Linwood In Trouble

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31043, 26 April 1966, Page 20

Linwood In Trouble

LINWOOD 15: R. Woolhouse a try, W. F. McCormick a penalty, P. Jellyman two penalties and a field goal. MERIVALE-PAPANUI 11: B. Leadbetter a try, R. Pirle a conversion and two penalties. Showing much improved form, Merivale-Papanui gave Linwood a fright on the Lancaster Park South ground. With a little more luck, the lowly-rated Merivale-Papanui side could have achieved an upset victory. Had its goal kicker been on form, the result would most surely have gone to Merlvaie. The bustling play of the Meri-vale-Papanui forwards, and the close marking of the backs rarely allowed Linwood to settle down to play constructive football. Only in the final stages of the match did the more experienced Linwood pack tighten its play and develop any drive. A highlight of the game was when B. Leadbetter scooped up a loose ball on his own goalline and sped the length of the field for a brilliant opportunist try. R. Pirie played an outstanding game at full-back for Merivale. Extremely sound under pressure, he repeatedly drove Linwood back with long raking line-kicks. He lost nothing in comparison with his. much vaunted opposite, W. F. McCormick. The pick of the Linwood backs was the first five-eighths, K. Gimblett. Referee: Mr H. H. Kerney.