Christchurch Too Fast And Skilful

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30443, 18 May 1964, Page 16

Christchurch Too Fast And Skilful

CHRISTCHURCH 14: D. A. Arnold, M. Birtwistle and J. S. Baird tries; G. Waterreus kicked a penalty and a conversion. LINCOLN COLLEGE 6: A. Banks kicked two penalties. Faster in the backs and quicker to the loose ball in the forwards, Christchurch still was not very convincing in beating Lincoln College. However, the margin of three tries to one adequately summed up the difference in the attacking abilities of the teams. Whereas Christchurch looked naiWWiHi & its forwards for its attacking movements and the forwards, although playing well, never really gained a decisive ascendancy. Surprisingly Lincoln College did not really attempt to use its backs, assuming probably that if Christchurch was to be beaten it would be in the forwards. It was a mistake. Defensive Flaws Christchurch held its own in the forwards, was far more mobile in. the loose, and when the Lincoln College backs did run with the ball they exposed defensive flaws in the Christchurch back-line.

Although Christchurch led only by 8-0 at half-time the attacking skill of D. A. Arnold and W. M. Birtwistle, and the dangerous bursts by J. S. Baird and R. Wainohu in the loose, indicated that Lincoln College might be over-run in the second half. Blit a deterioration in the handling of the Christchurch backs and the loss first of B. A. Watt and then Arnold, blunted Christchurch’S attacking strength. Although brilliant tries were scored by Birtwistle and Arnold, Christchurch could nnlx scars.^npAbßr teams skidded and slith-jative Arnold Magnificent Arnold again was magnificent oh attack and Birtwistle, although mishandling occasionally, scored a brilliant try after a 60-yard run in which he beat three men with his side-step. A. Hayman was a solid centre for Lincoln College and P. Ferguson was a determined wing. Baird, Wainohu and S. K. Jackson Were a mobile set of loose forwards in the Christchurch pack and G. Scrimshaw jumped effectively in the lineouts.

C. King, F. Eggleton and A. Banks were the best of the Lincoln College forwards. Referee: Mr H. P. Kearney.