Game Of Wasted Chances Drawn

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31725, 8 July 1968, Page 14

Game Of Wasted Chances Drawn

MERIVALE-PAPANUI 9: T. Marshall, L. McCaughan, field goals; M. Culhane, penalty. LINWOOD 9: R. Cocks, try; P. Jellyman, two penalty goals. In a closely-contested game at Rugby Park, Linwood and Merivale-Papanui drew, 9-all. There was little inspired play but the keenness with which both sides approached the game kept interest high until the final whistle. From the kick-off the inside backs persistently used the touch-line when their outside supports were in good position. This kicking away of possession hindered the opening 20 minutes and only when the ball was passed, either by the Linwood backs or Merivale-Papanui forwards, did any scoring movements look likely.

Linwood was deservedly in front, 3-0, at half-time, and it’s backline, spearheaded by K. Gimblett occasionally looked dangerous. The ability of the wing, R. Cocks, to throw up to 20 yards over the top of the line-outs was used to good effect, the ball often being taken by the fast-moving Gimblett. Merivale-Papanui pressed hard

early in the second spell and soon took the lead, the points coming from two fine dropped goals by T. Marshall and L. McCaughan.

Although the remainder of the points came from penalties, the kicking of M. Culhane and P. Jellyman was generally disappointing and either side could have won, had some easy points been kicked.

The displaced Canterbury wing. Cocks, showed how unlucky he was not to be playing against Wellington by scoring a magnificent try after sidestepping past his opposite and hitting the full-back with a powerful fend. Gimblett and the centre, G. Boot, both gave the back-line thrust.

Apart from some good allround play by the hooker, T. Norton, the green and black forwards were disappointing. McCaughan was the mastermind of Merivale-Papanui’s attacking moves and although the half-back, J. Taylor Is nol a swift passer, he was Invaluable for his defensive work. B. Grant, a lively loose forward, and the big lock, J. Maze, were prominent. Referee: Mr K. G. Orsbourn.