Problems If Linwood Win

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31119, 23 July 1966, Page 17

Problems If Linwood Win

If Linwood beats Papanui at the Show Grounds the Canterbury Rugby League will have no difficulty deciding the teams to enter the top four when the championship is split after today’s round. However, a win for Papanui would leave Linwood, Papanui and, most probably, Kaiapoi in equal fourth position and the final decision would be left to the board. The last occasions that two teams were equal, in 1964, Marist was named as the fourth team to be promoted, although Addington had a more impressive record of

points for and against. Marist’s better form against the other members of the top four was probably the deciding factor then. Linwood and Papanui each has a speedy back-line and dependable forwards. W. P. Noonan (Linwood) and K. R. Blackler are good hookers, and their tussle, and also that of the three-quarters, should be interesting individual sidelights. If Hornby defeats Sydenham it will go into the top four with at least a seven-pont lead and, havng only three matches to play, will be in an u nassailable position. A Sydeniham vetory would keep the

championship alive but it appears improbable. Kaiapoi and Christchurch are in the usual position of having the main game. Neither team has been consistent but the booming goalkicking of J. E. Bond will give Kaiapoi a distinct advantage. The early match on the oval gives Marist the opportunity to erase the memories of its last unimpressive match against Addington in the Tavendale Cup. The absence of W. A. Flavell will weaken the Marist pack and Addington will be favoured to better its first-round championship draw against Marist.