Linwood Expected To Win, And Retain Lead

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31379, 26 May 1967, Page 13

Linwood Expected To Win, And Retain Lead

In recent years Linwood has not had a very impressive record in matches against Christchurch, but tomorrow it should improve it and retain its place as the only unbeaten team in the senior Rugby championship.

However, Christchurch should be a far better team than that which was beaten, 15-12, by Albion last week. G. Waterreus cannot stay in his kicking horrors for much longer and the return of D. A. Arnold wiU produce the penetration in the mid-field

which Christchurch lacked last Saturday. The Christchurch pack is a very good one and it is unlikely that it will be bested by Linwood. However, in the backs Linwood appeals as the better combination. Its line has no obvious weakness and the goalkicking of P. Jellyman should be a major factor. Both teams have tried to play attractive Rugby this season and it is to be hoped

that they will continue with their policy tomorrow. However, It is easier to play open Rugby when the occasion is less demanding. Tomorrow, Linwood must realise that to retain its one-point lead it must beat Christchurch. Similarly, Christchurch will be eager to keep near to the lead because, more than Linwood, it will suffer from representative calls.

The rivalry between the senior teams will be carried right through the grades as the Canterbury Rugby Union has arranged a club day which will feature the two clubs at Lancaster Park.

Christchurch will play Linwood in the senior reserve, junior A, under-6st B, under-18, under-Sst A and under-Bst.

Christchurch is leading in the senior reserve, junior A under-18, under-7st, and all these teams are unbeaten. In the senior reserve, junior A and under-18, Linwood is close behind, with its teams having lost only one match. The other interest on Saturday will lie in the matches between University A and New Brighton and Albion and Suburbs.

After a diffident start, University A is now playing extremely well, and if its forwards can hold the rugged New Brighton eight, its more polished backs could carry the day. Suburbs suffered from the absence of its half-back, L. J. Davis, when it lost to Shirley. However, the return of Davis tomorrow could give Suburbs the edge it lacked last week.