Linwood’s Win Narrow But Deserved

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31381, 29 May 1967, Page 16

Linwood’s Win Narrow But Deserved

LINWOOD •: A penalty try: P. Jelyman a penalty goal. CHRISTCHURCH 3: D. A. Arnold a dropped goal. Linwood's resolute defence and ability to launch counterattacks from the most unlikely situations gave it a narrow, but deserved win against Christchurch. The game, because the scores were close, kept the interest of the largest crowd of the season but both teams played cautiously and neither team produced the Sowing Rugby which has characterised their play this season.

Once again, W. F. McCormick was the vital factor in Linwood's win. His immaculate handling of high kicks, his rugged defence and long line kicking kept Christchurch at bay when it was attacking hard towards the end of the game. However, one display of bad temper detracted from McCormick's very fine game. With his ability he should not be confusing aggression with belligerence.

For part of the first half the Christchurch forwards, ably led by R. Walnohu, dominated Linwood. R. Tuhuru and W. Risman gained most of the line-out possession and In the loose Walnohu, C. Cochrane, R. Barber and D. Quested made some telling bursts. But Christchurch was never able to really capitalise on the good work of Its forwards. B. A. Watt and D. A. Arnold played

well but there wes a lack of speed in the three-quarters to take advantage of breaks being made inside. Urged on by the fine example of A. Holland, the Linwood forwards were better In the second half. J. Currie jumped high in the line-outs and R. Eastmond, I. Mallard and A. Mansfield upset the Christchurch Inside backs with their tackling and quickness to the loose ball. The Linwood backs did not show out on attack much in the second half as a combination but individually they were quick to seize on any opportunities presented from dropped passes and Woolhouse, R. Cocks and McCormick made some good breaks from loose play. Christchurch tried desperately in the last 10 minutes to overcome Its three-point deficit but the Linwood defence was equal to any demands placed on it. Arnold, playing only his third club game, was the outstanding player for Christchurch. His steadiness under pressure, astute kicking and ability to take the smallest gap caused Linwood some bother. K. J. King and B. A. Watt combined well and G. Walerreus was a safe full-back.

Cochrane and Barber were dangerous loose forwards and one 35-yard run by Cochrane nearly produced a try. Stokes played his usual, steady game at first five-eighths for Linwood and Woolhouse and Cocks were enterprising wings. Referee: Mr J. Lang.