FROM THE SIDE-LINES

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29853, 20 June 1962, Page 13

FROM THE SIDE-LINES

The Christchurch left wing, W. Birtwistle, scored three of the beat tries seen in a elub match for some time, against Sydenham on Saturday. He used his speed, adroitness and intelligence at the right moments in three Splendid runs which had the defence in tatters

©Gradually regaining his flonm of hast year is the Technical Old Boys' centre-half R. van Dalsum. The big Dutch defender, who was on the verge of selection for the representative team last season, missed his club's first seven senior games this season because of injury. There is little finesse in van Palsum’s game, but he is a tenacious tackler and hard worker—qualities generally lacking in the present Old Boys’ defence

D. R. STEPHENS The Linwood wings, G McConchie and D. R. Stephens, looked threatening when they grabbed the ball for themselves against New Brighton. Stephens, especially, made same fine runs from loose play but seldom can tw’o winns have been more neglected by their team-mates

R.N.ZAF. is now the only team unbeaten in the Rugby senior reserve competition, but it does not lead on points. Before Saturday both Miarist and RUZ AT had no losses and one draw, but RJJ.Z.A.F. had also had its bye so Marist led with 7J points to 6|. On Saturday Marist was beaten by University A and RJJ.ZA.F. bad its second draw—with Linwood. Marist. therefore, is still half a point ahead with its bye to come R.N.Z.A.F. had its earlier draw with Merivale in its first match. Since then ’ts best win has been over University A. Players who impressed against Linwood on Saturday were the first fiveeighths. L. Soarkes, and a forward, R. Crothall, formerly of Culverden

yfe As far out of P' position as he could possibly be was the Technical Old Boys* regular goalkeeper, W. Flintham, in last Saturday’s match against Rangers. Because of a

number of injuries, Flintham was switched to centre-forward—the position which gives him most trouble when in goal. Although never a real danger, he scored Technical’s only goal.

fl The University senior is not winning its games by such large margins as it did last season. But if its attacking ability has been blunted a little by the extra determination shown by its opponents its defence has become even more formidable. In nine matches only four tries have been scored against University and in the last five games University has not had its line crossed. Of the four tries against University not one has been scored by a back

The Marist Rugby ■0 League team’s fullback, H. Nepia, who played in England several years ago, finds that attack is toe best means of defence. Against Christchurch on Saturday, especially in the first spell, he continually saved his side by running determinedly to open up play.

A hat-trick in Saturday’s soccer match against City by the Shamrock right wing, J. Killick, almost took his side to the premiership. Killick this , season has scored eight goals in Hurley Shield matches, which is considerably more than has been scored by any other wing in the competition. He has the ability to shoot accurately from well out, and he hits his penalty shots with considerable power.

Baah of the matches New Brighton has lost this season has left toe impression the side might have won with a .little, more intelligent use of

attack or a little more effort when an advantage had been gained. This was the feeling again at Rugby Park on Saturday when Linwood won with one penalty goal. The New Brighton forwards kept toe side in Linwood territory for much of the game and the backs attacked consistently—for the last 10 minutes. Spectators were left wondering why there were none of these back attacks earlier, especially by the speedy centre, F. Bishop.

The first senior Rugby match to be played at the University sports ground at Ham drew a large attendance of about 500 when University played High School Old Boys on Saturday. The seven grounds at Ham were in full use. As well as four Rugby games there was senior men's hockey, senior women’s hockey and senior soccer played at the ground. It is probably the first time that four senior matches in different sports have been played on the one ground in Christchurch.

The Sydenham backs had few chances against Christchurch in the main Rugby game at Lanacaster Park on Saturday, but the centre, G. Wade, impressed once with a nice dribbling rush, at full pace, which went half the length of the field. j— The Hornby League hooker, R. Woodgate, continues to play an honest - game each Saturday. In his most recent match against Linwood he was never far from the ball. He is probably the best Hornby forward in supporting M. L. Cooke in hand-to-hand passing movements

The University flanker, S. W. Wakelin, has been a good replacement for the Canterbury representative, P. G. Bark, Who has missed many games because of a shoulder injury. Fast, and very fit, Wakelin, with more experience, could become a very good forward!

R. Pounsford, Linwood's captain and last year’s first choice half-back in the Canterbury Rugby League teams, will not play again this season. Pounsford broke a wrist and dislocated his shoulder early in the season and although his wrist has mended, he is still troubled with the shoulder injury.

No back-line can function efficiently without good service from the base of the scrum. Such a service is provided regularly by the Suburbs half-back G. Roberts. On Saturday, Roberts sent long, accurate passes to his first fiveeighths. which gave those extra few yards.

The Canterbury representative, J. Adams, was instrumental in bringing about Albion’s last-minute win over Merivale at Lancaster Park on Saturday. In toe last quarter he tried everything and was rewarded just on time when he sent his first five-eighths, W. A. R. James, in for a splendid try.