Murphy Returns From Professional Ranks

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31028, 6 April 1966, Page 15

Murphy Returns From Professional Ranks

rTHE omission of B. Kirkx ness and the return from the professional ranks of K. Murphy, are the only major changes from last year’s inter-club billiards season. Murphy’s re-entry will be watched with great interest. The main question will be: Has he lost the brilliance that won for him a National title at the age of 24? New Zealand has no other player, past or present, that can boast of such a record.

However three years without a competition match could serve as a great leveler, particularly in the early part of the season. His encounters with players like T. Yesberg (Richmond W.M.C.), E. Simons (Post Office A), and R. O’Callaghan (R.S.A.) should provide great interest. D. Hallum and R. Franks, transferred from R.S.A., team with Murphy to give Woolston A a strong hand in the 18-match competition.

Simons leads Post Office, last season’s winners, and with B. Narbey at two and P. Goulding playing three they could well repeat last year’s final result. R. O’Callaghan is again number one player for the R.S.A. teams His consistency and fine temperament make him the hardest player to beat in the competition. D. CoMie and 0. Brough complete the trio that could once again fully extend the best of opponents. With Yesberg in the team, Richmond must always be given a fine chance of winning. E. Greaves and J. Linton, two players of experience, should prove a solid rearguard for Yesberg. Woolston B, Post Office B, Christchurch W.M.C., New Brighton W.M.C., Kaiapoi and Hornby complete the 10 teams taking part Although none seem likely to win the league outright, the more evenly balanced teams notch many important points from the number two and number three games. It is these games that usually win—or lose—the league.