MORE THAN ONE POINT INVOLVED

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30738, 30 April 1965, Page 13

MORE THAN ONE POINT INVOLVED

[From Our Rugby Reporter]

The match between University A and Linwood at Lancaster Park tomorrow may have a vital bearing on the senior competition.

Not merely because of the one championship point involved, but because an entertaining display from these two teams could set the standard for the rest of the season.

The superb display by the University backs against Lincoln College last week brought a new dimension to club Rugby. If University can maintain that approach, and if other teams adopt the same attitude, club Rugby could take on a new lease of life.

Upset By Bustling Notwithstanding its fine display against Lincoln College, University A cannot be regarded as certain to beat Linwood. For many seasons now Linwood has been the bete noire of University sides. The bustling Rugby played by Linwood often has upset the more studied approach of University and usually University has tried to make the game a forward battle without any marked degree of success.

If University is prepared to place its faith in its backs it should be a fine match. Linwood, when the game is a running one, can be a fonnid-

able, and, sometimes, an attractive side. However, University A should win. Its forwards seem capable of matching Linwood and the backs, if given sufficient possession, should be too skilful for their opposites.

Adventurous Backs Lincoln College and Christchurch,' who will play at Lincoln College, should provide the best entertainment of the remaining games. After the salutary lesson it received from University A, Lincoln College, no doubt, will be seeking to regain some lost prestige. If its heavy-weight pack can show more purpose and life, Lincoln College should win, although the adventurous Christchurch backs can never be discounted. At Rugby Park. Albion will play Old Boys, which gave a disappointing display against Linwood. However, Old Boys are going to be quite a useful side this season and should be too good in the forwards for Albion. New Brighton, which, with University A, is the only unbeaten team, should keep its record intact against Sydenham.