Linwood Winner Of Splendid Match

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

Linwood Winner Of Splendid Match

LINWOOD 15: R. Woolhouse and P. Jellyman tries; Jellyman kicked two penalties and N. dropped a goal. OLD BOYS 9: M. J. Millar three penalty goals. Nine pointe up at the interval. Unwood did not look like losing to Old Boys, but was nearly always on the defensive in a rousing second spell. Again it was Inability to Control the forward play which made Old Boys look like a beaten team in the first spell. But splendid lineout work by Millar and McKenzie after the Interval gave Old Boys possession repeatedly, and Linwood was under persistent pressure. Linwood, a thoroughly competent and often attractive team, deserved to win, but Old Boys gave a courageous display. Magnificent tackling and splendidly organised covering marked Linwood’s play, and the Old Boys’ defence was also firstclass. Although Old Boys won the line-outs regularly in the second spell, the service from E. March was not quite quick enough to allow the inside backs much freedom against the swift Linwood line, and from losing scrums the Unwood loose forwards left at tremendous speed, forcing Old- Boys into tactical kicking which was often ineffective. Old Boys did mount some purposeful attacks when the fullback, R. Grenfell came into the line. His strong running, his splendid taking, kicking and tackling, made bls performance outstanding. L. Legge at second five-eighths was weU contained by K. Glmblett’s fierce tackling, but P. Hatchwell, the Old Boys’ centre, showed Improved form. On the right wing R. Columbus had hardly any chances and A. G. Steel, whose form must be causing the Canterbury selectors concern, had a very unsatisfactory first half. He dropped a pass, just before half-time, when he seemed certain to score, and he seemed unable to do anything correctly. In the second spell, he showed something like his best form In a couple of strong runs, but once threw the ball infield with no-one In support, instead of taking the tackle, and Unwood launched a counter-attack which ended in Jellyman’s try. Millar gave his side a great lead, and R. Mackenzie was one of his strongest supports. L.

Mclntosh also played a grand game. Until almost the end. there was no more Impressive forward than Linwood’s J. McCormick, who was quick to the ball, strong In attack and defence, and who also bad much success in the line-out play. R. Eastmond gave another splendid performance. The Linwood backs ran eagerly, but seldom looked like scoring. Jeilyman’s try was scored when he took a clearing kick on the run, a few yards from the line, but the second try was a gem. W. F. McCormick came between the fiveeighths to take a return pass from Gdmblett; he sent the ball straight out again and for once the defence was thoroughly defeated, Woolhouse going over in most determined fashion. McCormick gave a faultless display of handling, kicking and tackling. It was a thoroughly enjoyable game, which would have been even better bad it not been necessary to award 27 penalties. Referee: Mr K. G. Orsbourn.