Close Competition In Senior League

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29240, 25 June 1960, Page 5

Close Competition In Senior League

L AST Saturday’s defeat of Papanui by Sydenham has brought the Canterbury Rugby League championship to a very close and interesting state. Until the final game of the first round, Papanui and lanwood were un-

defeated. In the last game of the round Papanui gained a narrow win over Linwood to take the lead. However, its defeat last Saturday brings Linwood back as co-leaders, with Sydenham close behind.

If Sydenham can produce the same form this week, it has a great chance of lowering Linwood’s colours. This does not end the possibilities of upsets, for the Hornby team is greatly improved. The second round is played in conjunction with a one round Vivian Cup competition. Although Hornby appears too far behind in points to have any chance in the championship it could quite easily upset the chances of the top sides.

During the last few games several newer players have been showing greatly improved form and will have to be seriously considered for later representative games. Perhaps the most prominent of them is the young Hornby forward, I. Drayton, who has been outstanding. In his last two games Drayton lias shown that he possesses all the necessary qualifications to go a long way in the game.

In last Saturday’s game between Sydenham and Papanui the Sydenham captain R. Turton once again proved just how versatile a footballer he is. For several seasons he has been in the Canterbury team as the loose forward. This season he shifted out to play as centre-threequarters for his club side, and has represented the province in this position in the two representative fixtures already played. Last Saturday he moved in to first five-eighths, and it was mainly because of his fine display that Sydenham had its well deserved win.