FROM THE SIDE-LINES

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30481, 1 July 1964, Page 13

FROM THE SIDE-LINES

Two young Hornby Ru gby League players could well contest the issue when the most improved senior player is selected at the end of the season. R. Moffat’s performances on the wing have deservedly placed him in the Canterbury squad and the scrumhalf, R- Neiman, shows great promise for the future. Their main rival could be the impressive Addington stand-off half, D. McCosh, who should gain representative honours in the near future.

D. Brooker, has not played many games for University A this season Because m C. R. Hockley and G. G. Loveridge the team has two very experienced props. But against Marist, Brooker showed that he is a prop of considerable potential. Strongly built and very determined, this 19-year-old seems to have a good future.

The Hornby Rugby League second row forward, I. T. Drayton, has scored 114 points this season. The total is made up of eight tries and 45 goals. He has scored 98 points in club matches, 11 in two representative matches and five for Canterbury A against Canterbury B. He is followed by P. M. White (85) arid G. Smitheram (70). The leading try scorer is R. Moffat (Hornby) with 16 tries.

The lack of goal-hungry forwards is a major deficiency of senior soccer in Christchurch, but one player who shoots unhesitatingly when given a sight of the net is the young Christchurch City player, F. Madrussen. Possessing a particularly powerful kick, he lacks, at the moment, constant accuracy, but condbntration on improving this could make him into the type of forward Canterbury football desperately needs.

The Griffiths family is no stranger to the Junior National Cup soccer competition, Last year Ken Griffiths played in the Canterbury team that reached the final at Auckland. The team selected last weekend to play Nelson at English Park next Saturday includes his brother Graham, of Shirley 8.H.5.0.8. They have one other thing in common: both were selected at centre-half.

Carlton has a useful pair of backs in the captain, L. Drummond (left), and C. Stevenson. Drummond has not played a poor game this year, her trapping and tackling being exceptionally sound, while Stevenson, noticed less because of the infrequency with which most teams use their leftwing, has given quiet and steady support On Saturday, however, they stood too square to each other and gave the Aranui forwards too much room in which to move.

When the Old Boys wing, A. G. Steel scored three tries against Merivale it was by speed alone; for each of them he ran round opponents, and for one nearly ran over the dead ball line. It was surprising more effort was not made to get the ball to him when he was so effective. His record for chances received was 75 per cent

The try V. Sykes scored against New Brighton last Saturday must have been one of the most satisfying of his career. After intercepting a pass near the half-way line this Suburbs stalwart at first seemed to swerve away too soon, then rediscovered reserves of speed and elusiveness in time to weave the remaining 40 yards to the line

Lincoln College has a strong, well-built and lively number eight forward, R. King. Against Sydenham on Saturday King played particularly well, showing ability in the open and vigour in the tighter play.

Now giving a series of fine performances in the left-wing and at inside-left for Harewood is S. Rich, who has not, apparently, impressed the Canterbury selectors enough for her to be placed in the stronger trial forward line. She possesses a powerful shot at goal and has the ability to turn quickly and centre from the “wrong” side of the field.

The Shirley centre, F. Fowler, is only 19, but he has a bright future in Rugby. What impressed most in the game against Belfast was his quick thinking; he rarely died with the ball, spinning it out or passing it in when the defence closed about him. The Canterbury selectors could well keep an eye on him.

University B had the rare opportunity on Saturday of seeing a practical, demonstration by their coach of the play he had been urging them through the season to follow. Their coach is L Bolton, a 1949 Canterbury representative, now aged 34. When P. Bulfin pulled a muscle very early in the game Bolton changed; he gave a most creditable performance on the right wing. It was his first time on the field this season.