LEAGUE SIDE STRONGER

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31421, 14 July 1967, Page 11

LEAGUE SIDE STRONGER

Canterbury Rugby League will have a further chance to lift the province’s record after several seasons of indifferent performances when it takes part in the southern zone section of the Rothman’s tournament at Greymouth on Saturday and Sunday.

The other three provinces taking part are West Coast, Otago and Manawatu. Canterbury plays Otago on Saturday and West Coast plays Manawatu. It is anticipated that Canterbury and West Coast will go on to contest the final on Sunday. Canterbury was beaten in the final by West Coast last season but its chances are brighter this year after having already beaten West Coast once this season. Canterbury will be strengthened by the inclusion of the Kiwis, R. S. J. Irvine and W. P. Noonan, while West Coast will have its star second row forward, J. K. Dixon back in its ranks. Dixon would appear to be the danger man as far as Canterbury is concerned.

Canterbury’s record at Wingham Park is not an enviable one and even overseas sides have found it very hard to contain the West Coast team at Greymouth, the latest being Queensland which only drew after beating Southern Zones at Christchurch two days before. Canterbury can look forward to getting at least an even share of the ball, perhaps more, with a front row that contains three players who have been first class hookers. The forwards are mobile and in this respect should more than hold their own with any pack that West Coast can field. It seems certain that Irvine will play at stand-off half, as G. Clarke, who has withdrawn from one of the scrum-half positions, has been replaced by G. Cooksley. With either W. Godfrey or Cooksley paired with Irvine, Canterbury will have plenty of thrust behind the scrum to set up opportunities for the outside backs.

Both wingers, M. Napier and R. O. Moffat, have been enjoying outstanding success in recent weeks and their strong running will be most invaluable if Canterbury gets its share of opportunities. Both of these players are among the top try scorers in club football and as well the team has three players who have passed the century in championship play this season, P. M. V. White, J. Rosanowski and C. Schwass.