Game Came To Life In Second Half

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30497, 20 July 1964, Page 14

Game Came To Life In Second Half

CHRISTCHURCH 20: W. Scales, W. Birtwistle, S. Jackson and G. Burgoyne, tries; Birtwistle, a penalty and a conversion; B. Davis, a penalty. LINCOLN COLLEGE fi: P. Ferguson. a try; J. Keoghan, a penalty.

The Christchurch-Lincoln College game could have been two separate matches, as between the first and second spells. In the first half the teams floundered and at the half-time whistle few spectators could have been very Interested ip which side was on top.

In fact, Christchurch was leading by a try and a penalty (Lincoln had not opened), but there was no marked superiority. Then, right from the start of the second spell, both teams played as giants refreshed. After a vigorous exhibition, the win by Christchurch was fully warranted —although not, perlaps, by so large a margin.

The unluckiest player on the field was the Lincoln full-back, Keoghan, who time and again kicked well but fruitlessly for goal. He secured • one penalty, but to get this had four worthy attempts fall, one of which bounced back from the upright. Fourteen of the Christchurch points, and all the Lincoln College points came in the seconc half. The attacking was purposeful, the defence determined and the flow of the gaffie attractive for the supporters. Christchurch had the measure of Lincoln, but did not get it all its own way. Birtwistle was a strong player for Christchurch; his try in the corner set the right tone for the second spell. Ferguson opened the Lincoln account soon after with a long run opened up by R. King and W. Kain. Keoghan’s kick brought Lincoln within closing distance of the Christchurch score, but all the points then went to Christchurch in a brisk run of tries and kicks.