Fast, Open Game By University A

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

Fast, Open Game By University A

UNIVERSITY A 27: P. Duncan. L. O'Reilly, W. Blair. B. McLean tries. D. C. Leary three penalties and three conversions. MERIVALE-FAPAHUI U: T. Marshall a try. M. Culhane two penalties and a conversion. After a spirited first 55 minutes Merivale-Papanui tired badly and University A ran away from it in ideal conditions for fast open Rugby at University made most of the play and gradually ran Meri-vale-Papanui off ite feet. Only desperate defence and the inability to finish promising moves kept the score down in the latter stages. When University sprang to the attack it looked purposeful but the Merivale-Papanui backs took too long to get Into full stride. Thia coat Merivale-Papa-nui dearly because It found the ball particularly hard to get in Une-oute. Merivale-Papanui did not use Its backs sufficiently until too late. L. McCaughan, at first fiveeighths, preferred to kick on many occasions and at centre T. Marshall spoilt many promising moves by running too far. B. Hepl, on the left-wing, was fast and dangerous but he was repeatedly starved when in good positions. D. C. Leary was a constant threat to Merivale-Papanui with his long, accurate kicking, both for the line and at goal, and his forays Into the back-line. The UMverstty centre, B. C. Morton, was little more than a

link, although he was closely marked. He did not appear happy. The University forwards were very hard to stop in the loose where P. Duncan, G. Garlick and R. Field revelled. W. Blair and C. R. Hockley excelled in the tight play. The Merivale-Papanui forwards played well but lacked mobility. J. Maze and D. Wynne did not give up and T. Park, with McCaughan. was excellent on defence. Referee: Mr H. P. Kearney.

Leaders To Meet

Two of the leading teams, Linwood and New Brighton, wilt meet in the main game of the fifth round of the elub Rugby competitions next Saturday. The packs win be evenly matched and Linwood’s better back-line could be the deciding factor. Another game of interest will be between University A and University B. These teams also are evenly matched and will be keen rivals.

The draw is: Suburbs v. Meri-vale-Papanui; Linwood v. New Brighton; Sydenham v. High School Old Boys; Albion v. Belfast; Shirley v. Marist; Christchurch v. Lincoln College; and University A v. University B.