Chch Saved By Bouncing Ball

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31363, 8 May 1967, Page 18

Chch Saved By Bouncing Ball

CHRISTCHURCH 9: K. Morris a try. G. Waterrsus a penalty and B. A. Watt a dropped goal. UNIVERSITY ■ 5: B. Kerr a try, D. Pappe a conversion. Christchurch retained its unbeaten record this season by a matter of inches on Saturday. In the last minute of the match the University centre P. James, charged down a kick by G. Waterreus. It rebounded a few yards from the goal-line. James, weU clear, kicked the ball over the line, but his kick was too hard and the baU beat him to the dead ball line by a few inches. It the try bad been scored it would have been beneath the poets. After giving the impression It would be over-run when the score was 9-0 University B came back in fine fashion. Running the ban from all parts of the field, it provided some highly entertaining Bugby which was greeted enthusiastically by the crowd. Until half-time Christchurch.

without playing particularly well, was in command. R. Tuhuru dominated the line-outs, the Christchurch back-line moved smoothly if not particularly dangerously, and only desperate defenoe by University kept the score down to 0-0 at half-time. But after half-time. Christchurch seemed to relax a little and for a while its play was unimaginative. When Tuhuru was injured and replaced by B. Bea, University B came back into the match. The backs took part In some bewildering passing movements and the forwards chased everything most enthusiastically. B. R. Prestidge and S. Bowater continually tested the Christchurch defence with probing runs and Christchurch became a very rattled team. A 60-yard run by Kerr after he Intercepted a pass brought the score to 9-5 and with Christchurch disorganised as the ball was passed hither and thither. University nearly brought of the surprise of the season when James charged down Waterreus's kick. Both teams contributed to the merry pace of the game. Christchurch's strength was in Its loose forwards. Quested, C. Cochrane and R. Barber, and it was these three who produced most of the gaps tn the University defence. The backs were not very convincing. Watt was steady and sure and Arnold lively without being very purposeful. The University backs, however. once they realised the limitations in the Chriatcburcl

defence, were most impressive. Prestidge was a neat first fiveeighths and Bowater looked a very promising player at second five-eighths with his hard running and smooth passing. Until he was replaced, Tuhuru was outstanding in the line-outs, but later in the match the University lock, M. Taylor, did some good jumping. R. Mahan was a splendid breakaway for University B and did valuable work in cover defence. Referee: Mr J. McKeown.