Successful Rugby League Tournament

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28314, 27 June 1957, Page 15

Successful Rugby League Tournament

TF there was a lack of any parA ticular type of play during the Rugby League’s quadrangular tournament, held in Christchurch last week-end, it was tackling and cover defence, and fortunately for Canterbury it had both. These were Canterbury’s really strong points in the two games—against West Coast on Saturday and Wellington on Sunday. In both games the opposition got more of the ball, but only once was the defence really breached and that was in the last five minutes of the final, on Sunday, when Wellington scored a try from a short penalty three yards out from Canterbury’s goal line. Possession On Saturday, West Coast had an abundance of ball to work with but it could make no impression on Canterbury. Time and again the ball was swept back and forth across the field in orthodox passing moves, quick changes of direction, the reverse pass and the scissors pass were used, but each time any gaps were blocked. When they did get possession Canterbury’s backs proved that they were a force to be reckoned with, too, the side scoring 12 tries in two matches. West Coast was a stronger side than the one beaten -36-0 three weeks previously. The forwards performed far better and looked more like what Canterbury followers have come to expect of forwards from there. The side

produced a hooker, W. Walton, who should be seen more often with West Coast teams after his two good displays. Apart from hooking well, he played a grand game.

A. Green, who toured Australia with last year’s Kiwis, was the outstanding success in the backs, which included a number of very young players who should improve.

Wellington failed to produce the form that is expected from Wellington sides. Like Coast, it failed to make use of the advantages it had of greater possession. The best player was J. Reidy, who played on the wing and at fiveeighths. In the inside position he showed great promise as a strong runner.

Otago, although beaten twice, once by a big margin, played better football than has been seen from an Otago team in Christchurch since League’s revival in Dunedin. As yet it has not got a true conception of the 13-a-side game, but the experience it gained will be of great value. Pfobably what was brought home more than anything was the value of possession and of retaining it. Against Wellington, had Otago taken advantage of the amount of loose passing indulged in by its opponents, it could have won. However, it did not have to experience to capitalise on it. The tournament was undoubtedly a success and indications are that it will be established as an annual fixture.