University A Emerges As Likely Winner Of Rugby Championship

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30745, 8 May 1965, Page 11

University A Emerges As Likely Winner Of Rugby Championship

three rounds the x senior Rugby competition is beginning to take some shape and already the indications are that University A is likely to win the championship. So far University has looked the most competent side, but the standard appears very even this season and clubs as Linwood, Christchurch, Old Boys, New Brighton, and Lincoln College could have a very close struggle to gain the places in the top four after the first round has ended. Last year’s champion. Linwood, got off to a bad start when it was beaten by New Brighton, but obviously, as it showed against University A. it will still be a force. If Linwood can maintain the standard of forward play it showed in the second half against Univer-

sity there would be few club sides able to withstand it. Christchurch, as usual, is blessed with an abundance of ability in the backs where D. A. Arnold, W. M. Birtwistle, and B. A. Watt are showing encouraging form. But the pack looks

somewhat suspect, and against strong forwards the backs may suffer from a lack of possession. However, Christchurch again is playing attractive Rugby and against teams with similar leanings it should provide some firstclass entertainment. New Brighton, with its vigorous forward play and incessant pursuit of the ball, is not always the most attractive team to watch, but it is one of the most effective sides in the competition. And its type of play often can upset a more polished side. Old Boys, after its good win over Christchurch, has had two stern tussles and in each game the team has emerged with some credit. Old Boys have a nice balance between forward strength and attacking abil-

ity In the backs—which makes it a formidable side. Lincoln College has been disappointing. Its heavyweight pack from which so much was expected has not been over impressive but Lincoln may well be a team to come with a late run as it did last year.

University A has not the great forward strength of previous seasons but it has a very lively pack which is most adept at rucking. Its backs, however, are University’s main strength and if full use is made of them University should be the main attraction this season. The meeting between University and Christchurch should produce some brilliant back play. Shirley, with its compact pack and hard-running backs, is probably the best of the remaining dub sides. One of the most encouraging signs in the senior grade has been the resurgence of Belfast Not that Belfast can suddenly be expected to leap into great prominence this season but jt is pleasing to see Belfast giving away its old tactics of kick and chase and ’ playing sound, but attractive Rugby. Other sides could well take note.