895, Page 3

LINWOOD v CHRISTCHURCH.

Teams representing the above clubs met at Lancaster Park on Saturday, when a close and interesting game was witnessed, Linwood proving victorious by eight points (a goal and a try) to three points (a try). Mr VY. J. Cotterill was referee. The game was started by Linwood kicking off. A good return by O'Brien soon placed Christchurch on the defensive, and Linwood being awarded a penalty Stringer had a place kick, which was unsuccessful. Linwood continued to have the best of the play, and a futile pot at goal by O'Brien caused Christchurch to again force down. Even play in neutral territory followed the kick out, and tiien L. W. Harley made a good run into the Linwood twenty-five. A good passing run by Christchurch ended in F. Hariey reaching the line, and from the scrummage which ensued Glendinning got possession and scored, Appleby failing to convert. ' On resuming, the ball was taken to the Christchurch quarters, and Linwood being awarded a free kick for Smith's offside play, Ward just missed kicking a goal, the ball falling a foot or so under the bar. Christchurch were now called upon to act on the defensive, and they succeeded in keeping their line intact until a neat piece of passing by the Linwood backs enabled O'Brien to score, Stringer kicking a poster. Fast play in neutral territory waa witnessed until half time. On resuming, Christchurch took the field a man short, Humphreys having injured his shoulder so badly during the first spell that be had to retiie. Notwithstanding this handicap, however, Christchurch had a good deal the best of the play for a time, but at length Linwood removed the scene of action to the other end of the ground. However the fine defence of Christchurch prevented a score. After a number of scrummages in the Christchurch half Malet had his collarbone broken, and had to retire. Although playing two men short Christchurch showed good defence, but five minutes before the call of time o'_*rien intercepted a pass, and by a fine run scored a second try for Linwood, Hobbs converting. Even play followed until the end of the game.